What I Do


Oct 2010 Karen talks about the Trust

Karen and the hippos

Karen Paolillo researched their needs, studying them intensely for up to six hours each day. She discovered as well the failings of human encroachment on their environment, also of hunting by “sportsmen” and of poaching for money, not to feed a family. She counteracted every move by using the human tool that we all have within us, and that is our sensitivity to a situation.

To help the hippos she had to be structured, find ways to improve their lives. Often this entailed undertaking mundane work, such as digging in rivers to improve blocked up channels. To getting out there in the bush amongst the other wild inhabitants and finding the weak links that were causing hippos to decline in numbers and to make a plan. In Zimbabwe making a plan is part of the local language, and believe me it works if the passion and the purpose are there. Her husband a Geologist assists Karen whenever possible. He designed a pump that could be used to remove excess sand from the river and create pools for the hippos to live in.


Jean Roger using the suction pipe to remove accumalated sand in the river to create a permanent waterhole.

Jean Roger using the suction pipe to remove accumulated sand in the river to create a permanent waterhole.