This episode is different. It&apos;s personal.In this brief episode, I want to share the story of Elok, a Sumatran orangutan who changed my life. From the moment I first met him as an ornery 8 yr old juvenile, to the bond we built over the years, and the heartbreak of losing him too soon- Elok&apos;s story is one of love, loss, and what it means to form deep connections with animals. Along the way, I reflect on the paradox of working in animal care: being told not to project or anthropomorphize, while knowing it&apos;s our very humanness that makes us stewards and protectors. Sometimes that same longing for connection drives poor choices , like keeping them as pets. This episode is about grief, resilience, and the relationships that shape us- even when they break our hearts. Thank you for listening. This one is for Elok.

Conversations From Botswana: Meet Oné

Can I Run Something By You? is a conversation at the crossroads of life, nature, and the human experience. Hosted by Stephanie Adams-Hawkins- an anthropology major, zoo keeper, naturalist, and widowed mother of two feral boys. The show blends personal storytelling, big questions, and field notes from the wild-whether that's working with animals, traveling to places like Botswana, raising kids, or navigating the messy beautiful choices of every dayday life. This podcast examines the intersection of humans and nature.Each episode is an invitation to pause under the proverbial tree, share stories, and explore how we find meaning in the connections between people, animals, and the world around us. Sometimes it's intimate and reflective, sometimes it's playful, and sometimes it's raw-but it is always rooted in authenticity.If you've ever thought, "I just need to run this by someone," this podcast is your place to listen in and join the conversation.&nbsp;