Louis Psihoyos, Director of the most awarded and ultimately successful Activist Film to date ‘The Cove’ said it best for me when he exclaimed … “You are either an Activist or an Inactivist. I chose to become active”. Well, some years back I tipped into this very Active Mode when my Camera Lens no longer conveniently protected me from reality, from acknowledging what we are clearly doing to Nature, our Wildlife, our planet and ultimately ourselves. Eventually every Photographer and Journalist fights this very devil and for me the daily demons of de-evolution drive me to use my passions, skills, experience and convictions to further the plight of many Wildlife and Environmental Causes.
My approach is dual fold. On the one hand I frequently travel to take Nature and Wildlife Photos to remind us as people of the very thing we aim to protect and conserve. During these trips I also expand my ever-growing contacts list (people ready to make a difference) and never miss an opportunity to educate people about the beauty of Mother Nature and the magnitude of threats challenging her due to Mankind. On the other hand I lend these very skills and experiences pro-bono to further the reach and effectiveness of as many Causes as I can work with. During the years some have become my most involved Causes and to date I am especially proud and committed as photographer for The Jane Goodall Institute South Africa (Animal Planet ‘Escape to Chimp Eden’). I am also part of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) South Africa (Animal Planet ‘Whale Wars’) and very recently People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta). I also work ongoing with instrumental individuals from the foremost South Africa Environmental Journalist Television Series 50|50 on numerous stories that must simply be told.
‘Old Man Joao’ Jane Goodall Institute South Africa (Chimp Eden) With his distinctive looks, Joao is the oldest resident at Chimpanzee Eden and could even be the oldest in South Africa. Joao arrived at the Maputo Zoo in Mozambique when he was 3 years old, left behind by a touring Circus company. At that stage he had a companion but soon after the war broke out in Mozambique, the war lasted for more than 30 years and Joao saw it from start to finish. His companion past away falling ill to an unknown virus leaving Joao in isolation from another chimpanzee until April 2006 when JGI South Africa convinced the zoo to release him to the care of JGI Chimpanzee Eden.
For more information and to make a donation go to http://www.janegoodall.co.za (Information courtesy of Jessica Ney)
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) Anti Fur Protest, 8 July 2010 Hyde Park, South Africa
For more information go to http://blog.petaasiapacific.com/skins/world-cup-coverage-united-we-stand-against-fur-cruelty
To join or make a donation go to http://blog.petaasiapacific.com
‘Seals Revenge’
The Namibia Cape Fur Seal Cull is happening and as we speak. An estimated 91,000 Seals are savagely clubbed to death annually in Namibia starting July, despite very few legit reasons left for this inhumane massacre. Be informed and join the action to stop this savage event. There is a Namibian Seal Cull Protest on Saturday, 17 July 2010 at Hyde Park, Gauteng, South Africa starting 11am.
As a Photographer and Activist I have committed my life to making a real change. “If an images can speak 1,000 words, then imagine how many words I can speak for those who cannot speak and stand for themselves. Silence is suicide, so with my Photography and travels I aim to educate and inspire and instill change.” DD. Oosthuizen | Devographic (Devoted to exposing and fighting De-Evolution).
How will we be remembered by future generations? Will we be the Generation that managed to kill the last animals and learn that you cannot eat money, or will we be remembered as the Generation that managed to find the courage to make a change and turn this all around. Will we walk in the footsteps of the Gods, or drudge in the demise of our own inactivity and greed?
Edmund Burke once wrote , … “All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing”. This could not be more true today. In South Africa we pride ourselves as being united as a Nation of “Black and White under The African Sun”, yet we seem more distant to the plight of our Animals than ever before. In fact, it is in our African Culture and Tradition to be cruel to Animals.
“Zebra Sunset” – Pilanesberg Game Reserve
“Flyby Dawn” – Kruger National Park
So much is written and know about the Great Men of our Time. For instance, despite overwhelming adversity Nelson Mandela triumphed above oppression and walked the Long Walk to Freedom. Today South Africa is a much better country due to the courage of such men. We even hosted the top Sporting Event in the World, the World Cup Soccer 2010. However, whom will be the ultimate Champion and Saviour of our Environment and Wildlife?
There are so many unsung heroes fighting for our Animals and Environment Worldwide, yet they may walk past you in a crowd and you will not even recognise them. It is time you get to know your heroes and start supporting the Causes and Passions that have the potential to ultimately make changes to save our Wildlife and Environment.
“The Long Walk to Freedom” – Apartheid Museum, South Africa
“Ayoba Time” – The South African World Cup Soccer 2010 Celebrations (Unifying a Nation)
There is so much to see and admire in our own country. Many people in South Africa dream about leaving for ‘greener pastures’. Most of which never bother to stop and see the beauty around us. The glass is half full people, and the time is now to make a difference. We are in the best position to turn South Africa into the most desirable of all.
Already so many people come to see our Animals and Wildlife, yet when they are all gone what will people come for. Corruption has lead to the highest Poaching Numbers in South Africa since the mid 1980’s.. Demands in Rhino Horn and the Bush Meat Trade are systematically killing the African Tourism Draw Card.
Not even our splendid Scenic Landscapes and fantastic weather will not save us when all the Animals are gone.
“Dawn Rhino Dual” – Crocodile River, Kruger Park, South Africa
“Solitary Waterhole Tree” – Madikwe, South Africa
“Table Mountain Lights” – South Africa
“Sea Point Sunset” Cape Town, South Africa
“Marakele Mountains” – South Africa
At this stage we are on a Downward Spiral to oblivion, seemingly uncaring and obvious to the fact that when Nature and our Environment dies … we die! We are all part of the intricate web of live. Ripples in our Environment will ultimately spiral the intricate Web of our own lives out of control and the next extinction will be at our own hands.
At this rate we shall be the only initiator of our own extinction … and ironically life has shown to be far more perseverant that Mankind … life will ultimately find a way to continue long after Mankind ceases to exist on this Planet.
“The Downward Spiral” – Dullstroom, South Africa
“Web of Life” – Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Town
The rate of extinction and de-evolution is accelerating daily, so literally every day counts. If I can reach just one person daily and count on the viral-effect of my message then surely an Eco Warrior Army is sure to evolve from the ashes of our own ruin. Time to put our heads together and think outside the r=traditional confinements to construct methods that will save lives and restore us as respectable caretakers of our Planet. Remember, we have so much to love for and so much beauty around us … do not let this go to waste.
“Tri-Zebra” – Mabula, South Africa
“Elephant Tussle” – Pilanesberg, South Africa
“Malachite Kingfisher” Mankwe Dam, Pilanesberg, South Africa
“Bateleur Eagle Stare” (Terathopius Ecaudatus) – Moholoholo Predator Rehabilitation Centre, South Africa
“Duality” – Sondela, South Africa
“Jurassic Pose” Yellow Billed Hornbill – Sondela, South Africa
“Cheetah Gaze” – Kruger National Park, South Africa
“Mirror Equids” - Kruger National Park, South Africa
Stay well, stay true, always fight the good fight … making a real difference starts with you!
Best Regards,
David Devo Oosthuizen
David’s Links:
- Website: Devo Graphics
- Facebook Page: Devographic Facebook Page
- Twitter: Devographic on Twitter
DevoGraphic Activism Through Photography proudly supports:
- The Jane Goodall Institute South Africa (Animal Planet ‘Escape to Chimp Eden’)
- Sea Shepherd Conservation Society South Africa (Animal Planet ‘Whale Wars’)
- Seal Alert South Africa
- The Taiji Action Group: South Africa (TAG)
- The Animal Ambulance
- Ripples for Good: Motivating Change in our Waterways
- Fur Free Africa
- 50|50
- Beauty Without Cruelty
- Puppy & Kitten Haven
- Peta International
- Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS)
- AfriOceans
- The South African Vegan Society
on 
on 
on 
on 
on 
Devo your pics are truly awe inspiring and make me want to be a better photographer… keep up the good work brother, you are a hero!
Thank you so much Rowan. Most Appreciated indeed!