The highest mountain in Africa is no match for 60-year-old adventurer, Ian Redmond. On August 3rd, the tropical field biologist and wildlife conservationist finally reached the top of the Kilimanjaro Mountain after a long, arduous hike up 19,341 feet.
He now joins a small group of elite adventurers to have successfully conquered its daunting summit. But Ian has never been a stranger to adventure or the mountains. His impressive career spans more than 30 years – many of which were spent working alongside mountain gorillas and elephants.
This particular journey, however, was anything but easy. Ian took on the challenge as part of the 4-member UK team known as Climb for Change. Together, the quartet trekked 7 long days through the Kilimanjaro’s hostile weather conditions. Often times, they were forced to keep their heads down because it was nearly impossible to see anything in front of them.
For Ian, however, the breathtaking view was worth the struggle.
It just serves as another reminder to himself why he set out on the expedition in the first place. The climb was a way for the team to spread awareness about global climate change and how it’s connected to animal conservation. By completing this endeavor, Ian was able to raise almost £10,000 for the Stroud-based Ape Alliance, as well as the Born Free Foundation, Wild Futures, the Gorilla Organization and the Orangutans Foundation.
The funds will be used by these organizations to help protect important animal species and ensure the future of natural ecosystems around the world. The mountain gorillas, for example, play a vital role in the maintenance of the environment because they help fertilize the ground and spread seeds. They are just one of many species that do so.
Would-be adventurers and future summit climbers alike should feel appreciative. Ian has helped preserve the opportunity for everyone to see that breathtaking view he’s been bragging about…and although the gorillas can’t physically thank him and the Climb for Change team, I’m sure they’re grateful as well.
* To learn more about this project and to support the ongoing cause, click here.
