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OUR STORY

"Alan Root almost single-handedly made natural history film-making grow up.” - Sir David Attenborough​

The 88 acre plot that now forms the beautiful Kilimandege Sanctuary was the treasured home of wildlife documentary film pioneers, Joan and Alan Root.

Acquired in 1962, the sanctuary was used as a base and planning HQ for the majority of their filming years together, including their internationally acclaimed work for National Geographic and the groundbreaking SURVIVAL series (in which the sanctuary itself features).

JOAN'S LEGACY

Although Alan and Joan went their separate ways in the mid 1980s, Joan remained on the sanctuary to pursue her conservation work.

As ever greater pressure was put on the surrounding land by business and poachers, the 88 acre sanctuary became increasingly important to wildlife as a safe haven. Part of Joan’s conservation work therefore centered on trying to protect the surrounding environment and lake resources for the benefit of everyone.

Sadly, this undertaking came to and end too soon as Joan was murdered at the beginning of 2006, just days before her 70th birthday.

Kilimandege Sanctuary was created under the protection of a foundation so the work she started could continue beyond her life.

"Give yourself plenty of quiet time alone in order to get in touch with who you are..." - Joan Root's diary.

"The non-risker does not grow, they just get older." - Joan Root's diary

"Let go of negative thoughts - view them as a flight of birds crossing your path. See them fly into view and continue on their way." - Joan Root's diary

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