From the open landscapes of rural Australia to the front lines of elephant conservation in Botswana, Dr Tempe Adams has built a life deeply connected to the wild. Her journey is one of courage, curiosity, and commitment, shaped by years of fieldwork, community collaboration, and a relentless drive to protect one of Africa’s most iconic species. Working at the intersection of science, storytelling, and human–wildlife coexistence, Tempe is helping to shape a future where both elephants and people can thrive.

 

Personal Journey & Inspiration

You grew up in rural Australia before building a life in Botswana. What first sparked your connection to wildlife?

I grew up in a small town in the Southern Highlands, south of Sydney, in a farming family. I was always outside, always around animals, always looking out for echidnas or birdwatching with binoculars. My family was deeply connected to the land, so I think I was born into that love for wildlife.

I was also an avid horse rider from a very young age, competing in eventing and show jumping. Looking back now, working so closely with horses actually prepared me for working in close proximity to elephants, even though I had no idea at the time.

 

Was there a defining moment when you realised this would become your life’s work?

I was incredibly fortunate to secure an internship with Dr Ian Douglas-Hamilton while still completing my undergraduate studies in Australia. I reached out to him directly and asked if I could come and work with him.

I was placed in a remote research camp in Kenya and tasked with compiling data on ivory poaching cases for an upcoming CITES meeting. It was intense and a steep learning curve, but I absolutely loved it.

Ian really encouraged me. He could see my passion and told me to keep going, that I had a place in this work. That reassurance was a defining moment for me.

 

Looking back, what were some of the biggest risks you took?

Moving to Botswana was a huge leap of faith. I sent over all my savings ahead of time just to try and secure a vehicle before I arrived, and beyond that, I didn’t really know what was going to happen.

I wasn’t stepping into a structured PhD. I had to build it from scratch based on advice from people in the field. When I arrived, everything I had prepared essentially went out the window and I had to start again.

It was intimidating and uncertain, but those early challenges were incredibly important. You really have to be committed to this work to push through.

 

Life in the Field

What are the realities of fieldwork that people don’t often see?

There’s a lot more waiting than people realise. Whether it’s waiting for an elephant to defecate so you can collect samples, waiting for a bush plane, or sitting in long queues at park gates, patience is everything.

You need to be prepared to sit and wait. Always have a book, always have something to keep you occupied. Fieldwork is as much about patience as it is about action.

 

Human–Elephant Coexistence

Why is coexistence such a critical issue right now?

We have fewer than a million elephants left in Africa, and human populations are at their highest. That means conflict is increasing.

If we don’t act now and develop effective ways for people and elephants to coexist, we risk losing the species. This is one of the most urgent conservation challenges we face.

What have you learned from communities living alongside elephants?

Listening is everything.

As a foreign researcher, I’m very aware that I’m not from here, and this is an incredibly sensitive issue. People’s livelihoods, and sometimes their lives, are at stake.

You cannot create meaningful conservation solutions without working hand in hand with communities. You have to listen, be patient, and truly understand their perspectives.

 

Science, Storytelling & Impact

Why is communication such an important part of conservation?

There’s no point producing science if it isn’t communicated effectively, especially to the people on the front lines.

It’s not about dumbing things down, it’s about making them relatable. With elephants, that’s often easier because they share so many similarities with humans.

We need to be able to clearly explain what we’re doing and why it matters. That connection is what drives real impact.

 

Botswana Elephant Centre & Education

What inspired the Botswana Elephant Centre?

The centre is designed to be a space where anyone can come and learn about elephants. It’s a collaboration between science and photographic tourism, bringing together knowledge in a way that’s accessible to everyone.

We’ve made sure everything is available in both English and Setswana, and my hope is that it becomes a place the local community feels proud of and connected to.

 

How important is education in conservation?

Education is absolutely fundamental.

If people don’t understand elephants, how can we expect them to live alongside them or want to protect them?

We’re focusing heavily on engaging school children across Botswana. Education has been proven time and time again to be one of the most effective conservation tools.

 

What role do young African conservationists play?

They are the future.

Their voices are rooted in local knowledge and lived experience. Our role is to support them, guide them, and create opportunities.

They are the next generation of leaders and change-makers.

 

Challenges & Realities

How do you navigate the emotional side of this work?

It can be difficult.

Sometimes you have to compartmentalise to get the job done, but it’s equally important to take time to process what you’ve seen.

Celebrating small wins is essential, no matter how small. And having a sense of humour, and people around you who support you, makes all the difference.

 

Advice & Perspective

What mindset is needed to work in conservation?

Patience, persistence, and passion in equal measure.

You also need to be adaptable. Things rarely go to plan, so you have to be flexible and willing to pivot.

That mindset is critical for surviving and succeeding in this space.

If you could change one thing about conservation globally?

There’s a misconception that money solves everything.

It doesn’t.

Real change comes from investing in people and listening to those on the ground. Without that, even the best-funded strategies will fail.

 

Personal Reflection

How has Botswana shaped you?

It’s made me tougher, but also more appreciative.

Working across different conservation projects has been challenging, but it’s also taught me to value the simple things and take time to appreciate life.

 

What brings you joy outside of work?

Spending time with friends and family is incredibly important.

I also run a lot. It’s something I find meditative. It’s simple, challenging, and gives me space to think.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 

 

Dr Tempe Adams’ work is a powerful reminder that conservation is not just about protecting wildlife, it’s about people, connection, and understanding. Her approach, grounded in science but led by empathy and collaboration, offers a hopeful path forward for elephants and the communities who live alongside them.

At Wild In Africa, we believe conservation should be something everyone can be part of.

Each of our bracelets is handcrafted in South Africa using genuine semi-precious stones and supports vital conservation work across Africa.

When you wear your bracelet, you’re not just wearing something beautiful, you’re carrying a story, supporting communities, and helping protect wildlife.