Bill Wallauer is a wildlife video photographer. I had the great pleasure of meeting Bill[1]. Lately, I have re-united with him through the magic of Facebook! Some time ago, we corresponded the old-fashioned way after Bill kindly read Bentari. Thanks, Bill.

Gombe5 March 2000Dear Tim,Thank you so much for the Christmas Card(s). It was very kind of you to think of me. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season.

Christmas, New Year, and my 35 birthday found me at my family’s home in Portland. It is always such a treat to see everyone. I am very lucky.

Any news on ‘Bentari’? It really does deserve to be published. My girlfriend Kristin read it, too, and truly enjoyed it. Sadly, Jane is never here long enough to sit down and read it.

February was a sad month here. A respiratory infection swept through the community killing Galahad and Jackson. I was crushed. I have never felt emotional pain [like this] in my life. I have followed Galahad’s life closely for seven years. He was special, one of the sacred ones. A light shone in his eyes like no other and I will never forget him.

I am sorry to pass along such sad news, but I know you are interested in Gombe. Gremlin[2], Galahad’s mother, and her two daughters are doing very well, as is Gaia, his sister. Even with loss, there is still much to look forward to.

All the best to you and your loved ones, Bill

Image: The card Bill sent to me with these kind, sad and informative words. Artwork by Anne Outwater, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

[1] The story of how I met Bill Wallauer and Jane Goodall: http://www.tennis4life.org/Blog/Entry.aspx?pid=224&bid=42&beid=650

[2] See photo below 7/3/10 post: http://www.bentari.com/Blog/Entry.aspx?pid=276&bid=51&beid=750