Douglas Alan Groves

Dear Sandi, and family
I met Douglas when he was an apprentice at Pickle Family Circus in San Francisco in 1985 and then lost sight of him for many many years until through a suggestion of facebook I started following his always very nice and interesting posts about his life with the elefants in Africa. I was enthralled and loved to read about other worlds and more specifically how you created yours with Douglas, Sandi.
I was truly shocked when, one day in August 2020, suddenly I...

He was so kind and wonderful to our family on our visits to his camp. He made our Okavango experiences so vivid.

I have very fond memories of Doug and his elephants when many years ago, with my brother’s family, we walked in Botswana’s wilderness areas with the elephants. Doug was an amazing person and clearly loved his elephants and wildlife. So sad for his family, to whom I send heartfelt condolences.

Hello to Doug's family and friends. I have struggled with his death and have tried to find the words to write here to you. Doug accepted me as a volunteer for LWE in 2013 and I lived with him and Sandi for 3 months. He accepted me when no one else would hire me to work. He treated me like my passion for elephants was worthy of recognition. He listened to me talk about my problems with my family like someone who had known me my whole life. He was non-judgemental, thoughtful, and oh so...

Meeting Doug and the three elephants was one of the highlights of my life experiences. He was kind, passionate, patient and committed to sharing his knowledge about his and all elephants, animals in general and about the planet. He always answered my messages with thought and caring. This very special man will be missed by many. Rest in peace Doug

Doug groves was a tireless advocate for elephants. His empathy and compassion was unwavering as was his love for his human and elephant families. We will not see his like again. He will be missed.

A great teacher to many, an advocate for right. His patience and kindness were unmatched and his willingness to share his knowledge will live on in all those that were lucky enough to learn from him. He will be sorely missed in the elephant and human world.

Douglas was the kindest human I have ever met. It is not surprising he could commune with elephants. Few humans have that kind of empathy. In the brief time I spent with him I learned a lifetime of lessons. The world was deeply enriched by his presence and he will never be forgotten. Elephants never forget.

We have lost a giant of conservation. RIP Doug.