Meditative Story Adapting to life's unexpected nature, by Forrest Galante
Oct 15, 2024
Forrest Galante, a wildlife biologist and survivalist known for his show "Extinct or Alive," shares his extraordinary journey from the wilderness of Zimbabwe to urban life in Oakland. He reflects on childhood memories of majestic wildlife and the importance of adaptability in unfamiliar environments. Galante describes the thrill of discovering rare species and emphasizes how these encounters foster a deeper connection to nature. He concludes with a mindfulness practice, encouraging us all to engage with the natural world around us.
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Raised Among Wild Animals
- Forrest describes growing up on a Zimbabwe farm surrounded by elephants, lions, jackals, and terrariums in his bedroom.
- He recounts catching a seven-foot Mozambique spitting cobra in a pool as a typical, unalarmed childhood event.
From Farm Owner To Immigrant In Oakland
- At 14, Forrest ran tractors and managed workers on a large farm before political unrest forced his family to flee Zimbabwe.
- They arrived in Oakland on welfare and adapted to cramped urban life while his mother rebuilt their lives.
Adaptation Is A Survival Skill
- Forrest draws a parallel between species adapting to environments and humans needing to adapt after upheaval.
- He credits his mother's resilience as the model that taught him to refuse giving up and to recalibrate life.