Sophy Roberts

Sophy Roberts, a journalist and author of "A Training School for Elephants," delves into the 1879 expedition commissioned by King Leopold II of Belgium to transport Asian elephants to the Congo. She exposes the colonial motivations behind this ambitious yet misguided mission. Roberts shares her personal reflections on the haunting legacy of Leopold’s exploitation and its impact on both elephants and local cultures. The discussion highlights the troubling intersection of colonial ambition and the natural world, revealing the complex, often tragic outcomes of this historical event.

In this conversation, Paige McClanahan, a tourism-focused journalist and author of The New Tourist, teams up with Sophie Roberts, a seasoned journalist and author of A Training School for Elephants. They delve into the evolution of mindful tourism, advocating for culturally aware travel. The duo explores the historical exploitation of elephants and the impact of colonialism, particularly through King Leopold II's legacy. Through personal stories and insights, they emphasize the importance of slow travel and understanding Africa's rich cultural complexities.