crisney-cheetah.jpeg

TEXAS WOMAN TURNS HER LOVE OF AFRICA INTO A CALLING

September 19, 2013 | By Forrest Preece

We met Crisney in one of our notable sessions at the Four Seasons Bar where we were with a group of friends, solving global warming and establishing the groundwork for permanent world peace. Sometimes you run into people and just know that you’d like to spend some more time with them. Crisney is so cheerful and unflappable that we’ve gotten very comfortable hanging out with her.

The other night we started talking about how her life evolved and I realized that she had an amazing story to tell. For a kid from Texarkana, she has certainly developed a life with international connections. One thing that fascinates me after writing these columns for over a decade is how so many people have had chance occurrences that make their lives turn on a dime. Hers is no exception.

Photos

  1. Crisney and one of her African friends – a cheetah, who lives in Victoria Falls. Crisney says, “His name is Sylvester and he was orphaned as a newborn, rescued and hand raised. He is one of the lucky ones since cheetahs don't have a ‘pride’ or family unit to take care of them.”

  2. Taking a leap with a Masai tribesman.

  3. Crisney in front of a baobab tree. These trees are believed to be the largest succulents in the world.