Woman off to help pachyderms, people coexist

Reading Eagle

Michelle Judy

Michelle Judy is taking the vacation of a lifetime.

But she's not going to be simply relaxing on the beach, or taking in the sights.

Judy, 39, of Mount Penn, is spending two weeks in Namibia helping protect African elephants.

On Friday, Judy traveled to the southern African nation, where she will help ease the problems that come with elephants encroaching on agricultural lands. Her trip was coordinated by Elephant Human Relations Aid, an organization that helps promote coexistence between humans and elephants.

African elephants have expanded their ranges into areas they have not occupied for a number of years, according to EHRA. As a result, farmers have been coming into conflict with elephants.

While planning her vacation for the year, Judy started researching different organizations that run volunteer vacations.

She decided to find an organization that would aid animals.

"I wanted to give something back in a different way," she said.

For two weeks, Judy will be installing protective barriers around farm lands and wells to prevent elephants from damaging those sites. She also will be tracking elephant migration.

"This is my first trip to Africa," she said.

That volunteer work is a big change of pace from her day job in information technology for a pharmaceutical company near Philadelphia, Judy said.

"It is completely different," she said. "I love animals, and I wanted to do something to help."

U.S. & Global

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