Elephants, Wolves, and the Challenge of Coexistence
Elephants are among the most intelligent animals on Earth, known for their deep social bonds and long memories. Yet in parts of Africa, they are often seen as agricultural threats when they wander into farms in search of food. In North America, wolves face similar challenges, frequently misunderstood and unfairly portrayed as dangerous predators. These examples show how difficult it can be for humans and animals to share the same spaces.
Finding peaceful ways to coexist is the life’s work of Dr. Katherine Baxter, co-founder and CEO of the Alliance for Human-Animal Coexistence (AHAC). With a background in animal welfare, ecology, and social justice, Dr. Baxter leads initiatives that bring
people and animals together in balanced, respectful ways that benefit both.
From Conflict to Cooperation
In 2024, Dr. Baxter helped transform ANAW-USA into AHAC, an organization focused on conservation, education, and coexistence. One of AHAC’s most remarkable projects, the Elephants and Sunflowers Initiative in Kenya, began with a simple local belief that elephants do not like sunflowers.
Working alongside her colleague Kahindi Lekalhaile, Dr. Baxter helped farmers test the theory by planting sunflowers instead of maize. The results were extraordinary. The elephants left the fields alone, the drought-resistant plants thrived, and farmers gained a new source of income by producing and selling sunflower oil. What started with 40 farmers has now expanded to more than 1,000, with hundreds more waiting to join. The project has reduced conflict, created new livelihoods, and strengthened the relationship between people and wildlife.
Ubuntu and the Power of Connection
AHAC’s work is guided by the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are.” This worldview emphasizes that all living beings are connected and interdependent. Dr. Baxter often points out that many African cultures have long understood this truth and naturally integrate it into their daily lives.
In contrast, she observes that modern Western societies tend to separate themselves from nature. By creating partnerships and knowledge exchanges between Africa and North America, AHAC helps bridge that divide. Dr. Baxter and her colleagues now share lessons from African coexistence strategies with wildlife experts in the United States, applying them to predator conservation involving wolves and coyotes.
Reimagining Philanthropy
Dr. Baxter also oversees AHAC’s re-granting program, which channels funds from global donors to community-led conservation efforts across Africa. Instead of allowing distant organizations to decide where the money goes, AHAC relies on local experts who understand the realities on the ground. This approach ensures that every dollar supports effective, culturally relevant, and transparent initiatives.
The Power of Everyday Choices
When asked how people can help, Dr. Baxter emphasizes one simple yet powerful action: making mindful food choices. She explains that reducing the consumption of animal products can have a dramatic impact on both animal welfare and the environment. Every small step toward a plant-based lifestyle contributes to a more sustainable and compassionate world.
Dr. Baxter believes that creating change begins with awareness and empathy. By remembering our connection to all living beings and acting from that understanding, we can reshape how we live on this planet. Through AHAC’s work, she continues to show that coexistence is not just possible but essential for the future of all life.
Learn More
To support the Alliance for Human-Animal Coexistence or get involved, visit humananimalcoexistence.org. Together we can build a future where people and animals thrive side by side.
Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction
[03:00] Coexisting with animals
[06:15] The sanitization of the truth with coexisting
[10:00] Where to start when you want to save animals
[15:00] Who is morally responsible for the animals
[23:00] Animals living in harmony in sanctuaries
[26:45] Showing compassion through example
[34:15] Changes anyone can make to be kinder to animals.
About Katherine Baxter, PhD
Katherine Baxter, PhD, is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Alliance for Human Animal Coexistence, or AHAC. Her organization is all about finding better, ethical, and sustainable ways for people and animals to share our planet.
Katherine helped transform what was once ANAW-USA into AHAC in 2024, alongside her co-founders, Kahindi Lekalhaile and Janet Rumfelt. Together, they’ve built something that goes beyond traditional animal welfare—focusing on conservation, education, and bringing together knowledge and ideas from both the U.S. and Africa.
With her background in animal welfare, ecology, and justice, Katherine leads AHAC with compassion and a big-picture vision. She works on building partnerships, shaping policies, and raising awareness—all with the goal of creating a healthier, more respectful relationship between humans, animals, and the environment.
About Cheryl Moss
Cheryl Moss is the host of the Better Life for Animals podcast, where she shares uplifting stories from sanctuaries and highlights the work of vegan activists, ethical consumers, and animal welfare leaders. A passionate advocate for animal welfare, she is dedicated to ending factory farming and is working to raise $100,000 for Mercy For Animals to support underrepresented sanctuaries.
Beyond podcasting, Cheryl is a banking professional and an accomplished children’s author. A graduate of Main Street Vegan Academy, she promotes plant-based living through her books, Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle the Pig, which inspire young readers to
embrace kindness, sustainability, and compassion for animals.
When not advocating, she enjoys Pilates, and spending time with her rescue dogs and grandchildren. Through her work, writing, and activism, Cheryl continues to inspire positive change for animals and the planet.
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