Alan Brown refers to his first face-to-face encounter with the endangered mountain gorilla as a moment that changed his life forever.  No doubt, intrepid travelers, who like Alan have journeyed to see the gorillas of Rwanda, Uganda and Zaire, share his passion.  For high in the jungles of central Africa, the earth's 650 (many less according to respected sources) remaining mountain gorillas cling to life.  Menaced by exploding populations, political unrest and poaching, the fate of these peaceful giants may depend upon caring supporters who share such passions and who, like Alan, fear for the fates of all things wild and free.

Alan's fascination with African wildlife began in 1990 when he first journeyed to Kenya and Tanzania.  There he used his photographic skills not just to compose pretty pictures, but to tell tales of animal life and to take viewers on safari through his images. And it often took hours to capture just the right images...waiting for the sun to cast rays perfectly upon animals unaware or unaffected by his camera.  With an artist's eye, Alan would then compose and crop...clicking the shutter at just the right moment.

Such perfect moments take the viewer along as wildebeests thunder up a cloud of dust, as a male lion guards his zebra kill and as a mama leopard rests high on a branch.  But even as he aimed and clicked, Alan could see changes taking place.  He saw the last of wild dog packs and he regretted the passing of big tusker elephants.  He photographed rhinos in the Ngorongoro Crater where they are monitored to assure their safety.

Later, through photo exhibits, video presentations, informal lectures and leading adventure travelers around the globe, Alan shared his passion to protect the environment.  He hopes his grandchildren can thrill to the sights and sounds of wilderness areas unblemished by politics , greed and population density.  He hopes his grandchildren can one day visit the mountain gorillas.  

If seeing his images encourages even one viewer to take his own safari, to support his local zoo or museum of natural history or to contribute time and dollars to wildlife preservation, Alan feels he has made a worthwhile contribution.

Meanwhile, Alan continues his daily activities as president (co-founder) of Gallery One, Mentor OH.