Never Too Late: A Mother's Final Adventure

Peter Haygarth, a wildlife photographer, recounts a poignant final African adventure with his 80-year-old mother, Beryl. The pair witnessed a magnificent herd of approximately 150 elephants at a watering hole, a moment Beryl cherished. This trip, undertaken despite her ill health, fulfilled her lifelong dream and underscored Peter's belief in seizing opportunities.

Haygarth's lifelong fascination with African wildlife began in his youth, leading him to acquire his first camera with his initial paycheck from the RAF. After careers in the RAF and Durham Police, he pursued photography full-time, initially focusing on sports and then drone work before dedicating himself to capturing wildlife.

His extensive work in Africa over the past decade has involved documenting migrations and intimate animal encounters. One of his notable photographs, a lioness drinking from a lake, captures a fleeting moment of perfection. Another, depicting an encounter between a cheetah and wild dogs, received commendation and was displayed at 10 Downing Street.

Haygarth emphasizes respecting wildlife's space, stating he leaves if he senses any disturbance. Despite close encounters, like elephants brushing his vehicle, he maintains a calm demeanor, attributing it to a desire not to upset animals. The act of being present in nature, he explains, is more fulfilling than the photograph itself.

His upcoming exhibition, 'Wild Africa,' in Darlington aims to raise awareness of wildlife's precarious state and inspire others to experience the world's natural wonders. He hopes his story encourages people to act on their aspirations, just as his parents did after seeing his initial African photographs, with his mother joining him on subsequent trips.

Beryl's final journey with Peter in February 2023 was a testament to their bond and her indomitable spirit. Her wish to see elephants in the wild again was fulfilled, providing her with a joyous experience she described as her best holiday. Though Beryl passed away a few months later, Peter cherishes the memory, viewing the trip as one of the most important decisions he made, reinforcing his message: "You can't put things off."

Peter's exhibition, 'Wild Africa,' is scheduled to run at Gallerina in Darlington from June 13 to July 25.