Photographer Peter Beard went to the Natural History Museum at age seven and was mesmerized by the African dioramas. He stepped foot on the continent ten years later with a camera in hand and has been documenting Africa ever since.   

Richard Ruggiero went to Central Africa with the Peace Corp in the early 80’s. He is now a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and worries about the devastation of the elephant population in Western Congo. Alec discusses population pollution with both men and the devastating impact poaching and sport hunting has had on elephants.  

READ | Interview transcript