Many times during my travels I’ve come across animals or humans in circumstances that led to close physical contact, often even to the intimacy of touch; this always bringing a whole new quality to an association, adding immeasurably to my feelings about a fellow creature.

I realized that some of these contacts were potentially hazardous, especially with large, predatory beasts, but I rarely felt any trepidation, and only approached a wild animal when I sensed that we both understood that neither of us posed any threat to the other.

In the case of humans, whether by touch, by smile, or by other shared actions and behavior, the contact was greatly strengthened by every form of communication.

Consequently, every “close encounter” was an especially rewarding experience.

Here are a few examples -