Alliance for Human Animal Coexistence

05/11/2026

Join us for the AHAC sundowner Auction & Launch Event on May 14th in Denver, Colorado for an inspiring evening dedicated to advancing human, animal, and environmental coexistence.

Enjoy an unforgettable sundowner experience featuring signature cocktails, delicious bites, powerful stories from our Kenyan partners, and an opportunity to connect with a community passionate about conservation and coexistence.

We also invite you to participate in our exclusive auction in support of AHAC’s mission:
https://ahac.betterworld.org/auctions/Sundowner

Your support helps strengthen projects that promote the well-being of people, animals, and the environment.

Reserve your tickets and learn more:
https://ahac.betterworld.org/events/alliance-human-animal-coexistenc

All are welcome.

04/21/2026

Happy to share the next piece in our ongoing blog series, ‘Critical Perspectives on Coexistence’ written by our own Dr Mwenda Mbaka and Katherine Baxter, Ph.D. titled, “The Fragility of Abundance: Remembering Why We Celebrate the Cyclicity of Seasons”: https://www.humananimalcoexistence.org/blog/the-fragility-of-abundance-remembering-why-we-celebrate-the-cyclicity-of-seasons 🌷

The Authors write:

“As the budding daffodils and red winged blackbirds invite those of us in North America to appreciate the sweet sensations of , the Alliance for Human Animal Coexistence pauses to reflect on the deeper conditions that shape our collective future. Behind the excitement of buzzing bees and the promise of abundance contained within each blossoming tree lies a fundamental question: are we in with the living systems that sustain us? How many more Springs will provide the that is the reason to celebrate the consistency and cyclicity of seasons?

We invite you to read the whole piece here: https://www.humananimalcoexistence.org/blog/the-fragility-of-abundance-remembering-why-we-celebrate-the-cyclicity-of-seasons

If you have an idea for a piece you’d like to contribute to this blog series, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]

humananimalcoexistence

04/06/2026

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT:
We invite you to join us in Denver the evening of May 14th for a special bringing together our community from across and in celebration of one year of the Alliance for Human Animal Coexistence (AHAC)

https://www.humananimalcoexistence.org/campaigns/view-campaign/wIK_pDbVVMbcXJcA9AkRgZqcYBVSfLykNnATnkDB624C3rZO4AXC5ADPHZMAKTohqEAprhg8of_cdl4SDOT8-SnQElz3aasg

Register here: https://ahac.betterworld.org/events/alliance-human-animal-coexistenc

As we mark one year since the establishment of the , we pause to reflect on a journey shaped by purpose, learning, and collective resolve. This first year has not been about claiming perfection or final solutions; rather, it has been about laying a principled foundation for a future in which people, animals, and can thrive together. In a world increasingly strained by ecological degradation, social inequities, and competing demands on natural resources, the idea of coexistence has proven not to be an idealistic aspiration but a practical and necessary pathway forward.

We envision a year of expanded partnerships, stronger evidence-informed advocacy, and increased grant-making into practical interventions that creatively demonstrate how human–animal coexistence can be operationalized across diverse African contexts and beyond. The future we seek is not one where humans withdraw from nature, nor one where animals are reduced to mere instruments of human progress. It is a future defined by balance, respect, and shared .

As AHAC enters its next year and as our community from around the world comes together in Denver to celebrate the progress we’ve made thus far, we reaffirm our commitment to this vision and invite all who believe in a fairer, more compassionate, and more resilient world to come on this journey with us.

Get tickets to join us in Denver May 14th here: https://ahac.betterworld.org/events/alliance-human-animal-coexistenc

All are welcome! 🦋🐘🌻🐶🌍

03/29/2026

📢 Last call to apply for our Q1 2026 Seeds & Possibilities program! 🌱 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOVXjJVcSpBOlzikHZSEBnqj9KJaq9TT3TMHx3xtXT3nb8uQ/viewform?usp=header

The AHAC Small Grants Program is intended to create unique opportunities for organizations to drive impactful and creative human-animal initiatives across the continent. We encourage eligible applicants to develop innovative and culturally relevant projects that align with our mission to unify the well-being of people, animals, and the environment. We are eager to support transformative interventions that meet this overarching objective.
Q1 Application Deadline: April 1st 2026

To submit an application, please use the following Google Form and follow the instructions provided: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOVXjJVcSpBOlzikHZSEBnqj9KJaq9TT3TMHx3xtXT3nb8uQ/viewform?usp=header
*Please note that you do not need to provide any additional information or attachments outside of what is requested in the google application form*

We’re especially excited in this round to have a special focus on a theme we’re calling ‘Coexistence Creatively,’ which is intended to encourage applications with a creative or arts-based way of engaging with the intersections among human, animal, and environmental well being. More information on this can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Uy8ETeRbnOL78qrI2Uu_vROEk6LlS_vstACBXG-srSs/edit?usp=drivesdk

We can’t wait to see what brilliant ideas you have to promote harmonious coexistence in innovative and tangible ways! Further information about our small grants program can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eLIX44DuAucf4saeGvcknLGiMqMYkx_W4Wfzq_NNSM4/edit?usp=sharing

Submit general inquiries by email to [email protected]

03/21/2026

We are so excited about this new and all the opportunities it will set in motion to advance efforts between North America and Africa!

Ready to make a real-world impact for animals? The priority application deadline to begin study in Fall 2026 for the animal law advanced degree program at Lewis & Clark Law School is April 1st! 🐋🦍🐖🦉🐟 🐾

Join our powerful network of animal law graduates who are advancing animal protection in 30+ countries across six continents. Whether your passion is litigation, policy reform, education, or advocacy, we'll give you the tools to shape a better future. Our online program and robust full-tuition scholarship opportunities make an animal law education accessible from anywhere in the world. All who timely apply are automatically considered for scholarship support.

📣Thanks to an exciting new collaboration between the Alliance for Human Animal Coexistence and the Center for Animal Law Studies, we are delighted to announce the creation of up to three full-tuition scholarships for advocates dedicated to advancing the interests of animals in Africa to study in our in-person or online advanced degree program. As this is a new scholarship, for this scholarship only, applicants may apply through June 1st for the online program.

Application deadlines:

✅ April 1st, final date to apply for in-person study for international applicants and priority deadline for full scholarship consideration

✅June 1st, final date to apply for online study and for U.S. applicants for in-person study

To learn more about degree options and to apply: https://mailchi.mp/lclark.edu/llm-msl-app-deadline2026

03/06/2026

What We’re Reading: The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer: https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/214966136-the-serviceberry-abundance-and-reciprocity-in-the-natural-world

We thought we’d share some of the that have shaped and continue to inform our thinking about what is and how it takes shape in the living and constantly changing world unfolding among people, animals, and the environment. The first is by a brilliant author, Robin Wall Kimmerer, called : Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World.

Some excerpts:
“The Serviceberry shows us another model, one based upon reciprocity rather than accumulation, where wealth and security come from the quality of our relationships, not from the illusion of self-sufficiency.”
“In a gift economy, wealth is understood as having enough to share, and the practice for dealing with abundance is to give it away. In fact, status is determined not by how much one accumulates, but by how much one gives away. The currency in a gift economy is relationship, expressed as gratitude, interdependence, and the ongoing cycles of reciprocity. A gift economy nurtures the community bonds that enhance mutual well-being; the economic unit is “we” rather than “I,” as all flourishing is mutual.”

Understand the ways of those who care for you so you can care for them. Introduce yourself. Take responsibility as someone who comes asking for a life. Ask permission before taking. Respect the answer. Never take the first thing. Never take the last. Take only what you need. Take only what is given. Never take more than half. Leave some for others. Harvest in a way that causes minimal harm. Use it with respect. Never waste what you've taken. Share. Give thanks for what you have received. Return a gift for what you've taken. Support those who support you, and the Earth will last forever.

Any suggestions for what we might add to our reading list, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

coexistencecreatively

02/21/2026

Event Announcement! 📢 Join us May 14th for a Sundowner with the Alliance 🌅🌍🐘 https://ahac.betterworld.org/events/alliance-human-animal-coexistenc

As the sun sets in the African sky, Safari travelers gather to enjoy drinks and food while sharing stories of their journeys. This tradition is called a ‘Sundowner’. We hope you will join AHAC's event as the sun sets over the mountains in the sky on May 14th in Denver at the Posner Center for International Development. Enjoy delicious bites and drinks, including our signature 'coexistence cocktail'. Hear stories of our endeavor to unify the well-being of people, animals, and the environment across from our brilliant colleagues and staff who will be visiting from Kenya. Connect with like-minded people who love and respect the of life. And find your unique place in our journey by supporting our projects or joining the work on the ground.

Whether you’ve been a supporter of our work in the past, or are only now learning about our efforts to promote , we sincerely hope you will join our growing community for what will be the official in-person launch of the Alliance for Human Animal Coexistence. You can register and get tickets here: https://ahac.betterworld.org/events/alliance-human-animal-coexistenc

All are welcome!

Janet L. Rumfelt, Ph.D. Katherine Baxter, Ph.D. Kahindi Lekalhaile Margaret W. Mwakima Liz Whitney Ted Cohn Julia Georgesen Jetmore, DVM M.D. Kinoti, PhD Judy Wangari Muriithi, Esq Jim Karani Dr. Masika Sophie Dr Mwenda Mbaka Tozie Zokufa Amy P Wilson

02/10/2026

📢 We’re happy to officially announce our Q1 2026 call for grant proposals as part of our Seeds & Possibilities program! 🌱

Our system for soliciting and accepting applications this round will be slightly different than previous rounds, so please be sure to carefully read the application instructions, which you can access here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eLIX44DuAucf4saeGvcknLGiMqMYkx_W4Wfzq_NNSM4/edit?usp=sharing

We’re especially excited in this round to have a special focus on a theme we’re calling ‘Coexistence Creatively,’ which is intended to encourage applications with a creative or arts-based way of engaging with the intersections among human, animal, and environmental well being. More information on this thematic focus can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jMVmW-r31WtM-j7VVygfbB_FY2-eotYA/edit

To submit an application, please use the following Google Form link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOVXjJVcSpBOlzikHZSEBnqj9KJaq9TT3TMHx3xtXT3nb8uQ/viewform?usp=header

For general inquiries please contact us at [email protected]

We can’t wait to see what brilliant ideas you have to promote harmonious coexistence in innovative and tangible ways!

And special thanks to our amazing regranting committee members, who oversee our selection process and bring African perspectives and their diverse expertise into the decision-making process regarding how to invest in positively transforming humans’ relationships to other animals across the continent 🌍

Dr Mwenda Mbaka Dr. Masika Sophie Tozie Zokufa Judy Wangari Muriithi, Esq Jim Karani Amy P Wilson Kahindi Lekalhaile Margaret W. Mwakima Katherine Baxter, Ph.D.

01/28/2026

The past few weeks have been both productive and energizing as our team convened in Kenya with partners, grantees, and long-standing collaborators to refine our strategic priorities for the year ahead. These engagements sparked new ideas, strengthened existing relationships, and opened pathways for innovative collaborations—all reinforcing our shared commitment to promoting harmonious coexistence by unifying the wellbeing of people, animals, and the environment.
In the months ahead, these partnerships will translate into concrete action. Our work will include addressing tourism-driven habitat loss along Kenya’s coast through innovative ecotourism and coexistence credentialing initiatives; strengthening collaboration between North American and African animal law institutions to combat animal exploitation through enforceable legal mechanisms; supporting community-led elephant monitoring and human-elephant coexistence across the Tsavo-Mkomazi ecosystem, home to over 18,000 elephants; and working with cross-continental networks to counter the expansion of industrial animal agriculture and aquaculture across Africa.
Across all initiatives, we are intentionally challenging conventional approaches—embracing collaboration, creativity, and emerging technologies—while remaining mindful of how advances such as artificial intelligence may reshape human relationships with one another, other species, and the living world.

Our sincere thanks to all who are joining us on this journey towards more harmonious 🙏🐘🦋🐶🐢🐒🌍

Lawyers for Animal Protection in Africa (LAPA)
Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW)
Colobus Conservation
Center for Animal Law Studies
kasighau conservancy
Diani TurtleWatch
Animal Advocacy Africa
Endless-Safaris
Katherine Baxter, Ph.D. Judy Wangari Muriithi, Esq Dr Mwenda Mbaka Kahindi Lekalhaile Josiah Ojwang Jim Karani Opondo Kennedy Margaret W. Mwakima Janet L. Rumfelt, Ph.D

01/20/2026

“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” - John Muir

This week our team has the opportunity to all come together in Kenya and be reminded firsthand of the remarkable animals we are working tirelessly to protect through our interventions promoting harmonious coexistence - and we wanted to share a small glimpse of this with you.

At AHAC, one thing we think is contributing to negative and conflictual patterns of coexistence between people, other animals, and the environment is the profound disconnection most people experience from the natural world. We have designed our societies, cities, and lives in large part to be insular and walled off from the living, breathing webs of life that hold and sustain us all, and that we pretend we can exist outside of to our detriment.

We hope this short video captured by our team in Kenya will serve as a gentle reminder of our interconnection, of the awe-inspiring beauty and diversity of the other animals with whom we share this planet, and of what it looks when these animals are able to exist harmoniously, freely, and peacefully, as we all should be. 🦋🌱🌍

01/13/2026

Looking back on one year since the founding of the Alliance for Human Animal Coexistence, we wanted to share some reflections written by our co-founders Katherine Baxter, Ph.D. Kahindi Lekalhaile Dr Mwenda Mbaka Janet L. Rumfelt, Ph.D. a journey that has been shaped by purpose, learning, and collective resolve: https://www.humananimalcoexistence.org/blog/celebrating-one-year-of-human-animal-coexistence

This first year has not been about claiming perfection or final solutions; rather, it has been about laying a principled foundation for a future in which people, animals, and can thrive together. In a world increasingly strained by degradation, , and competing demands on natural resources, the idea of coexistence has proven not to be an idealistic aspiration, but a practical and necessary pathway forward.

As we look back, we acknowledge the partners, practitioners, advocates, researchers, and community actors who have walked this path with us. Their insights, critiques, and commitments have shaped AHAC into a learning platform rather than a static institution. We have also learned that progress in is often incremental and sometimes uncomfortable, requiring us to challenge entrenched assumptions, economic models, and silos. Yet it is precisely this honest engagement that gives the work its credibility and resilience.

Looking ahead to the coming year, our optimism is grounded in experience rather than hope alone. The conversations initiated, the collaborations formed, and the frameworks developed over this first year provide a strong platform for deeper impact. We envision a year of expanded partnerships, stronger evidence-informed advocacy, and practical models that demonstrate how human–animal coexistence can be operationalized across diverse African contexts and beyond.

The future we seek is defined by balance, respect, and shared prosperity. As AHAC enters its next year, we reaffirm our commitment to this vision and invite all who believe in a fairer, more humane and resilient world to continue this journey with us.

Thank you for sharing our aspirations for the gift of a prosperous future.