Meditative Story Adapting to life's unexpected nature, by Forrest Galante
Mar 17, 2020
Forrest Galante, a wildlife biologist and TV survivalist who hunts for elusive species, recalls growing up among African elephants and cobras. He narrates moving to the U.S., reinventing himself, diving into underwater worlds, and adapting field plans when poaching forced a pivot. Short, vivid stories about resilience, wild encounters, and finding belonging in unexpected places.
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Childhood Among Wild Animals
- Forrest Galante grew up on a Zimbabwe farm surrounded by elephants, lions, jackals, and terrariums, making wildlife an everyday reality.
- He handled cobras in the family pool, managed workers at 14, and treated animal calls like routine emergencies.
From Zimbabwe Farm To Oakland One Bedroom
- In 2001 political unrest forced Forrest's family to flee Zimbabwe and resettle in a one-bedroom Oakland apartment on welfare.
- He struggled with cultural differences at school but resolved to adapt rather than abandon his identity.
Adaptation As A Survival Skill
- Forrest frames human adjustment like biological adaptation: when environment changes, species—and people—must recalibrate to survive.
- His mother's resilience in rebuilding their life became the model for learning to adapt.