A LOVE LETTER TO THE PLANET

At first sight, artist Jackie Harrington and scientist Maia Rabinovich may seem worlds apart. Jackie, 78, lives near Port Macquarie. She’s a painter who has exhibited and sold her large canvases worldwide. Maia, in her early 40s, was born in Argentina and now lives in Adelaide. She’s a molecular scientist, contributing to understanding the building blocks of life. Yet Jackie and Maia share a common love, one born of childhoods spent in nature and later nurtured through their work, travels and daily lives: both with an unwavering passion for wildlife and wild places. Not long ago, Maia and Jackie each sent a love letter to the planet, written in their Will. In celebration of supporters like Jackie and Maia, who have included gifts in their Wills to WWF, we spoke with them about their legacies. Would you tell us about your connection to nature? Maia: I used to spend a lot of time outdoors when I was little, exploring. I think that exposure to nature and that curiosity eventually led me to study biology at university.

Jackie: My parents were big animal lovers; they would go into the bush and bring back plants to help repel ticks, and my dad would take animals to shelters and support their care until they were adopted. That care and respect for animals was something I learned from them. I’ve always felt a deep connection to animals. They’re kind and true. There’s something comforting about their presence, like how a dog will sit quietly beside you when you’re feeling down and look you in the eye with those looks only dogs have.

Maia, you love animals, too? Maia: Since I can remember, I have always had a fascination with koalas. I couldn’t believe such cute creatures existed, and I would dream of seeing one in real life. But I lived too far away from Australia back then! And then coming to Australia opened my eyes to species I hadn’t heard of before, and I’m still learning about them. The native fauna here is so special. They’re hard not to love.

Sometimes a new place can open our eyes.

Jackie: Yes, I started travelling overseas and getting interested in wildlife. One time I went to Africa and did a series of big oil paintings: cheetahs and lions—mainly cheetahs, because I find them very easy to draw! I spent one night talking with a Masai man—I was about 50 then. We sat on this log listening to the lions and the zebras barking, talking about the animals. That was so fabulous.

When did you write your Will, Maia, and what made you think of wildlife?

Maia: I decided to get my Will done when I turned 40. It’s not fun to think about your own death, but you just don’t know what’s around the corner. Life is unpredictable, so I thought I’d better be prepared. You have control now to avoid extra stress for your family. And it was a very straightforward process, so I thought, why wait any longer? I care deeply about nature and the planet, about creatures that can’t defend themselves. I can’t imagine not caring, but life gets busy and expensive, so I can’t do everything. Leaving a gift to nature in my will felt like something that I could do. What about you, Jackie?

Jackie: I just realised it was time to make a Will. And I think animals need my help. If someone’s considering leaving something in their Will to a charity, I’d say, please ensure it’s to animals. That is very thoughtful. And Maia, you have trusted WWF with your legacy too. Why us?

Maia: I respect your work. I like that it’s science-based. I like that you consult with Indigenous people. I like that you innovate. And I trust WWF will use my gift wisely to protect nature into the future. Life gets busy and expensive, so I can’t do everything. But I do whatever I can. This is something that I could do. What’s your advice for others, regardless of age, who want to help but are unsure where to start?

Maia: I think we can all contribute in different ways. If you have a loud voice, please use it. I’m a very reserved person, but if telling my story inspires someone else, then it’s worth it.

So, I’d say, follow a conservation organisation like WWF and get engaged with what they do and support them in any way you can, even if it’s not monetary. Personal actions matter as well, being thoughtful in how we live and consume can have an impact.

Jackie, what makes you hopeful for the next generation of wildlife warriors?

Jackie: You know, I’ve got a seven-year-old granddaughter. She gets on her iPad and she’s looking up the most dangerous body of water in the world. She looks up all sorts of things like that. And then she said to me, “Grand mum, there’s so much happening under the sea that scientists don’t know about.” And I thought, well, if there are other children like her, seven! —looking up that type of information, there is hope. And maybe, just maybe, my granddaughter will become a scientist—just like Maia. The younger generation is coming. And they care.

Maia, anything you’d like to add?

Maia: I’d like to say thank you to Jackie, and others like her. You paved the way for younger generations to care about the environment and take action. Thanks for showing us the way.

A gift in your Will to WWF can be your lasting legacy. To learn more, get in touch with us online or contact Tiara Rajesh at 02 8000 0303 or giftsinwills@wwf.org.au Leaving a lasting legacy is just a love letter away.