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Changing Planet

Video: “Toy” Drone Deployed in Ivory Investigation

Changing Planet , 1 Comment David Maxwell Braun

Lumberyard-droneIn Lomé, Togo, investigative journalist Bryan Christy learns of a lumberyard suspected of being at the center of the illegal ivory trade.  As clear outsiders, he and the video production crew must find a way to take a closer look without breaking their cover. Befriending the children and showing off their “toy” drone might just be the answer to catching a glimpse of the lumber yard.

In this outtake from the National Geographic Explorer show “Warlords of Ivory, ” watch how the crew casually deploys the drone for a peek over the lumberyard fence.

More About the Investigation

Forty years in U.S., UK, and South African media gives David Braun global perspective and experience across multiple storytelling platforms. His coverage of science, nature, politics, and technology has been published/broadcast by the BBC, CNN, NPR, AP, UPI, National Geographic, TechWeb, De Telegraaf, Travel World, and Argus South African Newspapers. He has published two books and won several journalism awards. He has 120,000 followers on social media. David Braun edits the National Geographic Society blog, hosting a global discussion on issues resonating with the Society's mission and initiatives. He also directs the Society side of the Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship, awarded to Americans seeking the opportunity to spend nine months abroad, engaging local communities and sharing stories from the field with a global audience. Follow David on Facebook  Twitter  LinkedIn
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