RFK Jr's Early Adventures in Africa
- On Safari with
Lem Billings & Camping Out
with Roger Ailes
Under Construction
Frenemies and The 'Last Frontier' in 1970s Africa
Tent-Camping and Making a Documentary in Africa with the infamous Roger Ailes
'Although we both believe that each other’s politics are misguided, we have remained friends for three decades.'
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- RFK Jr. speaking of his surprising friendship
with the late Fox News executive
An unlikely 'Frenemy-ship' that would eventually help RFK Jr. spread environmental messages to politically conservative audiences.
A little ways back- in 1973 - Robert F. Kennedy Jr., then in his late teens, collaborated with future Fox News producer Roger Ailes on a wildlife documentary titled "The Last Frontier." The project took them to East Africa, where they spent a summer filming and immersing themselves in the local culture.​
Roger Ailes, who would later become infamous as a prominent media executive, was both director and producer of "The Last Frontier."
The documentary featured 18-year-old Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and wildlife researcher Norman Myers. The film showcased East African wildlife, with Kennedy and Myers engaging in various settings to discuss conservation prospects.​​
During this period, Kennedy and Ailes shared a tent, fostering a friendship that, despite differing political views, lasted for decades. Kennedy later reflected on this experience, stating, "I spent a summer in a tent in Africa with Roger Ailes in 1973 making a wildlife film. He is charming, affable, very smart and very, very funny."
Interacting with the Maasai Tribe
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During their time in East Africa, Kennedy and the film crew engaged with the Maasai people. Bobby participated in daily activities, including assisting with cattle herding and even aiding in the birth of livestock. These experiences provided him with a deep appreciation for indigenous cultures and their symbiotic relationship with the environment. A clip from this period shows Kennedy engaging with the Maasai, highlighting his hands-on involvement and respect for their traditions.
Production Details and Airing
"The Last Frontier" was completed and released as a television movie on October 11, 1974. The project was a collaborative effort, with Tom Shachtman serving as the writer and co-producer alongside Ailes. The film provided a snapshot of African biodiversity and emerging environmental attitudes of the time.
For years, the documentary was considered lost until two 16mm prints were discovered during the digitization of Norman Myers' collection. Upon learning of the find, Kennedy's estate expressed gratitude, having believed that no copies existed. This rediscovery offers valuable insights into early environmental conservation efforts and the beginnings of Kennedy's lifelong commitment to the cause.
Current Availability
As of now, "The Last Frontier" has been digitized, preserving its historical and educational value. However, information regarding its public availability for viewing is limited. Those interested in the documentary may consider reaching out to Nulight Studios or exploring archival resources for potential access.
This film was really one of the earliest ventures into environmental filmmaking as even the term 'environmentalist' really wasn't much of a known commodity back in the early 70s.
Not only does this documentary and its creation highlights Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s longstanding dedication to conservation but also underscores the collaborative spirit that transcended political differences, as exemplified by his partnership with Roger Ailes.
An unlikely 'Frenemy-ship' that would eventually help RFK Jr spread environmental messages to politically conservative audiences.
“Some say that Fox News is biased against the liberal point of view. But one liberal, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is grateful to the network.
Kennedy says if we missed the Fox News special, The Heat is On: The Case of Global Warming, which aired before the holidays, we missed a fair, accurate presentation. Writes Kennedy: “I spent a summer in a tent in Africa with Roger Ailes in 1973 making a wildlife film. He is charming, affable, very smart and very, very funny. Although we both believe that each other’s politics are misguided, we have remained friends for three decades. Last year I asked Roger, as a personal favor, to attend Al Gore’s New York City update on global warming science … he was convinced that the debates deserved a public airing … the Fox News team did a superb job by exploring the science. This film should be seen by everyone. The end product goes a long way toward putting the ‘conserve’ back in conservatism.” Thus, speaks Bobby.
Well, I missed it myself, so I’m hoping Fox airs the show again soon.”s.
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