A whale-watching encounter is one of the most memorable wildlife experiences you can have, not least because of the elusive nature of our marine giants. But in their eagerness to deliver, fleets of noisy tourist boats often congregate en masse to pursue the briefest glimpse of a whale as it dives to escape the intrusion. Perhaps not quite the experience you were hoping for.
As a TV Presenter, Liz Bonnin’s credits include Autumnwatch, Top Of The Pops and Bang Goes The Theory, and with a degree in biochemistry and a Masters in wild animal biology and conservation, Bonnin has become a familiar face in broadcasting in the field, helping to foster a wider interest in the sciences. Here, she explains how she has drawn inspiration from her environment and colleagues, the importance of a stimulating education, and the power of factual television programmes.
The three tiger cubs have now been successfully reunited at the rehabilitation centre. To have all orphaned cubs survive abandonment through poaching is virtually unheard of and everyone is feeling relieved and excited, if a little overwhelmed at the new arrivals. The third cub was in very poor condition when finally tracked down by his rescuers. When vets examined him, it was clear he would not have survived another 24 hours.
Our Wild Mission team are in the Russian Far East, assisting scientist here who are working towards ensuring a brighter future for the endangered Amur tiger – also known in the West as the Siberian tiger – that survives in the most challenging environment of all tiger habitats. My first job is to help Russian scientists in the Ussurisk Zapovednik (protected area) and follow tiger tracks in the snow to better understand their movements and interactions, collect scat and hair samples for DNA analysis and carry out radio telemetry in order to help locate 7 collared tigers, that haven’t been located for some time. As we set out one morning after heavy snows have stopped, to look for fresh tracks, we get a call to say that a 4 month old female cub has just been captured and is being brought to a rehabilitation centre an hour’s drive away from our base. No discussion is necessary. We head straight for the centre.
