Kirsty Venter

A conservationist at heart, wildlife enthusiast and avid traveller of remote areas, have led to many incredible adventures for Kirsty over the years. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology and Entomology followed by a higher degree in African Vertebrate Biodiversity in South Africa. Following this she has dedicated the last 10 years of her life to various conservation and ecology projects both in Africa and internationally.

Most recently Kirsty has been involved in developing a first of its kind conservation project in Zambia acting as the Director of Science and Research. This project contributes towards the protection of Zambia’s wilderness areas as well as community development and environmental education. Prior to this Kirsty worked for the Sustainable Seas Trust, as their Environmental Education Manager, Kirsty contributed a chapter to the “Strategy for Marine Waste: Guide to Action for Africa”, an initial tool for Africa to use to combat marine pollution. She spent four years working on various whale projects for Whale Unit. These projects included the Southern Right Whale Helicopter Survey, collecting data to contribute to the longest continuous running marine mammal data set in the world, Humpback whale migration and diving patterns off the coast of Africa as well as population assessments of various whale species. Kirsty spent six months in Antarctica studying the critically endangered Antarctic blue whale, this research contributed to the international assessment of the blue whale population. In addition to this she spent two years working on marine mammal conservation in Mauritius. Coupled with this she has spent many years working on terrestrial conservation projects focusing on a variety of species such as elephants, leopards and the African Wild dog. In addition, she is a qualified Agricultural Entomologist, spending two years implementing and running insect trials utilising ‘first of its kind technology’. She has lectured, led discussions and facilitated numerous local and international students in both research and learning hoping her enthusiasm and love for conservation will rub off on the next generation.