Team

Chris is an Animal and Wildlife enthusiast and one of the founders of Animals Around The Globe. He holds an MSc in Economics and is an Advanced Open Water Diver. The Azores, Yosemite National Park, and California are his favorite locations to see animals. He lived in the USA, South Africa, Ireland, Germany, and France.

Jan loves Wildlife and Animals and is one of the founders of Animals Around The Globe. He holds an MSc in Economics and is a passionate PADI Open Water Diver. His favorite animals are Mountain Gorillas, Tigers, and Great White Sharks. He lived in South Africa, Germany, the USA, Ireland, Italy, China, and Australia.

Alex is a born and raised Capetonian with a strong love for animals and the outdoors. She is a first-year veterinary student at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. She also completed a BSc in Animal Science at Stellenbosch University, where her passion for working with animals only strengthened. She has always surrounded herself with animals and has been fortunate enough to work closely with them.

Tara is an ocean enthusiast who spends her time exploring the South African coastline. With an Honours Degree in Marine Biology and previous experience in Marketing, she now channels her passion for the marine environment into a career in Science Communication. Tara’s unique blend of expertise allows her to effectively bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding, promoting marine conservation and ocean protection.

I come from a small coastal town in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, near the renowned diving destination Aliwal Shoal, where my deep-seated passion for the ocean first took root. Family trips to the Kruger National Park are some of my favourite memories; there’s nothing quite like being surrounded by wildlife. These experiences inspired me to study the natural world and its creatures, a path I’ve been on for the past 5 years. I attained my undergraduate and honours degree in marine biology and recently completed my masters degree in applied ocean sciences, majoring in oceanography. 

Animal lover and enthusiast. Experienced Blogger with a demonstrated history of working in the leisure, travel & tourism industry. Enthusiastic about sustainability, writing, sociology and human rights.

Hi everyone my name is Anker (like a ship’s anchor) I am 20 years of age and I live in Franchoek South Africa. I grew up on a farm and raised a variety of animals my favorite among them is sheep. I love condensed milk, campfires, and the view from a mountain. I am a very passionate rock climber and I often go on weekend adventures in nature.

My interest in ecology and conservation began as I was growing up in South Africa, Uganda, and the United Kingdom. A good deal of my childhood was spent in nature parks and game reserves all over the world, which inspired my love for the natural world and encouraged me to pursue a PhD in Ocean and Atmosphere Science. My research focuses on climate change’s impact on Southern African kelp forest systems, a subject I became passionate about through my love for freediving. I hope to use this platform to share my knowledge and spark your interest in the weird and wonderful things nature has to offer. 

Pursuing a PhD with a focus on Explainable Artificial Intelligence. Helping the team to use data to make decisions and improve animal-human interactions.

Josie is Swedish but has lived in South Africa for 12 years. She spends as much time as possible in the ocean or hiking in the mountains, no matter the weather. Although she adores all sorts of animals, dogs occupy the biggest spot in her heart – especially her Maltese-Chihuahua named Bootsy.

Jen is a passionate nature lover and ocean conservationist. She has dedicated her life to protecting the environment and preserving the beauty of the natural world. Growing up in a small coastal town, Jen sincerely appreciated the ocean and its inhabitants. She has spent countless hours exploring the shoreline, learning about the creatures that inhabit the waters, and advocating for their protection. Jen is an active member of ocean conservation organizations, and she is committed to educating the public about the importance of conserving wildlife and the natural environment.

Linnea is a born and bred Swede but spends as much time as possible in Cape Town, South Africa. This is mainly due to Cape Town’s extraordinary scenery, wildlife, and atmosphere (in other words, because Cape Town is heaven on earth.) That being said, Sweden’s majestic forests forever hold a special place in her heart. Linnea spends as much time as she can close to the ocean collecting sea shells or in the park admiring puppies.

Kiah is a Capetonian, fascinated by how each animal plays a significant part in our ecosystem, forming a life bubble. As a nature lover and wave chaser, she finds solace in the waves and serenity in the great outdoors.

Kyra is a passionate writer and journalist with an Honours Degree in Journalism from Stellenbosch University. She started her professional journey at Media 24, Africa’s largest media company, where she worked as part of go! Magazine’s editorial team and developed a deep love for Africa, particularly South Africa.

Freddie is a writer and digital marketing professional with a First-Class Honours degree in Business and Management. Influenced by his father, an internationally published journalist, and author, Freddie’s love for writing is deeply ingrained. He appreciates thought-provoking, clear, raw, and honest writing, always infused with hope.

Jakolien was born and raised in the wild savannah of South Africa, where she grew up surrounded by wildlife farms and nature. She has an immense love for animals and a passion for conservation. Jakolien also has a unique interest in humans’ role in protecting and conserving all species of animals. Her favorite animals are horses and dogs; if she had to pick a cat, it would be a Lion.

Liam is a passionate animal lover with a heart full of compassion for all creatures, great and small. From a very young age, I’ve been captivated by the magic of the animal kingdom and the unique personalities that each species possesses.

I was born and raised in a small countryside town in South  Africa. It was there that I developed a love for Agriculture and the outdoors. I am currently studying plant and soil sciences at the University of Stellenbosch.  I would describe myself as a go-getter, always keen on learning new skills and taking on new challenges.

I spent my childhood in Scotland. In 2014, my family and I traveled around the world for 5 months, and ever since, I have had a passion for nature, adventuring, photography and videography. I am currently working towards a BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology at Stellenbosch University to go on to specialise in Marine Sciences one day.

I was born in Cape Town, South Africa and schooled in Dubai until my senior years of high school. I’m currently studying a 3rd year BSc Human Life Sciences degree at Stellenbosch university, majoring in Genetics and Physiology.

Growing up in the Highveld, but now residing in Cape Town, Amy’s love for the natural world developed in her youth while travelling around the beautiful landscapes of South Africa. Amy holds a BSc in Microbiology and Physiology and has a passion for science communication. She likes to keep active and spends her free time keeping active by playing sport, hiking, running, and rock climbing.

Nelleke is an ex-food scientist turned copywriter chasing her dream of living a balanced and creative life filled with adventures and challenges. She is most likely to be found behind her laptop typing (and deleting) up a storm, reading a book in the sun, lost in the mountains admiring nature or playing in the waves somewhere.

I am an all round creative who’s worked in Social Media, Graphic Design, and Marketing roles, and during my time at Liverpool John Moores University I achieved a BA Honours in English, Media, and Cultural Studies. 

Cape Town has been my home turf since day one. I love spending time outdoors, especially going for swims by the beach. I studied digital marketing. Animals have always been a big part of my life since I was a child. For fun, I enjoy running, swimming, and walking my dogs.

Soham is from the rich tapestry of India, and has traveled through its several states and experienced its various cultures. Proud parent to three delightful feline furballs and looking to adopt more in the coming days. A self-taught writer who learned everything with experience. His path led him to a fulfilling profession spanning more than six years in digital marketing and writing along with a master’s degree in marketing. Knowing what interests readers motivates him. Filled with a profound fascination for the planet, his goal is to travel the world and discover everything from lush forests to towering mountains, sandy deserts to vast oceans, driven by a deep curiosity for our planet’s intricacies and beauty of creation.

I grew up in a rural Veterinary Practice in Colesberg ,and am a third generation veterinarian in a family including my grandfather, Robin Rous, my mother, Charmaine Rous and my father, Gavin Rous. When asked as a small child what my father did for a living, my response would be that “he took poo out of horses.” Little did I know that I would one day be following in their footsteps. I graduated from the Onderstepoort Veterinary Faculty, at the University of Pretoria, South Africa in 2018. I currently work at Cape Companions Veterinary Clinic, which is situated in Stellenbosch South Africa . We are a mixed practice, with a special interest in dogs, cats, racing pigeons, and horses. 

Nadine Apteker is a 2012 graduate of the veterinary medicine program at LMU Munich. In 2016 she completed successfully both her PhD and residency and attained her Diploma as veterinary specialist in animal reproduction.
Nadine moved to South Africa in 2017 where she started working for the Cape Animal Fertility Clinic, focusing on equine and canine reproduction. She is passionate about sharing and exchanging knowledge and is actively involved with local welfare organizations and volunteer sterilization programmes.

EBVS^® European Veterinary Specialist in Animal Reproduction

Member of European College of Animal Reproduction

John P. DeGrazio, the founder of YExplore Yosemite Adventures, is not just a guide but a living testament to the marvels of Yosemite National Park. Having scaled Half Dome over 200 times, he holds the world record for the most climbs, showcasing an unmatched connection with the park’s rugged beauty. This dedication, combined with his profound knowledge of Yosemite’s terrains and its wild inhabitants, particularly the bears, sets him apart as an unrivaled expert. Under John’s leadership since 2006, YExplore has grown as the paramount Yosemite tour company, promising intimate group sizes, professional local guides, and sustainable eco-friendly practices.

Martijn Schouten (Marty) is an exceptional dive guide operating with CW Azores! With him, you can discover the unparalleled diving spots around Pico Island, home to magnificent Makos and elusive Blue Sharks, as well as captivating dives at Princess Alice Bank, where graceful Mobula Rays gracefully glide through the ocean depths. He is also an Underwater Photographer and Ocean Expedition Leader.

Steven Benjamin started Animal Ocean in 2009 as a way to keep himself on the ocean and experiencing the wonders beneath the waves. A degree in Zoology broadened his understanding of the natural world. He has guided BBC, National Geographic, Apple and Disney photographers in South Africa and abroad as well as thousands of adventurous visitors to Cape Town. He pursues a passion for underwater photography and growing his understanding of South Africa’s diverse coastline. He is a happy and Friendly person and will share all his knowledge with a smile.

Meet Dr. Christoph Weber: A Physicist and Biologist with a Passion for Wildlife. Holding a PhD in Physics, Dr. Weber’s journey began with his love for wildlife, prompting him to study Biology before delving into Physics. Together with his family, he has ventured into the world’s oceans and jungles, uncovering the wonders of nature. Now, he’s eager to share his valuable knowledge and experiences, inspiring others to appreciate and protect the natural world.

John Varty, born on 27 November 1950 in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a renowned wildlife filmmaker who has produced over 30 documentaries and a feature film. Apart from filmmaking, Varty is an author, singer-songwriter, and activist. He co-owns the Londolozi Game Reserve and is the visionary behind Tiger Canyon – a project aimed at establishing a free-ranging tiger population outside of Asia. John’s early life was influenced by his family’s game farm near the Kruger National Park, which he and his brother transformed into a game reserve named Londolozi in 1973. Passionate about conservation, John’s endeavours have left a significant mark on wildlife preservation.

After studying animal behaviour, psychology, and anthropology, Frankie has been committed to conserving our ocean space. From extensive experience in marine research, studying shark mortality on commercial fishing vessels off the coast of West Africa, and most recently directing and producing a documentary investigating the loss of great white sharks from South Africa’s iconic coastline. Frankie’s passion for the ocean continues from working with small coastal communities to global networking to improve the health of our oceans.