Introducing Operations Manager South, Conservation Course & Training Camp Manager, Megan Hudson. Megan completed a BSc Honours in Conservation Ecology through Stellenbosch University and carried out her thesis with the Cape Leopard Trust. She then joined Wildlife ACT and has been an integral member of the team ever since.
Where to find me:
I’m based on Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
Why I do this:
I’m a bush baby at heart and couldn’t imagine anything else! From the unpredictable happenings, the rush of “Africa time”, and things you learn on a daily basis, it doesn’t really remain “work” anymore.
Why conserving our endangered wildlife species is important:
Having been privileged to travel across many different game reserves of South Africa; Kgalagadi, Karoo, Kruger, etc, I have noted and immersed myself in the variety of what nature and wildlife has to offer. It would be so disappointing to allow the life that was here before us, all around us, to disappear. They belong here as much as we do, and shouldn’t have to sacrifice themselves for our purpose (whatever it may be).
Everyone deserves to experience the delight that the endangered, and all species leave on our souls, observe their power, their devastating beauty.
My favourite thing about the place where I work/live:
Living in the wild, experiencing the un-experienced, having sneaky visitors visit my fence daily – elephants, buffalo, nyala, bushpig, wild dogs!! This is what I live for.
My favourite animal:
African Wild Dog – duh!
My favourite bush memory:
When I saw my first wild dog puppy sighting.
After monitoring a pack for over a year, one can’t help but develop a bond with the dedication and inspiration of these impressive animals. We were lucky enough to witness the packs’ denning process that was quite near the road, and when the time was right for the puppies to be introduced, the pack led the 10 little ones out into the riverbed next to the road where we had been waiting patiently to see them.
The pups got more and more confident, moving closer and around the vehicle, sniffing us out. It was just the most amazing thing. I remember everything about it from the purple leaves of the knobthorn trees falling, to the overjoyed faces of my volunteers on the back of the vehicle.
Number one bush living survival hack:
Don’t try to nurse a veggie patch – the baboons will find you.
A message from Megan Hudson to our supporters and followers:
Take care of the bush and it’s critters, by taking care of yourself and coming to spend quality time to learn about the bush and its important inhabitants.
Meet more of the Wildlife ACT Team: