"I believe that hidden or physical disabilities should never hinder the chances of achieving your dreams and making a difference to the planet".
Inspired by naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, I went on to become a qualified Zoologist and Herpetologist. As an alumnus of Bangor University in North Wales, I developed my passion, skills and love for wildlife filmmaking and presenting.
Growing up, I evolved my passion for the natural world by observing insects and birds in my grandparents’ back garden. I qualified as an animal carer after gaining experience in handling a variety of animals including; Caimans, snakes, birds of prey and tarantulas I helped expand my college's onsite zoo, and it was clear that I wanted to make a career in the zoological industry.
While studying at University, I worked in their Natural History Museum where I sorted through specimens, identified, classified and stored them ready for public view and student use. I travelled internationally to research and film wildlife, which ranges from researching sleep behaviour In Short-Finned Pilot Whales in Tenerife to comparing bird populations within Kruger National Park in South Africa.
In 2017 I then joined a Wildlife filmmaking course in Mossel Bay, South Africa called Africa Media. This course was run by Wildlife cameraman and producer Ryan Johnson. Ryan Johnson taught me everything he knows about the industry, including encouraging me to develop my skills as a presenter.
After graduation, I secured my first role as a wildlife cameraman and head of social media for the Atlantic Whales and Dolphin Foundation based in Tenerife, where I filmed the Cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in the wild.
Upon my return, I began teaching animal care at my old College and after two years became an educational officer at West Midlands Safari Park, where I also created and developed a character called "Ranger Ryan". This character made the park's many interactive tours both educational yet entertaining, these included a Dinosaur theme, Ice Age Tours and children's Creature Features fun.
I'm now a V.I.P Safari Guide at the West Midlands Safari Park taking guests on magical experiences to feed Lions, Tigers, and Giraffes and full-day experiences like Rhino Keeper for the day and VIP tours.
Recently in 2022, I took on the biggest challenge of my life, when I walked the full length of the Jurassic Coast to raise awareness of adults living with clubfoot. I worked with the Jurassic Coast Trust which was celebrating 20 years of being a world heritage site. Together we wanted to raise awareness of the accessibility of the coast and see if there are things to be done to improve this for everyone, no matter what disabilities they may have, hidden or otherwise. During the walk, I collaborated with Julia Bradbury (TV Presenter) and her sister Gina Bradbury who runs The Outdoor Guide, whose aim is to make the outdoors accessible for everyone with hidden or physical disabilities. Whilst doing this I was raising money for Steps Charity Worldwide, which supports everyone with lower limb conditions and sent 20% of the remaining funds to Save the Rhino International, as both of these charities are close to my heart.
I've been interviewed by ITV News on numerous occasions about plastic pollution during the Covid-19 pandemic and have shown the value of rewilding the natural world through the planting of native wildflowers. I've also been in Uk and international journals, articles and blogs discussing the barriers associated with disabilities in the fields of conservation, climate change mitigation, and the environment.
"I want to encourage future generations to re-connect to our natural world, and to create new innovative ways of making films that exhibit our beautiful world, and what we can do to preserve it"