Ambassador Profile – Aidan Ross, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Hi, I’m Aidan – I am currently running Enza Safaris in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Although I have been working with The Expedition Project since 2019, since March 2020, we’ve been doing live streams and developing South African experiences with the help of collaborating projects and partners.
WHEN DID I FIRST REALISE I WANTED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CONSERVATION?
Growing up I was fortunate to visit game reserves a few times every year. This awakened a love and enjoyment of wilderness and the amazing animals that inhibit it. From as long as I can remember I always wanted to become a ‘game ranger’. I’m very grateful I followed my dreams.
WHAT IS MY CONSERVATION MOTIVATION RIGHT NOW?
I’m currently motivated by creativity within conservation. Finding new and exciting ways to benefit wildlife and people at the same time.
MY BIGGEST TIP IF YOU WANT TO STUDY ANIMALS…
When you enjoy something, learning becomes easy. Study the animals and aspects that you love the most, the rest will follow.
THE HARDEST THING ABOUT MY FIELD IS…
Slow progress. Conservation takes time. Through a lot of effort and perseverance, tangible differences can be made. This requires patience and grit!
WHAT IS MY FAVOURITE ANIMAL?
The Leopard. The most elusive and awe-inspiring animal in my mind. Every time you see a leopard, it takes your breath away.
MY FAVOURITE ANIMAL RELATED STORY IS…
During a drought, a few years back. We were giving supplementary grass feed around a watering hole, to feed the hippos. Unbeknown to us, there was a hippo and it’s baby around the corner. We made the mistake of getting between the hippo and the water. In an instant, it charged us! It was complete pandemonium as we scrambled to jump on to the back of the vehicle before the hippo got to us! We managed to narrowly escape as the hippo diverted around us and dived into the water. Funny to look back on, but a good lesson was learnt.
MY FAVOURITE ANIMAL PHOTO I HAVE TAKEN IS…
There is a photo a took of 5 Buffalo in a row from a close-up low angle. It’s my favourite as I had to lie on the ground for ages waiting for them to perfectly line up. It was a great sense of accomplishment when my patience paid off and they arranged perfectly for the shot.
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