Captive wildlife
Where my journey as a wildlife photographer began
My wildlife photography journey began in zoos, where I spent many hours observing and photographing animals I had always been fascinated by. These places allowed me to be close to wildlife and helped me develop my skills as a photographer while learning to recognise animal behaviour and individual personalities.
During this time, I also completed several internships as a zookeeper, gaining hands-on experience working with different species. These experiences deepened my understanding of animals and ultimately guided me toward a path focused on wildlife photography and storytelling in more natural environments.
These early encounters with animals mark the beginning of my journey as a wildlife storyteller.
Tiger Canyon is a private reserve where tigers live freely within the fenced area, hunting naturally and displaying behaviours very close to those of wild tigers. The project has been considered controversial by some, as it combines ex situ conservation with a private, managed environment. Its mission focuses on tiger conservation and building a healthy ex situ population, giving these animals a safe space while providing insight into their behaviour and social dynamics. The reserve also has a dedicated area for cheetahs, contributing to a metapopulation project on rewilded farmland in the Karoo. Spending time photographing and observing the tigers here offered a rare glimpse into their personalities, natural instincts and the careful work being done to protect this species for future generations.
Captive wildlife portfolio