Bedfordview resident Mr Mark Tennant has a strong passion for conservation and informing others about wildlife and nature.
His passion for conservation and sharing wildlife knowledge with others has led Mr Tennant to hold a number of educational talks, both locally and internationally.
“I am a disciple of conservation,” he said.
Mr Tennant, who grew up in Bedfordview, is a safari tour guide and coordinator in Africa.
He has also been part of a television show which aimed at informing and educating youngsters across the world.
When he was younger his family would often go to nature reserves, such as The Kruger National Park and the Drakensberg, which inspired him to enjoy nature.
Before becoming immersed in his wildlife work, Mr Tenant said he studied commercial art.
He thought it was what he had wanted to do but soon realised it was not.
“I look back now at my paintings I did as a child, they were all about nature and wildlife. When I was working and doing art, I felt as if I was locked in a room,” said Mr Tennant.
After quitting his art job, Mr Tenant began his career working in the African bush as a game ranger in 1991, at the Phinda Private Game Reserve.
After working at Phinda he landed a job in the Kruger National Park.
During his career as a safari guide, Mr Tenant had the opportunity to share information and knowledge through his nature reserve walks and international talks.
“I share information on as many platforms as possible,” said Mr Tennant.
In the Mid 2000s, Mr Tennant was part of the television show called Mad Mike and Mark.
He worked alongside Mr Mike Penman.
Mr Tennant said the show was aimed at children aged between 10 and 15.
“We wanted to show people conservation in a different way. We observed the animals in their own environment, trying not to let them know we were there.” said Mr Tennant.
He said the show was aired in 160 countries and in over 20 different languages.
Another one of his interests is learning more about prehistoric wildlife.
He said he offers educational tours to children who want to learn more about fossils and prehistoric life.
“The children have the opportunity to help scientists find real fossils,” he said.
When a fossil is found, the child’s name is written on the packet the fossil is placed in and included in the research.
Mr Tenant said he cares a lot about conservation and if people have access to information it makes conservation easier.
He aims to promote information about wildlife in order to help people have a better understanding of wildlife and nature.
