Having always had a passion for nature and the outdoors, Shirley Jukes always wanted to see Africa’s wildlife. She took part in her first Earthwatch expedition in 1997. It was a trip to Namibia that she’ll never forget. 

During the expedition, Shirley not only helped scientists rehabilitate cheetahs but also explored how human wildlife conflict could be reduced.

The trip inspired Shirley to join further Earthwatch expeditions in Africa, surveying the flora and fauna in South African and Zambian National Parks.

“Ever since watching a documentary where Holly Hunter released a Cheetah into the wild I thought I wanted to go and do that one day. And thanks to Earthwatch I did. At the end of the trip I had the opportunity to help release a rehabilitated cheetah. It was tentative at first but soon sprinted off to the tree line. It was the best thing I have ever done.”