Having always had a passion for nature and the outdoors, Shirley Jukes had 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.

“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.”

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