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An intrepid animal activist, Michelle made her debut on the world stage at the tender age of 19 after auditioning for M-net’s Bon Voyage. A week after the audition, she found herself in Jerusalem filming cultural highlights in Israel, in her own words; ‘‘a big learning curve’’.
Since then, Michelle has gone from strength to strength. A Top Billing presenter for many years, Michelle later moved to America where she hosted a variety of top notch travel, news and animal orientated shows.
Michelle couldn’t resist the pull of home forever though and returned to South Africa after spending six years in the states. Continuing to work within the media circuit, Michelle continues to successfully host and manage a plethora of animal related programmes.
AnimalTalk spoke to Michelle about her remarkable experiences and her plans for the future.
Q&A
AT: You obviously harboured an affinity for animals from a young age. When did you know/decide that you wanted to become involved with conservation?
MG: I knew from a fairly early age that I wanted to work with animals in some form or other. I participated in a lot of outdoor activities and this brought me into contact with some interesting species. This obviously heightened my awareness and fuelled my desire to learn and participate in conservation and the great outdoors.
AT: You have a physically and on some occasions, I imagine, emotionally demanding job. How do you cope when you come across instances of environmental or animal loss or abuse due to poaching and the like?
MG: It’s true I see a lot of things that aren’t great. I think what keeps me going is the fact that there has been a shift in global consciousness. Man’s attitude towards the planet is slowly changing. On the flip side, I think it’s a case of too little, too late though. The truth is that nobody really wants to watch a programme that’s all doom and gloom and touts the end of the world, so I try to effect change by inspiring people through an educational and entertaining fashion.
AT: One day, looking back on your life, do you think you’ll have made a real impact in terms of conservation, or is it a case of a woman’s work is never done?
MG: The more I do, the more I realise there’s still so much that has to be done. This rings true across the board. For instance, certain butterfly species are at the brink of extinction. Litter (a real pet hate of mine), over-population and sustainability are all real problems. Suffice to say my work will never really be finished.
AT: Do you think certain species like the Black Rhino will ever recover?
MG: Season two of Wild Limited focused on a group of Black Rhino. The gene pool was so small that the chances of a full comeback were slim. Wattled Cranes are another example of a species whose survival is questionable. At [?] there are 88 breeding pairs of Wattled Cranes. Of these, only two chicks have been hatched. One might almost say that there is very little hope for a species should the numbers fall beneath 500 individuals. Having said that, I am 100% behind any and all efforts to replenish and conserve a species.
AT: In terms of wild rescue cases, do you think it’s ethical for these animals to become ‘domesticated’ or do you think wild animals should remain just that – wild? Then again, do you think each situation is unique? As in does rescuing an endangered species warrant human interference as opposed to a non-endangered species?
MG: There are arguments for and against rescuing animals, both with equally valid claims. In a perfect world, I think wild animals should remain wild, as long as the environment remains the same. Unfortunately, human interference has upset this balance and establishments such as De Wildt and Free Me have become necessary for the propagation and survival of certain species. It’s a catch 22 situation.
AT: Who would you take on a game drive with you and why?
MG: I would probably take Nelson Mandela, Tokyo Sexwale and maybe one or two people from the SABC on a game drive. Educating influential people is key to affecting change on a national platform and these people are ideally positioned to do just that.
AT: You are a South African Guide Dogs-Association (SAGA) patron. How long have you been involved with them and why?
Part of the reason why I work in the sphere I do is because of the nature of animals: They will serve without question or recompense. SAGA is the epitome of these unique attributes. Becoming involved with them came naturally.
AT: How can Joe Public get involved with the conservation process?
MG: Every person has to decide at what level, if any, they want to be involved with conservation. It could be as simple as living a ‘cleaner’ more ‘aware’ lifestyle and include simple things such as switching off the lights or recycling. Alternatively, if a person gravitates towards a particular species, then perhaps they could conduct some research and find out ways in which they could become more involved. Volunteering at a shelter is one way of going about this.
AT: In a previous interview, you spoke of educating the government and CEOs and even influencing legislation with regard to conservation. How would you go about doing this?
MG: Firstly, I would like to point out that every single South African citizen can address parliament. Therefore, every person has the ability influence change. Parliamentary TV is another way of influencing legislation. It’s target market specific and has broad reach, making it a great tool for creating awareness.
AT: Do you ever really take time off?
MG: Put simply, no.
AT: You’ve worked and travelled around the world. What keeps you coming back to South Africa?
MG: I love being here. Its home, besides which the bush experience is completely unique here.
AT: What is your favourite ‘animal’ destination?
MG: There are a few but Phinda is probably my favourite. I just can’t seem to stop going back there. Other than that I would love to go and see the Great Octopus of Alaska. I would also love to go to Papua New Guinea-apparently there are butterflies the size of a plate there.
AT: Do you really think man can redeem himself and right the wrongs he’s done to the planet?
MG: Personally I think that we are actually killing ourselves. We’re depleting all of our resources. There are massive holes in the ozone and fossil fuel utilisation is still the norm. I don’t want to be negative but I really do think earth is in serious trouble. Having said that, I think South Africa is particularly aware of the intrinsic value of the environment and the role it plays in our lives. However, awareness and initiatives have to become more extensive and mainstream in order to really make a difference.
AT: Do you have any animals of your own?
MG: Unfortunately not. I am constantly in the bush or away but I do have a visiting cat called Sabrina who visits whenever I’m around.
AT: Who was your favourite pet as a child?
MG: Leroy, my Maltese Poodle. He had a huge personality. Unfortunately he was driven over. I also had a lot of canaries.
AT: What is your favourite wild animal?
MG: Definitely the Cheetah. Even though I was bitten by one, I still adore them.
AT: What are you currently working on and what are your plans for the future?
MG: Wild Limited season three and Bush Radar Kids season four.
AT: What is your favourite TV series (apart from your own of course)?
MG: CSI and Animal Farm
Text: Jackie Gray
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