Shannon Wild
on the Untamed Beauty of Wildlife Photography
"I’ll keep you safe, you keep me wild."
This is more than just a tattoo on Shannon Wild’s skin.
It’s the essence of her life. A life shaped by resilience and an everlasting love for the untamed world.
Shannon’s journey into wildlife photography didn’t begin with grand aspirations. As a child in Australia, she was fascinated by all animals, not just the cuddly ones. Her earliest muse? Reptiles. She spent hours photographing her pet snakes and lizards, capturing their textures and misunderstood beauty. Working as a graphic designer, she spent her free time volunteering as a wildlife carer. What started as a way to document the creatures she loved became much more. Her first real attempt at "reptile rehabilitation" was rescuing a blue-tongued lizard. She thought: "Hmm, maybe I could take photography seriously." It became her way of blending art and purpose, creativity and conservation: "I have reptiles to thank for my career!"
Her heart started longing for Africa, for the vast, untamed wilderness and a chance to document wildlife in its purest form. When she leaped, disaster struck. Burnout forced her body into stillness. But even in that pause, creativity found her: she started designing beaded bracelets, unknowingly planting the seeds for her conservation jewellery brand, Wild In Africa.
Survival, in one way or another, has always been part of her journey. While filming a cheetah, an instinctive pounce left her with severe arm injuries and a terrible infection. Even now, she doesn’t have full mobility in that arm. Yet, she kept going and loving her work: "Resilience is my superpower. Extreme conditions taught me to adapt, persist, and push forward despite any challenges."
Shannon has battled severe illness, survived breaking her back in two places while filming in a remote region of India, and faced countless obstacles in a field where few women have paved the way before her. From tracking Komodo dragons to documenting polar bears, gorillas, and the elusive black panther, she travels the globe to be in the intimate presence of the world’s most mystical creatures.
It’s not just the thrill of adventure that fuels her.
It’s the connection: "Nothing compares to the moments when I get to witness an animal in its element, when I truly capture its natural behaviour."
Between her work as a National Geographic cinematographer and entrepreneur, Shannon’s purpose is crystal clear: to use storytelling and photography as more than art. As a symbol for conservation, and empathy as a means for change. All while living a life attuned to the quiet rhythm of the wild, her sanctuary and inspiration.
A love for the untamed can lead to extraordinary places. Read Shannon Wild’s answers for Inspirators and let her journey remind you: “Follow your heart and dreams wholeheartedly, despite any risks."
Thank you, Shannon, for being a Wild Photographer!
#INSPIRATORS QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Shannon Wild
Company / Institution: Wild In Africa
Title: Founder/CEO; Wildlife Photographer & Film Maker
Website: www.wildinafrica.store
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwildafrica/
Country of origin: Australia
Country you currently live in: South Africa
Your definition of Regeneration: Regeneration is about restoring, replenishing, and creating a positive impact rather than just sustaining the status quo. It means actively giving back more than we take, whether in nature, communities, or business. True regeneration is a mindset shift—it’s about working with ecosystems rather than against them, fostering resilience, and ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving planet.
Main business challenge you face: Balancing growth with ethical sourcing and sustainability. Additionally, educating customers on why ethical production matters in a world that often prioritises cheap, mass-produced goods is an ongoing effort.
Main driver that keeps you going: The tangible impact of our work. Seeing how Wild In Africa directly supports conservation initiatives and empowers local artisans reminds me daily why I do this. Knowing that every bracelet worn represents real-world action for wildlife fuels my determination.
The trait you are most proud of in yourself: Resilience.
Working as a wildlife photographer and filmmaker—often in extreme conditions—has taught me to adapt, persist, and push forward despite challenges. From battling severe illness to breaking my back in two places while filming in a remote region of India, I’ve faced my share of obstacles. That same resilience now fuels my business and conservation work, ensuring I stay committed to making a lasting impact.
The trait you most value in others: Integrity. It’s the foundation of meaningful change. Whether in business, conservation, or personal relationships, people who operate with honesty and purpose are the ones who truly make a difference.
Passions & little things that bring you joy: Wildlife sightings, immersing myself in nature, meaningful conversations, good coffee, the energy of creative projects, and seeing my adopted cats happy and healthy.
The Inspirators who determined you to take the regenerative path:
Dr. Jane Goodall
Sir David Attenborough
Dr. Laurie Marker (Cheetah Conservation Fund)
Their relentless dedication to wildlife conservation and education showed me the power of storytelling and action.
A starting point for companies or professionals that are beginning the regeneration journey:
Start with a clear, authentic purpose. Regeneration isn’t just about sustainability buzzwords—it’s about embedding positive impact into your business model. Evaluate your supply chain, prioritise ethical sourcing, and engage with communities. And most importantly, be transparent and open to learning along the way.
Most used and abused clichés in sustainability that bother you:
"Eco-friendly" when it’s just greenwashing. Sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a responsibility.
An honest piece of advice for young people who lose hope: Hope without action is just wishful thinking. But action—no matter how small—creates momentum. Focus on what you can do, in your own way, to contribute to positive change. There are many of us working towards a better future—you are not alone.
Books that had a great impact on you / Must-Reads for any regenerative professional:
Humankind - Rutger Bregman
Living Planet - David Attenborough
Life Lessons from a Brain Surgeon - Dr Rahul Jandial
Doughnut Economics - Kate Raworth
Movies / Documentaries you would watch all over again:
The Real Black Panther
The Ivory Game
Virunga
Places you travelled to that left a mark on you: The Okavango Delta, Botswana, Madagascar, Namibia, The Arctic.
Global Regenerative Voices you recommend us to follow:
David Attenborough
Jane Goodall
Dr. Laurie Marker
Trends in Regeneration we should keep an eye on:
Circular economies in fashion and jewellery.
Regenerative agriculture and rewilding projects.
Indigenous-led conservation initiatives.
Events we should attend / Best places for networking (online or offline):
The IUCN World Conservation Congress
Sustainable Brands Conference
Wildscreen Festival (for conservation filmmakers)
Impactful and relevant Sustainable Development or Regeneration courses or certifications:
Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Economy programme
Regenerative Leadership Academy (by Giles Hutchins)
Reasons to feel optimistic about our future in 2030:
We’re seeing a rise in ethical consumerism, regenerative businesses, and youth-led climate action. More people than ever before are aware of their impact and actively seeking solutions.
Reasons to feel pessimistic about our future in 2030:
The rate of biodiversity loss and climate inaction from major corporations and governments. Despite progress, change isn’t happening fast enough at the systemic level.
Regenerative Leadership qualities much needed today: Courage to challenge the status quo. Long-term thinking over short-term profits. A willingness to listen to and learn from Indigenous wisdom. Deep empathy and collaboration.
The Inspirator(s) you are endorsing for a future edition:
Dr. Laurie Marker (Cheetah Conservation Fund)
Dereck & Beverly Joubert (Great Plains Conservation)
The quote that inspires you:
"In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught." (Baba Dioum)
Your quote that will inspire us:
