“The natural world is so full of magnificent, diverse creatures, each with its own unique characteristics. But I will top my list with gorillas – Eastern, if I had to choose a sub-species, although I’d rather not discriminate against their smaller, Western cousins.

The great apes are our closest relatives, living reminders that we are part of, and not apart from, the rest of the natural world. Watching gorillas, chimpanzees or orang-utans can be a little like looking into a mirror. My choice falls to gorillas because their social structures and behaviour makes them the easiest to spend time with and photograph in the wild.

I’ve been lucky enough to spend time with both Grauer’s and mountain gorillas on numerous occasions, and each encounter is truly unique, the gorillas as aware of us as we are of them. These are the world’s largest primates, full of curiosity and compassion, and if we cannot feel a strong connection to them, what hope do we have?”

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My Big 5

Gorillas
Polar Bears
Lions
Elephants
African Wild Dogs