WILD ambitions

Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Trevor Wilkinson’s journey began amidst the vibrant landscapes of Africa, where he developed a deep affinity for the outdoors and sports from an early age. Raised in a culture rich with athletic pursuits, Trevor’s childhood was shaped by his love for competition and the thrill of physical activity. Trevor’s first foray into the world of sports came through competitive swimming, where he honed his skills and dedicated himself to the discipline of the pool. By the age of 10, he had already established himself as a formidable swimmer, showcasing his talent and determination in numerous competitions.

However, it was on the squash court that Trevor truly found his calling. Introduced to the sport during his adolescence, he quickly became enamoured with the fast-paced nature of squash and the strategic elements it demanded. With unwavering dedication and countless hours of practice, Trevor’s passion for squash blossomed, propelling him to the upper echelons of the sport. Under the guidance of a skilled coach, Trevor’s talent flourished, and he soon rose to prominence in both the Zimbabwean and South African squash circuits. His natural aptitude for the game, combined with his relentless work ethic, saw him ascend to the top of the rankings, claiming three South African Under 19 titles along the way.

Fuelled by his ambition and competitive spirit, Trevor made the bold decision to pursue a career as a professional squash player, setting his sights on the prestigious PSA World Tour. Fresh out of school, he embarked on his professional journey, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to the pursuit of excellence on the global stage. Over the course of 12 years on the World Squash Tour, Trevor distinguished himself as one of the sport’s elite competitors, achieving a career-high world ranking of number seventeen. His tenacity and skill on the court earned him numerous accolades, including victories at prestigious tournaments such as the Scottish Open, Luxembourg Open, and Zurich Open. On top of this Trevor won two gold medals at World Masters Games, seventeen South African National Masters Championships, and 3 World Masters Championships.

Despite his success in the world of professional sports, Trevor’s passion for the African bush and wildlife remained undiminished. Throughout his career, he found solace and inspiration in the untamed wilderness, relishing the opportunity to connect with nature on a profound level. Following his retirement from the world tour, Trevor continued to pursue his love for the African bush, immersing himself in conservation efforts and wildlife photography. His deep-rooted connection to the natural world drives his ongoing commitment to preserving the rich biodiversity of his homeland and beyond.

Today, Trevor Wilkinson’s legacy extends far beyond the squash court, as he continues to champion environmental conservation and inspire others to appreciate the beauty and diversity of our planet’s ecosystems. With a spirit as resilient as the African savannah itself, Trevor remains dedicated to safeguarding the precious heritage of the wild for future generations to cherish and protect.

Dr. Sarah Wilkinson

Dr. Sarah Wilkinson, born inJohannesburg, South Africa, has always been deeply connected to animals and driven by a passion for their well-being. From her earliest days, Sarah found herself surrounded by a menagerie of creatures, fostering a profound sense of empathy and compassion for all living beings. Growing up amidst the diverse wildlife of South Africa, Sarah became actively involved in rescuing and aiding domestic animals in need, laying the foundation for her lifelong dedication to veterinary medicine. Inspired by her experiences and fuelled by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of animals, Sarah set her sights on becoming a veterinarian.

After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Pretoria, Sarah embarked on a journey to fulfil her childhood dream. Armed with knowledge, determination, and boundless compassion, she began her career as a veterinarian, eager to provide care and support to animals in need. Throughout her professional journey, Sarah has had the privilege of working both in South Africa and the United Kingdom, gaining valuable experience and insights into veterinary practice across diverse settings. Despite her global adventures, South Africa has always remained her true home, holding a special place in her heart.

Currently based in the Western Cape, South Africa, Sarah serves as an equine veterinarian, providing expert care to horses and their owners. However, her passion for wildlife and conservation has also led her to engage in significant wildlife work throughout her career. Sarah has been privileged to contribute to various conservation efforts aimed at expanding the ranges of critically endangered species across Africa. From conducting fieldwork in remote wilderness areas to collaborating with conservation organizations, Sarah has played a vital role in safeguarding the future of wildlife.

Yet, amidst the triumphs, Sarah has also witnessed the sobering reality of human impact on wildlife and conservation efforts. Through first-hand experiences, she has seen the devastating effects of habitat loss, poaching, and human encroachment on fragile ecosystems, underscoring the urgent need for conservation action. Driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a steadfast commitment to conservation, Sarah remains dedicated to advocating for the protection of wildlife and the preservation of natural habitats. With every patient she treats and every conservation effort she supports, Sarah strives to make a positive impact on the world around her.

As she continues her journey as a veterinarian and conservationist, Dr. Sarah Wilkinson remains steadfast in her mission to be a voice for the voiceless and a guardian of our planet’s precious biodiversity.