Kirsty is a Priority Species Monitor based at iMfolozi, focusing on the daily monitoring of African Wild Dog and Cheetah populations alongside Vultures, Rhinos, Lions, and Southern Ground Hornbills. With a BTech in Nature Conservation and years of experience in Cheetah conservation, she brings a steady passion for wildlife and a deep commitment to making a lasting impact.
Kirsty grew up with an outdoors father, spending her childhood 4x4ing, camping, and exploring nature firsthand. As she grew older, she became increasingly aware of the urgent need to conserve wildlife and the natural world, leading her to complete a BTech in Nature Conservation at Nelson Mandela University, Saasveld.
She began her career as a guide, before spending several years working in Cheetah conservation. Wanting to make a larger contribution, she joined Wildlife ACT in 2024, briefly taking on a coordination role before moving into her current position as a Priority Species Monitor.
Based at Mbuzane Camp in the iMfolozi section of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Kirsty carries out daily monitoring of priority species, with a primary focus on African Wild Dog and Cheetah populations, tracking their movements and condition to ensure they remain healthy, safe, and within park boundaries. She also contributes to monitoring Vultures, Rhinos, Lions, and Southern Ground Hornbills. She takes particular pride in the impact she has had mentoring the students and volunteers she has worked alongside.
Outside of work, Kirsty enjoys hiking, walking on the beach, adventuring in wild places, and visiting family.
“I have had a burning passion for nature and conservation for as long as I can remember, and this has fuelled my hunger to make a positive impact through what I do.”