CAREERS IN CONSERVATION – Jacquie Van der Westhuizen

Jacquie is a Field Officer in the Drakensberg. Here is a little bit about Jacquie’s journey to a career in conservation.

Job title: Drakensberg Field Officer

What do you do in your day-day work?  My day to day work takes me to the most beautiful locations looking for cranes, checking on the nests, connecting and building relationships with farmers and creating awareness about the cranes and their habitats

Location: I am based in the KZN Midlands and Drakensberg but I will travel to find cranes anywhere between here and Timbuktooooo.

Where did you grow up? I was born and grew up in Zimbabwe on a cattle ranch, where I had an idyllic childhood and where my love for conservation began.

What are your hobbies/things you like to do in your spare time? I love being outdoors and will take any opportunity to be in a game park or looking for cranes.  I also love taking photos.

Any pets? We have two very needy dogs – a German short haired pointer and a Hungarian Visla.

Favourite animal and why: My favourite animal is an elephant, reminds me of my mom who was the matriarch of our family.

Favourite food? Prawns

Pet peeve? When people put their plates next to the dishwasher instead of inside the dishwasher.

Why did you want to work for the EWT? Because I feel like I could contribute to making the environment a better place.

What excites you about this new position? Making a difference to the environment and being part of a team of like minded people.

What are you passionate about? I love my family!

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, and who did it come from? Whatever you do in life, do it properly, don’t do a half job because life is short and you only live once!

What is your go-to feel-good song? Summer of ’69