STORIES FROM THE BUSH: Tales From an African Safari Guide

We are delighted to present, in concert with our friends at the PALM BEACH ZOO & CONSERVATION SOCIETY, life-long wildlife enthusiast JAMES CURRIE.  James is fast becoming one of the most recognizable faces in birding and wildlife in North America. James hosts the popular birding TV show, Nikon’s Birding Adventures, now in its 8th season and currently airing on Discovery Channel’s Destination America. He also hosted the popular action-birding show “Aerial Assassins” on National Geographic WILD, aired in the United States and worldwide in 2012 and appeared as himself in the reality birding show, “Twitchers” that aired on the National Geographic Channel in 2014. He has led professional wildlife and birding tours for over 15 years and his passion for birding, adventure and remote cultures has taken him to nearly every corner of the globe. 

James Currie was born in Cape Town South Africa and had a keen interest in wildlife since before he could walk. He started birding at the age of eight and spent his formative years studying the birds and nature of Table Mountain National Park, where his parents worked. In the 1990s, James worked at Phinda Private Game Reserve as a game ranger, before he left to study for his MSc degree in Sustainable Environmental Management at Middlesex University in the UK. James returned to Cape Town where he was commissioned by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to set up a community-based tourism project at Rondevlei Nature Reserve. His many years spent guiding in the African bush have led him into humorous and sometimes frightening situations, many of which are detailed in his acclaimed book, When Eagles Roar. James currently works for Wilderness Safaris as their Collections Sales Manager.

James has appeared as a special guest on various TV shows and radio, including Martha Stewart Radio, and WGN and has been the subject of several newspaper articles including the Wall Street Journal, The Palm Beach Post and the Orlando Sentinel.  He is an expert in the fields of sustainable development and environmental management, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in African Languages and a Master’s degree in Sustainable Environmental Management.

One of his passions is forging links between local communities, wildlife and international travelers. From 2004-2007 James worked as the Managing Director of Africa Foundation, a non-profit organization that directs its efforts towards the upliftment of communities surrounding wildlife areas in Africa. He has extensive experience in African wildlife, including walking game on foot.  James has contributed to several publications, including the acclaimed Southern African Birdfinder and Wildwatch and his first book, When Eagles Roar was published in October 2014.

In late 2007, he immigrated to the United States with his American wife and three kids and he currently resides in West Palm Beach, Florida.

This event is made possible by the generous support of BANK OF AMERICA.