Jan Otte, CEO & Co-Founder
Jan loves Wildlife and Animals and is one of the founders of Animals Around The Globe. He holds an M.Sc. in Finance & Economics and is a passionate PADI Open Water Diver. His favorite animals are Mountain Gorillas, Tigers, and Great White Sharks. He lived in South Africa, Germany, the USA, Ireland, Italy, China, and Australia.
Previously at Google, Axel Springer, BMW and others.
Chris Weber, COO & Co-Founder
Chris is an Animal and Wildlife enthusiast and one of the founders of Animals Around The Globe. He holds an M.Sc. in Economics and is an Advanced Open Water Diver. The Azores, Yosemite National Park, and California are his favorite locations to see animals. He lived in the USA, South Africa, Ireland, Germany, and France.
Previously at Google, Meta, Linkedin, Mercedes Benz and others.
Tara Panton, Head of Operations
Tara is an ocean enthusiast who spends her time exploring the South African coastline. With an Honours Degree in Marine Biology and previous experience in Marketing, she now channels her passion for the marine environment into a career in Science Communication. Tara’s unique blend of expertise allows her to effectively bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding, promoting marine conservation and ocean protection.
Previously Marine Biologist.
Alex van der Walt, Chief Animal Scientist
Alex is a born and raised Capetonian with a strong love for animals and the outdoors. She is a final-year veterinary student at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. She also completed a BSc in Animal Science at Stellenbosch University, where her passion for working with animals only strengthened. She has always surrounded herself with animals and has been fortunate enough to work closely with them.
Previously Animal Scientist and Vet.
Justin Engelker, Data Scientist
Justin is a skilled data scientist that worked for McKinsey and Company and studied at Bocconi, Berkeley and Oxford. He loves nature and animals and to explore new cultures around the world.
Previously at McKinsey & Company, Deloitte and LBBW.
Amy King, Brand Manager & Science Lead
Growing up in the Highveld, but now residing in Cape Town, Amy’s love for the natural world developed in her youth while travelling around the beautiful landscapes of South Africa. Amy holds a BSc in Microbiology and Physiology and has a passion for science communication. She likes to keep active and spends her free time exercising by playing sports, hiking, and running.
Nelleke van Niekerk, Brand Manager & CRM Lead
Nelleke is chasing her dream of living a balanced and creative life filled with adventures and challenges. She is most likely to be found behind her laptop typing (and deleting) up a storm, reading a book in the sun, lost in the mountains admiring nature, or playing in the waves somewhere.
Linnea Hansen, Brand Manager & Editorial Lead
Linnea is a born and bred Swede but spends as much time as possible in Cape Town, South Africa. This is mainly due to Cape Town’s extraordinary scenery, wildlife, and atmosphere (in other words, because Cape Town is heaven on earth.) That being said, Sweden’s majestic forests forever hold a special place in her heart. Linnea spends as much time as she can close to the ocean collecting sea shells or in the park admiring puppies.
Esther Evangeline, Zoology & Science Manager
Esther is from India; the heartbeat of South Asia, holding a Master’s degree in Zoology and a postgraduate diploma in Animal Welfare. Her enthusiasm for animal welfare drives her passion and dedication to working for animals, ensuring their well-being, and advocating for their rights. With a solid academic background and hands-on experience, she is committed to making a positive impact in the field of animal welfare. In her free time, she enjoys embroidery and sewing. As a Chennaite from Tamil Nadu, Esther loves Bharathanatyam, an Indian classical dance form.
Andrew Kevin Alpin, Brand & Content Manager
Hi, I’m Andrew, and I come from India. Experienced content specialist with a passion for writing. My forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, I am obsessed with mountains and love high-altitude trekking. I have been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal, a profound experience.
Soham Mahajan, Content & Social Media Marketing
Soham is from the rich tapestry of India, and has traveled through its several states and experienced its various cultures. Proud parent to three delightful feline furballs and looking to adopt more in the coming days. A self-taught writer who learned everything with experience. His path led him to a fulfilling profession spanning more than six years in digital marketing and writing along with a master’s degree in marketing. Knowing what interests readers motivates him. Filled with a profound fascination for the planet, his goal is to travel the world and discover everything from lush forests to towering mountains, sandy deserts to vast oceans, driven by a deep curiosity for our planet’s intricacies and beauty of creation.
Authors
Josephine Messeter, Author, BA Gender Studies & Literature
Josie is Swedish but has lived in South Africa for 12 years. She spends as much time as possible in the ocean or hiking in the mountains, no matter the weather. Although she adores all sorts of animals, dogs occupy the biggest spot in her heart – especially her Maltese-Chihuahua named Bootsy.
Jen Fitschen, Author, BSc Computer Science and Oceanography
Jen is a passionate nature lover and ocean conservationist. She has dedicated her life to protecting the environment and preserving the beauty of the natural world. Growing up in a small coastal town, Jen sincerely appreciated the ocean and its inhabitants. She has spent countless hours exploring the shoreline, learning about the creatures that inhabit the waters, and advocating for their protection. Jen is an active member of ocean conservation organizations, and she is committed to educating the public about the importance of conserving wildlife and the natural environment.
Kiah Bettison, Author, BSc Media Studies
Kiah is a Capetonian, fascinated by how each animal plays a significant part in our ecosystem, forming a life bubble. As a nature lover and wave chaser, she finds solace in the waves and serenity in the great outdoors.
Anke van der Westhuizen, Author
Anke is a curious creative from a quaint South African town, surrounded by the vast wildlife of the Karoo. As a child, she was captivated by Animal Planet, preferring Dogs101 to cartoons and trying her hardest to memorize all of Earth’s dog breeds before sunset. An animal lover at heart, but an art director and writer by trade. Whether reading books, writing poems or snuggling with furry friends, you can always find her where life’s best stories are.
Amy-Leigh Sago, Content Editor
Born and bred in South Africa, a Capetonian at heart. Amy-Leigh’s love for nature and animals was inherited from her Dad. He loves taking the family on road trips to experience nature at its finest; Amy-Leigh’s favourite being whale watching in Hermanus and spotting Kudu along the West Coast. Amy-Leigh holds a BA in English Literature and Communication Studies.
Arwen Kent, BSc in Management
Arwen is from Scotland but is half South African and now lives in the United States. She has a passion for traveling, hiking, running, and just getting outside whenever possible. For the past several years, she has been leading backpacking trips through Clemson Outdoor Recreation and Education. Arwen holds a BSc in Management and is currently pursuing a masters in Business Administration.
Alana Theron, Author, BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology
I spent my childhood in Scotland. In 2014, my family and I traveled around the world for 5 months, and ever since, I have had a passion for nature, adventuring, photography and videography. I am currently working towards a BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology at Stellenbosch University to go on to specialise in Marine Sciences one day.
Freddie Hiney, Author, Journalist
Freddie is a writer and digital marketing professional with a First-Class Honours degree in Business and Management. Influenced by his father, an internationally published journalist, and author, Freddie’s love for writing is deeply ingrained. He appreciates thought-provoking, clear, raw, and honest writing, always infused with hope.
Zanlie Visser, BA Theatre Studies & Psychology
I am a very adventurous and active person. I love exploring nature through trail running and mountain biking. Not being biased, but South Africa’s coastline and mountains are the best in the world. I am currently studying psychology and Theatre at Stellenbosch University and will soon be transitioning to a postgraduate degree in sustainable development.
Anna Lee, Author
Born in England and now a Capetonian, Anna greatly loves all things nature. After working in seabird rehabilitation and veterinary that passion continues to grow. Writing about and photographing animals and nature brings her peace and serenity. She enjoys watching animals and spending time with all the plants and pets in her home. Her favorite animal is the red panda as she adores how they stand on their back legs with their front paws up in the air to seem intimidating. They even use their tails as pillows!
Havana Dauncey, BA Language & Culture
Havana is an experienced copywriter and copy-editor with a love for wildlife and conservation. She is a born and raised Capetonian and recently graduated from Stellenbosch University with a BA in Language and Culture. One of her favorite experiences was volunteering at the Irwin Family’s Australia Zoo for 5 weeks.
Leander McCabe Maritz, BA (Law) English & Philosophy
Leander is a fish out of water still figuring out how to use a laptop on the sea floor. He spends most of his time as a divemaster and skipper in various locations around South Africa assisting with marine research and educational outreach programs. He has a BA (Law) degree majoring in English Language and Philosophy.
Welcome to the Team behind Animals Around The Globe™. Since 2019, we have built a team of 30+ PhDs, vets, biologists, scientists, and animal lovers from the USA, South Africa, Australia, Sweden, and Germany, working on over 5,000 Articles, News, Stories, and more to bring the best animal experiences around the globe to you!
Partners, Experts and Advisors
Dr. Lesleigh Rous, Vet Science Graduate
I grew up in a rural Veterinary Practice in Colesberg ,and am a third generation veterinarian in a family including my grandfather, Robin Rous, my mother, Charmaine Rous and my father, Gavin Rous. When asked as a small child what my father did for a living, my response would be that “he took poo out of horses.” Little did I know that I would one day be following in their footsteps. I graduated from the Onderstepoort Veterinary Faculty, at the University of Pretoria, South Africa in 2018. I currently work at Cape Companions Veterinary Clinic, which is situated in Stellenbosch South Africa . We are a mixed practice, with a special interest in dogs, cats, racing pigeons, and horses.
Dr. Nadine Apteker, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECAR
Nadine Apteker is a 2012 graduate of the veterinary medicine program at LMU Munich. In 2016 she completed successfully both her PhD and residency and attained her Diploma as veterinary specialist in animal reproduction.
Nadine moved to South Africa in 2017 where she started working for the Cape Animal Fertility Clinic, focusing on equine and canine reproduction. She is passionate about sharing and exchanging knowledge and is actively involved with local welfare organizations and volunteer sterilization programmes. EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Animal Reproduction. Member of European College of Animal Reproduction
John Varty, Wildlife Filmmaker, Author and Activist
John Varty, born on 27 November 1950 in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a renowned wildlife filmmaker who has produced over 30 documentaries and a feature film. Apart from filmmaking, Varty is an author, singer-songwriter, and activist. He co-owns the Londolozi Game Reserve and is the visionary behind Tiger Canyon – a project aimed at establishing a free-ranging tiger population outside of Asia. John’s early life was influenced by his family’s game farm near the Kruger National Park, which he and his brother transformed into a game reserve named Londolozi in 1973. Passionate about conservation, John’s endeavours have left a significant mark on wildlife preservation.
Martijn (Marty) Schouten, Underwater Expediton Leader & Ocean Guide
Martijn Schouten (Marty) is an exceptional dive guide operating with CW Azores! With him, you can discover the unparalleled diving spots around Pico Island, home to magnificent Makos and elusive Blue Sharks, as well as captivating dives at Princess Alice Bank, where graceful Mobula Rays gracefully glide through the ocean depths. He is also an Underwater Photographer and Ocean Expedition Leader.
Steven Benjamin, Zoologist, Filmmaker and Ocean Photographer
Steven Benjamin started Animal Ocean in 2009 as a way to keep himself on the ocean and experiencing the wonders beneath the waves. A degree in Zoology broadened his understanding of the natural world. He has guided BBC, National Geographic, Apple and Disney photographers in South Africa and abroad as well as thousands of adventurous visitors to Cape Town. He pursues a passion for underwater photography and growing his understanding of South Africa’s diverse coastline. He is a happy and Friendly person and will share all his knowledge with a smile.
Meet Dr. Christoph Weber: A Physicist and Biologist with a Passion for Wildlife. Holding a PhD in Physics, Dr. Weber’s journey began with his love for wildlife, prompting him to study Biology before delving into Physics. Together with his family, he has ventured into the world’s oceans and jungles, uncovering the wonders of nature. Now, he’s eager to share his valuable knowledge and experiences, inspiring others to appreciate and protect the natural world.
John P. DeGrazio, Certified Wild. Responder, Guide & Naturalist
John P. DeGrazio, the founder of YExplore Yosemite Adventures, is not just a guide but a living testament to the marvels of Yosemite National Park. Having scaled Half Dome over 200 times, he holds the world record for the most climbs, showcasing an unmatched connection with the park’s rugged beauty. This dedication, combined with his profound knowledge of Yosemite’s terrains and its wild inhabitants, particularly the bears, sets him apart as an unrivaled expert. Under John’s leadership since 2006, YExplore has grown as the paramount Yosemite tour company, promising intimate group sizes, professional local guides, and sustainable eco-friendly practices.
Frankie Chipparoni, Shark Activist, Filmmaker
After studying animal behaviour, psychology, and anthropology, Frankie has been committed to conserving our ocean space. From extensive experience in marine research, studying shark mortality on commercial fishing vessels off the coast of West Africa, and most recently directing and producing a documentary investigating the loss of great white sharks from South Africa’s iconic coastline. Frankie’s passion for the ocean continues from working with small coastal communities to global networking to improve the health of our oceans.
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