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Believe in yourself
Interview
Believe in ‘ yourself!’
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Interview
From feeding humpback whales and orca in Norway to running 140km solo in the Finnish Arctic Circle, adventurer, explorer and wildlife biologist Lizzie Daly talks exclusively about her epic endeavours – and encourages girls to follow their dreams. Photography by Tom Campbell
Looking back at your childhood, what are your memories of wildlife, nature and being outdoors? Have you always possessed an adventurer’s spirit?
When I was younger, I vividly remember going on wild camping holidays with my family. We have always loved the outdoors and my parents would give my sister and I our own mini-backpacks as we train-hopped and searched for wilderness areas across Europe to call home for the night. Some of my favourite memories were sleeping under the stars, having barrels of food sni ed at by wild boars in the middle of the night and navigating through beautiful gorges by kayak. I believe this upbringing instilled a real sense of purpose in me and gave me a di erent perspective on our world from a young age. I’m also lucky to have had the Welsh coastline on my doorstep growing up, which has been really important for instilling a love for the ocean in me.
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Interview
Did you always dream of becoming an adventurer, explorer and wildlife biologist and what was your first big TV career break?
I did, even before really knowing that those roles were real jobs. I’ve always been quite driven and ambitious, and the idea of studying wildlife and having a career in the wildlife adventure space was a must for me at an early age. My parents always talk about the time I turned to them at just six years old and stated that I would go on to study elephants. Not that I would like to, but that I would. It’s a really humbling feeling to be doing that now as part of my PhD.
My first career break was for CBBC. One of my wildlife videos was spotted on YouTube and I was approached to be part of a series called ‘The Let's Go Club’. Kids TV is really fun to work on. Better still, I was able to contribute some of my passions into the featured segments which was really exciting and inspiring for me. A film crew of 25 and 20 shouting kids, I thrived off the energy. Let’s just say I felt like the luckiest girl alive!
You’ve made numerous wildlife films and documentaries all over the world – which proved the most challenging and did one location/subject impact you more than any other in terms of the wonder of nature?
Different projects have impacted me in completely different ways. In 2018, I began making my own film about the impact of the salmon farming industry and it sparked the inner conservationist in me, showing me how impact productions can really make a difference. In terms of logistics, I would say trying to film anything in the icy conditions of the Arctic brings challenges. However, the extreme cold, dying batteries and limited light has proven a challenge I’m well up for! I filmed feeding humpback whales and orca in Northern Norway gorging on the spring spawning herring that come into shore over winter. November is a spectacular time where dark inky seas are met with snow-capped mountains and coated in an orange glow for the whole four hours of daylight. These challenging conditions are totally worth it when a humpback whale decides to use your boat to corral the herring and feed right against your boat. I can officially say, I know exactly what herring and whale snot smells and feels like.
Most recently your assignments have also included running 140km solo in the Finnish Arctic Circle and leading blue shark trips in the Celtic Deep – is there anything you haven’t done yet that would be on your bucket list?
I’m really fascinated with our changing seas and oceans. Stories from the deep sea and lesser known parts of the ocean are a world that I’m drawn to, so I would love to do some deep sea exploration on a submersible or research expedition such as Nautilus.
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Interview
I would love to amplify the relationship between indigenous communities and wildlife more through natural history storytelling. There is so much we can learn from indigenous wisdom when it comes to principles of conservation and living sustainably. In parts of the world most affected by the climate crisis (largely the global south), such as in the Amazon rainforest, you can find communities which are doing extraordinary things for our planet. I would love to help bring those voices to life.
You’re keen to inspire females in the wildlife adventure field – what would be your advice to young girls who might have similar dreams and aspirations to yours?
Don’t let any barriers prevent you from doing what you want to do. Surround yourself with inspiring women and others who support you. Believe in yourself and believe that what you do matters. Strive to create the networks that empower you and challenge you positively. Be open and outspoken about the challenges that you face to help others find better ways to support you. Not everyone will be able to see things from a new perspective, especially in the face of adversity, but ultimately, this is your life, and it’s up to you to decide what things are worth fighting for.
You’re an ambassador for the Marine Conservation Society, the Jane Goodall Institute UK and the first ever female patron of ORCA – what are you trying to bring to these roles on a personal level.
In my heart, I’m a conservationist and if I am being completely candid, I often feel like I’m not doing enough. Working on such big projects can take time – months or years. Time in the fight for our planet is a luxury. The weight of what I’ve seen first-hand while filming in the field fills me with a lot of anxiety and worry. Supporting and amplifying conservation organisations that are doing tangible work both in terms of changing legislation and getting hands-on with conservation work, therefore, is a great way to be part of the solution and to also spread the word about their work.
As a conservationist with a fierce passion to care for our oceans and protect our wild spaces, what would you like your legacy to be?
I want to be part of the generation that creates the paradigm shift. I want to be part of moving humanity toward a better understanding of not only how to live within our planet's natural boundaries, but to give the planet back to nature.
You must be incredibly busy – how do you like to spend your spare time?
Honestly? I am happiest when out in nature; when I’m feeling low, I’m out in nature… you get the gist. I also love trail running, when I’m home I spend time with friends and family whom I very close with. This year I am upskilling, so I’m also doing a lot more diving and climbing. Music is also a big love of mine. When I was younger, I played to Grade 8 piano and although I no longer play (I know, what a waste) I still love listening to music and finding new artists.
What exciting projects do you have coming up for the rest of 2022?
I can’t share too much, but later this year I can’t wait to share a one-off documentary on the bearded vulture in the Pyrenees following the story of the bounce-back of this species, pushed almost to extinction due to persecution. I will be filming for BBC’s The One Show, producing/hosting in the next series of WMW [Weather Man Walking] on BBC and have a few other exciting projects in the pipeline.
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