Conservation Careers

Kayla Zoon is a wildlife biologist, conservation storyteller and career coach, based in South Africa. Initially as a conservation biologist, Kayla worked across several remote research stations, monitoring wildlife and educating students on how to get involved in wildlife conservation.

Throughout her fieldwork, Kayla observed a disconnect between what conservation looked like on the ground and what society thought it should look like – so much so, that when Kayla posted pictures from her fieldwork, people often didn’t understand how it benefited wildlife conservation.

By sharing her experiences, Kayla discovered her passion for science communication and conservation education. As such, she has since transitioned into wildlife photography, content creation and conservation storytelling. She also operates her own safari lodge on the edge of Kruger National Park and works as a wildlife career coach, helping people on their journey to become wildlife conservationists.

Today, Kayla reflects on her journey and shares some valuable pointers for working with African wildlife and landing your dream job in conservation. She shares:

“Sometimes we need to take the time to hit pause on this fast-paced career path. Yes, we have goals to achieve but it’s also good to take a step back and just take it all in.”

Kayla’s career journey

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Kayla always dreamed of working in the bush with large mammals. However, like many biology students, she wasn’t sure exactly how to get there.

At university, professors warned against mammalogy or zoology – it’s just so competitive! And initially, their opinions dissuade her, taking her instead down the route of botany. But while Kayla loved her plants, she felt a deep longing to work hands-on with wildlife, that typical bush job – and this time she was determined to land her dream job.

Kayla started taking every opportunity to gain practical experiences – mostly as a field technician with master’s students, collecting and analysing data. Networking to connect with others in the space was crucial.

And, although it didn’t directly align with her dream of becoming a wildlife researcher, Kayla became a safari guide to build her field experience. She shares:

“Hands down that was the best decision I ever made in my career. I got so much practical experience – I was in the bush every day, learning and meeting people in the industry. It was an amazing experience to solidify the idea that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

“If you’re thinking of doing something and an opportunity arises, don’t think twice and take the leap because you never know how much that could change your life!”

Even though Kayla loved working as a guide, she missed diving deeper into the core of wildlife dynamics and ecology. So, she returned to university to pursue her masters in conservation ecology and spent 15 months living and working in Malawi, collecting data and managing a volunteer program.

Following this, Kayla took a job as a Science Officer at a volunteer research base which combined safari guiding with conservation biology. Every day, Kayla took volunteers on guided drives to monitor wildlife. After two years, COVID hit and the research base shut down.

At first, Kayla spent time at home without work but a call out-of-the-blue changed that. Kayla jumped at an opportunity to work with Elephants Alive as a GIS technician – a role that spanned everything from collaring and tracking elephants in the field to creating maps and analysing data in the office. She reflects:

“I didn’t have extensive GIS experience before starting the position – I was very much self-taught, but I said yes to the opportunity and felt lucky to have a manager who took me under her wing.”

Walking into conservation storytelling

For Kayla, one of the most significant challenges in wildlife conservation was conveying the importance of conservation practices to a wider audience. She saw the value of community education on global platforms like social media – especially when misconceptions about conservation efforts could lead to backlash and reduce the capacity for strong conservation action and secure funding to support wildlife.

As a result, Kayla found herself doing more conservation storytelling – focusing on education and engagement, especially on social media. She shares:

“I enjoyed it so much that I started taking steps to make a career transition into photography and social media storytelling. Recently, I took the big leap, left my job, and decided to just run with it.”

Advice for a career with wildlife

Reflecting on her own experiences – and responding to countless messages from aspiring conservationists – Kayla shares some of her top tips for pursuing a career in wildlife conservation:

Finding your path in wildlife conservation

The road to a career in wildlife conservation may seem daunting, but it is so important to reach out to industry professionals for both practical opportunities and career resources. Kayla explains that in the conservation field, there is a common misconception that the only job option is becoming a biologist – however there are so many other ways to contribute to conservation!

Additionally, ecotourism and conservation storytelling are often overlooked as legitimate options – but the income and livelihood generated from wildlife tourism is critical for securing many species and their habitats into the future.

Personalised mentorship: A key to success

Kayla highlights the significance of seeking one-on-one mentorship opportunities with experienced individuals in the field. While it may feel intimidating to connect with established professionals, personalised mentorship can provide invaluable guidance tailored to you.

Overcoming fear and doubt

Cultivating self-confidence to overcome your fears and doubts is especially important in the conservation field. Kayla emphasises the importance of taking calculated risks, embracing change, and trusting your intuition. She encourages aspiring conservationists to build a strong sense of self – write down your goals, evaluate your options, and be open to evolving career paths.

Embracing career evolution

Kayla’s journey highlights the importance of embracing change and recognising that career aspirations can evolve over time. By staying open-minded and flexible, you can adapt to new opportunities and find fulfilment in their conservation journey.

And as your career progresses, your priorities can shift, leading to new opportunities and adventures. Kayla encourages embracing growth and evolution, even if it means transitioning from a field-centric role to a different lifestyle.

By recognising the importance of personal growth and adapting to changing circumstances, aspiring conservationists can navigate their career paths with confidence and resilience.

Keep in touch

Navigating a career in wildlife conservation requires dedication, passion, and resilience. With the right guidance and mindset, you can overcome challenges to pursue your dream job, and make a meaningful impact for wildlife conservation.

Kayla’s insights serve as a valuable resource for anyone looking to kickstart the journey into the captivating world of wildlife conservation.

If you want to hear more from Kayla, follow her adventures on Instagram @kaylaz.wildlife or TikTok @kaylaz.wildlife.

Author Profile | Susie Stockwell

Susie Stockwell (she/her) is a field ecologist, science communicator and creator of the blog and podcast, #itsawildlife, a platform to support people on their journey to work their dream job in wildlife science or conservation. Based on beautiful Menang country on the south coast of Western Australia, Susie is passionate about finding novel solutions for wildlife conservation and opening up the space to promote engagement and involvement for everyone interested in pursuing this career.

Interviews, Celebrating Diversity in Conservation, Communicator, Educator, Scientist