Mick Fanning And Tyler Wright On Safari In ZAF

Finally got around to watching The Cove. Being someone who completely ignores movie reviews I had no idea what I was walking into and wow is it hectic. Basically, all the dolphins are getting slaughtered and you should stay away from canned tuna for the rest of your life. Should’ve just rewatched The Room. 

But it got me thinking. What have I done in regards to wildlife conservation? So what if I’ve been commenting on Jeremy Flores’ shark culling posts on Instagram for years now. That’s nothing. 

Mick and Tyler Wright, brooding over wildlife enclosures just outside of J-Bay. Kinda reminds you of a young Dr. Grant from “Jurassic Park.”

Which brings us to Mick Fanning, bless his soul. Mick’s an ambassador for WildArk. A conservation organisation concerned with protecting the world’s wildest places and wildlife for future generations. While also creating research and experience opportunities for curious young scientists and enthusiasts alike. 

And this year, Mick took Tyler Wright, photographer Corey Wilson, and a few others with him to South Africa pre-Corona J-Bay Open presented by Filipe Toledo alley-oops and potential boating accidents to work alongside him at WildArk. Specifically, Mick took Tyler, Corey, and company out to the Pridelands, a 4500-hectare former buffalo hunting farm that has nothing to do with the setting of The Lion King but rather is a wildlife rehabilitation centre created by WildArk founders Mark and Sophie Hutchinson. You may have seen some of this on Instagram but when these photos landed in our inbox, we felt it rude not to share. 

Tyler Wright inspecting… something by the fences Mick vows to tear down in the name of a better environment.

After a day in the Pridelands, Mick took everyone to the neighbouring York Private Nature Reserve. Where the fences have been dropped and elephants roam alongside other big game. At York, Mick, Tyler, and David met with warden Rian Ahlers, who heads up anti-poaching efforts in the area.

“You’ve heard about all the bad stuff that’s happening to the wildlife in Africa,” said Tyler. “But to come out to see what’s going on first hand gives you a greater appreciation for just how much work is going on in to preserve this area for future generations to enjoy.”

At York, Mick got acquainted with Rian’s anti-poaching dogs. Seeing what they can do first-hand.

From there, Mick took the gang to Londolozi, a commercial safari lounge. There, they learned about the benefits of ecotourism and how tourism, education, wildlife, and the community can exist as one.

He’s Eugene, White Lightning, and could even be Dr. Jane Goodall if he wanted.

Are the phenomenal waves at J-Bay right now a source of good karma? If so, thank Mick. The man has done more to protect South Africa than you can imagine. And that goes beyond punching the occasional grey suit.

“It’s one of my favourite places,” Mick told Stab. “It’s one of my favourite waves. The people in general over there are all time, I love them and have so many good friends over there. I just feel like it’s going home really.”