A qualified nature guide and avid conservationist, Candice McKibbin is one of those people who is utterly obsessed with the work she does.
Although she grew up in Durban, Candice has moved around a lot. She always knew she wanted to return to KZN though, and when she married her husband Richard, they made Umhlanga their home. A true nature-lover, she says she grew up on tales of the wild – her mom was born in Tanzania before living in the Kruger Park for many years, and Candice says her childhood was filled with stories from these untamed places. “Conservation is in my DNA,” she laughs. “My roots are wild!”
Candice’s husband Richard is also a passionate naturalist and guide and soon after the couple got married, they spent two years working on leopard research in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. In 2016, they decided to start their own business called The Lionheart Experience. Now, they work on several research, education and tourism projects, all of which centre on their passion for conservation.
As part of their work, Candice and Richard go into eco-estates to help with conservation management, as well as education programmes and events that seek to get residents involved in conservation efforts. These events, which include birding workshops for both adults and kids, are proving very popular and Candice says it’s amazing to see how people love to get involved in taking care of the environment. “It’s so special to see love and passion for nature grow, especially among children” says Candice. “It’s also incredible to see how a child’s passion can impact their parents. It inspires parents to get invested and to make better decisions.”
Besides their work in eco-estates, Candice and Richard have also continued their work in research over the years. Richard has been working for some time on python research in Ballito with well-known snake rescuer Nick Evans, and they have even managed to place tracking devices on these elusive creatures to better understand their movements, numbers and potential threats.
The couple also offers guided walks and conservation safaris, something that Candice finds deeply rewarding. “I live for seeing people’s reactions in nature,” she says. “I love seeing people experience something for the first time, or to help them overcome a fear. It’s a very impactful experience.”
When it comes to working together as a couple, Candice says that while it comes with its challenges, it’s really a gift to be able to share a passion with the person she loves. “People are often amazed at how we can spend so much time together, and we do have our days,” she laughs. “But we are truly blessed to work together.”
Details: www.thelionheart.co.za; 082 331 3256; [email protected]; IG: @thelionheartexperience; FB: The LionHeart Experience
Photographs: Supplied
