Wonder Woman of the Week: Jamie Paterson

Typically, the articles on this blog are about women from either the past or the present day who are well-known role models who symbolize the strength and power of Wonder Woman. This week’s Wonder Woman however is one woman who is laying the foundation for a future in feminism. She is a law student, a conservationist, and a wildlife biologist on the frontlines of the next major extermination event educating a new generation of naturalists on the endangered species of South Africa’s Kruger National Park. The Wonder Woman of the Week is Jamie Paterson.

Jamie Paterson was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. After graduating from college at St. John’s College with top honors, , she briefly worked on the Tswalu Private Game Reserve before moving to the United Kingdom to obtain her law degree from the University of Cambridge- where she also played on the university’s soccer team. The life a lawyer was not for Paterson though, so after completing her degree with honors, she returned to South Africa to work as a walking/driving field guide for safaris. [1]

The wildlife biologist/conservation lawyer/soccer star Jamie Paterson had her childhood vacations to thank for her return to South Africa. Growing up, she and her family took frequent trips into the wilds of South Africa to explore nature which made an early impression on the would-be naturalist. Paterson once stated, “My ultimate goal was to be able to continue learning about the nature throughout South Africa and to be able to share my experience and enthusiasm with the people that I interact with.” [2]

Upon returning to work in the South African countryside, conversationalist Jamie Paterson’s life took on an enviable level of extremity. Starting her day at 5am, Paterson recounted a story about her average day at work in 2014. “As I sit in the dark, sipping my coffee, I can hear the lions calling just across the river…” She continued to recall a story of coming upon a leopard with the new recruit and recording a pack of elephants who crossed their path. After an afternoon of having the volunteers wash her car, Paterson and the other park staff had a “five-star” meal of chicken and rice over a fire to end the day. [3]

Jamie Paterson is now one member of a team of conservationists working for National Geographic Wild as a co-host for an experimental show which brings a live safari to international audiences. The aim of Safari: Live! is to introduce the wildlife of Kruger National Park in South Africa to television viewers around the world. On the show, hosts- like Paterson- drive and walk around the park documenting the rare and endangered species who call it home while educating the audience on the behavior and conservation of the animals which range from as small as tadpoles and spiders to giraffe and crocodiles. [4]

With a charismatic team of hosts educating the next generation of naturalists, Nat Geo Wild is able to bring the lives of South Africa’s endangered animals to living rooms across the world. Jamie Paterson is one of these hosts using her knowledge of conservation and her passion for South African wildlife to educate viewers on dozens of endangered species likely to go extinct within the next hundred years. Grim foresight aside, Paterson and her co-hosts are part of a larger group of international conservationists working to preserve the legacy of these incredible creatures- an act of true heroism if there ever was one.

“Jamie Paterson Bio.” Nat Geo Wild. National Geographic Magazine; nd. Web. 22 February 2017.

Lucas, Brian. “Profile: WE Welcomes Jamie Paterson.” Wild Earth. Wild Earth Media; 31 July 2015. Web 22 February 2017.

Cobb, Rosanne. “A Day In The Life Of A Bushwise Student.” The Good Safari Guide; 4 February 2014. Web. 22 February 2017.

Wood, Jennifer M. “25 Amazing Photos from Nat Geo WILD’s ‘Safari Live.’” Mental Floss. 28 November 2015. Web 22 February 2017.