Tom Svensson’s Fight Against Wildlife Crime - podcast edition
Get ready for a gripping episode of Naturespace with Haith’s as Simon King welcomes two extraordinary guests: Tom Svensson, a world-renowned wildlife photographer who reveals his undercover past, and champion budgie breeder Chris Snell.
What starts as a conversation about photography and conservation takes a dramatic turn, when Tom reveals the truth behind his time working undercover as a photographer to expose global scale wildlife crime.
Alongside Chris, Tom shares stories of friendship, risk, and the ongoing battle to protect the world’s most vulnerable animals.
Key Highlights:
- From Photographer to Undercover Agent
In a shocking revelation, Tom Svensson shares how his career as a wildlife photographer was originally a cover for his covert work tracking the blood money behind illegal wildlife crime. Working undercover, Tom faced life-threatening situations, including being kidnapped by those seeking to exploit endangered species for profit. His experience shines a light on the dark world of wildlife trafficking, where greed and brutality endanger both animals and those trying to save them.
- Fighting Animal Cruelty with World Animal Protection
After moving on from undercover operations, Tom is now dedicated to helping animals on a global scale through [World Animal Protection](https://www.worldanimalprotection.org). He talks about his current mission, working to rescue and rehabilitate mistreated and tortured animals. Tom’s passion for wildlife protection has only deepened, and he shares stories that highlight the urgent need to stop animal cruelty wherever it’s found.
- The Environmental Devastation of Palm Oil
Tom doesn’t hold back when it comes to exposing the damage caused by palm oil production. He explains how vast areas of rainforest are being destroyed, pushing species like orangutans to the brink of extinction. The discussion emphasises how important it is for consumers to make informed choices that don’t contribute to this destruction.
- A Friendship Built on Conservation
Tom and Chris discuss how their shared passion for animal welfare brought them together. Chris’s experience as a budgie breeder offers a unique contrast to Tom’s work in the wild, but their friendship has flourished through a mutual commitment to the care and protection of animals. Their stories reveal the deep connections that can form through a shared love of nature.
- A Day in the Wild: Through Tom’s Eyes
Ever wondered what it’s like to spend a day as a wildlife photographer? Tom takes listeners on a journey into the wild, describing the challenges of working in remote locations, waiting for hours—sometimes days—to capture the perfect shot. He shares the tension of knowing that while he’s photographing some of the world’s most beautiful animals, he’s also witnessing the impact of human destruction all around him. It’s a vivid portrayal of the highs and lows of life on the front lines of conservation.
Takeaway Message:
Tom leaves us with a powerful message: you don’t need to be on the front lines risking your life to make a difference for nature. There are small but significant steps we can all take. Supporting organisations like [World Animal Protection](https://www.worldanimalprotection.org), making sustainable consumer choices, and raising awareness about environmental issues are all part of the solution. And right in our own gardens, we can make a difference by feeding the birds with good quality bird food from Haith’s] https://www.haiths.com). Helping wildlife starts at home, and by taking these steps, we can all contribute to a healthier planet.
Learn More:
- Explore Haith’s range of premium bird foods and nature-positive products at Haith’s (https://www.haiths.com).
- Support global efforts to protect animals through [World Animal Protection](https://www.worldanimalprotection.org).
Written by Simon King.
