At 88-years-old, few can look back on a life as rich and adventure-filled as that of David Cook. A retired yet steadfast advocate for effective wildlife conservation management and biodiversity policy, he has spent decades immersed in the rugged landscapes of Southern Africa. From pioneering efforts in the Natal Parks Board to battling the scourge of rhino poaching, his life’s work has been dedicated to protecting and preserving the natural world.
A passionate endurance sports enthusiast, he has tackled canoeing, running, hiking, and mountain biking with an unrelenting spirit. Among his many personal triumphs, completing the gruelling Sani2C mountain bike race at the age of 85—alongside his son, Andrew—stands as a testament to his unwavering determination and passion for the wild.
His recently published autobiography, A Life—In Wild Places, spans over 600 pages and is enriched with photographs that bring his incredible journey to life. In its pages, he takes readers from his childhood in wartime Pietermaritzburg to his school days at Maritzburg College, his army service in the Royal Natal Carbineers, and his explorations of Southern Africa’s most treasured game reserves and parks.
With 30 years of service in the Natal Parks Board, he held various positions in both the Drakensberg and Zululand, ultimately rising to the rank of Deputy Director. Retirement, however, was only a technicality. A move to Tulbagh in the Cape saw him and his wife, Julie, run a private safari business and a charming B&B. Eventually, Hilton in KwaZulu-Natal called him home, where he continued leading safaris into Zululand.
Perhaps one of his most significant chapters unfolded during his nine years working alongside his old friend and mentor, Dr Ian Player. Together, they and a small group of dedicated conservationists formed The Conservation Imperative, an initiative aimed at combating the rampant poaching of white rhinos. His passion for conservation remains undiminished, and he firmly believes that South Africa must adopt a far more radical approach to saving its wildlife heritage before it is too late.
Looking back on a life filled with adventure, challenges, and deep purpose, he finds immense satisfaction in having chronicled his experiences. His journey, laced with humour and drama, has been one of relentless passion for the wilderness. Writing A Life—In Wild Places was both cathartic and fulfilling—a way to preserve not only his memories but also the legacy of conservation for generations to come. Email David to get your hands on his wonderful book!