Author: Dr Matthew J Muir
Photo Courtesy: Julie Courtesy
I was very saddened to hear of the passing on Professor Tony English.
I had the pleasure of conversing and brainstorming with Tony in the Australian Outback.
We shared a couple of days and late nights discussing the state of wildlife, particularly the impact feral animals have in Australia.
As a young vet and nature enthusiast I outlined my ideas about how Australia could rid itself of the feral cat and european red fox. Tony advised it was not possible and we needed to focus on other approaches.
Tony gave me an overview of wildlife field immobilisation and provided me with literature and guidelines to learn how to do this safely and effectively. This would later prove useful while working in Kenya's northern conservancies helping to immobilise lion to radio collar.
Tony was pivotal in the creation of Sydney University's Wildlife Health and Conservation Centre (one of only a handful of University-based Wildlife Centres in the World).
Tony was also one of the key visionaries in creating AMRRIC (Animal Management in Remote and Regional Indigenous Communities) which has helped many animals and the local people who have benefited from the flow-on public health benefits. He is remembered by AMRRIC here.
Rest in Peace Tony, your passing is a huge loss for the global conversation effort, your energy and achievements remain highly motivating.
Tony's illustrious career is outlined here