Nature Roars Back with Bob Poole

When Bob Poole was 17 and living in East Africa, he was invited by chance on an expedition with a National Geographic film crew. This led to his becoming a camera assistant and ultimately a cinematographer for National Geographic.

Since then he has filmed dozens of documentaries, travelling to remote and dangerous locations and framing nature with stunning artistry.

“I always picked the jobs that led to the best adventures,” said Poole, commenting on some of the incredible places he’s worked. His heart and soul, however, will always be in Africa. After making a documentary with his sister, Dr Joyce Poole, a leader in the study of elephant behaviour, Poole also became fascinated with the animal.

“Even though I’ve watched elephants for most of my career, they still constantly amaze me,” he commented.

More recently his focus has been Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique. The civil war that raged between 1977 and 1992, followed by three years of uncontrolled hunting, reduced the animal population by up to 90%, and considerably damaged the land and foliage. An intense and collaborative international effort to restore the park has resulted in a miraculous regeneration of flora and fauna.

Nature Roars Back is the name of Poole’s speaking tour during which he will show films, tell stories and answer questions about his experiences in general, but in particular about the amazing resurgence of Gorongosa.

“What I’m talking about on this tour…is how resilient nature is and that given a chance, if we just leave it alone, it just comes bounding back.”

While he doesn’t see himself as an activist, he is glad he has managed to “get other people to care about things they didn’t even know about”.

Audience members are strongly encouraged to ask questions. Poole especially likes questions from kids – one of his favourites being: “Do you have a dog?” (RB)

Aug 19, 7:30pm. Sydney Opera House. $40.50-$65. Tickets & info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com or (02) 9250 7777

BY RITA BRATOVICH