African Wildlife & Environment Issue 78

ECO HERO

reciprocate, instead of moaning about our tiger problems. I walked past a shop yesterday and saw a glider and momentarily thought of sending a pic to Petri… I’m sure he will be in my heart and thoughts for a long time. Wayne and Jenny Getz (California, USA) - Petri was one of the finest people we knew: kind and compassionate to people, and passionate about wildlife conservation. He contributed so much to wildlife conservation in southern Africa, and I know he will be greatly missed by the wildlife/conservation community at large.

Small consolation that he was involved in his beloved conservation in the Africa he loved. I am devastated to hear about Petri’s passing. It was a pleasure to work with him all these years and he was always such a gentleman. I will miss him dearly. I pray that his soul rests in perfect peace. John Stewart (Queensland, Australia) - The word 'gentleman' came into being centuries ago. It had to wait until the arrival of Petri Viljoen to find its full meaning.The crippling sense of loss we are all feeling now is the measure of the man. To Zanne and the girls, I send love and good wishes that can never diminish that loss but will, I hope, be a small part of the strength gained from so many who loved and respected Petri. I will miss my dear old mate. Sven Bourquin (Botswana) - I wish I could be writing this to you under other circumstances. I am so very sorry for what has happened. Petri and I worked together many times, beginning in 2010 at Dibatana in Botswana, and since then in other areas in northern Botswana. I would like to say that I greatly admired and respected Petri for the man he was. I looked up to him as a mentor and often asked myself what he would do before I made my own decision on a subject. I am greatly saddened to lose him as a friend, and I wish you and your family strength and love in the time ahead. Brian Walker (Australia) - I was very fond of Petri and admired him greatly, not only for his abilities and the quality of his work, but also because he was such a fine, likeable person. I have many good memories of the times we spent together. I do hope that you and your daughters are able to support each other and celebrate Petri’s wonderful life. Gary Verstick (Hong Kong) - Our sincerest condolences. Yes, I was stunned and mortified by the news from Brad… still cannot believe it. The number of times I was able to meet with Petri I could count on two hands and though 1,000s of miles away I considered him my best friend. My mundane city life was always enriched by his life and activities and his frequent emails gave me a vicarious enjoyment.Tales of drones, model planes, wildlife counts, expeditions, and even mountain bike rides were enriching. I always wished I could

Magda Bermego (Congo-Brazzaville) - Petri lived a science passion. With passion, a person has the force to contribute to something beyond oneself. Chris Marais - May Petri’s spirit live on in the Okavango Delta and in many an African country, in many a plant, river, wetland and animal species. He served and literally sacrificed his life. Grégor Wolter (Pretoria) - I have little experience in the loss of loved ones but believe that death is only hard for those of us who stay behind. As you (Nini) said, your Dad was doing what he loved and is, no doubt, in a good place now. If you can take solace in that and celebrate his life and what he did for so many, it might ease your grief while time helps you live with your loss. Jac Marais (Pretoria) - Although I knew him only briefly, my memories of him are beautiful. One in particular stands out: at Nini’s admission

56 | African Wildlife & Environment | Issue 78 (2021)