Rewilding Africa: The lasting environmental legacy of Tony Fitzjohn

Each week, One Earth is proud to feature a Climate Hero from around the globe, working to create a world where humanity and nature can thrive together.

Tony Fitzjohn’s journey into the heart of wild Africa began far from the savannas he came to call home. Born in London in 1945 and adopted as an infant, Fitzjohn’s early life was marked by rebellion and restlessness. But a childhood illness, and a copy of Tarzan of the Apes, sparked a dream that would define his life. After being expelled from jobs and drifting through South Africa, he hitchhiked to Kenya in 1971, seeking purpose and adventure. What he found was a mission.

Becoming the protégé of George Adamson

Arriving at the remote Kora camp on the Tana River, Fitzjohn offered to help famed conservationist George Adamson, who, along with his wife Joy, had become internationally known through Born Free. The bestselling book and later a film told the true story of Elsa, a lioness the couple raised and successfully released back into the wild, sparking a global movement for wildlife conservation.

Fitzjohn was taken on as an assistant by George Adamson, beginning an 18-year apprenticeship in the remote Kenyan bush where he helped rewild lions, leopards, and African wild dogs. With no formal training, he learned by doing—becoming a skilled pilot, mechanic, builder, and protector in a harsh and often lawless environment. In the process, he formed deep emotional bonds with the animals—one, a lion named Christian, famously recognized him years after release. 

Mkomazi Reserve and a new conservation frontier

After Adamson’s death in 1989, Fitzjohn moved to Tanzania to rebuild the Mkomazi Game Reserve—a neglected, poached-out landscape whose name literally meant “no water.” With grit and vision, he transformed the area into a thriving ecosystem. Over the next three decades, Fitzjohn and his team:

• Built one of Africa’s most successful black rhino sanctuaries.
• Reintroduced African wild dogs.
• Created anti-poaching infrastructure and patrols.
• Developed community programs for clean water, healthcare, and education.
• Founded schools and brought local students into the park to foster a love of nature.

His conservation model didn’t end at protecting animals—it included uplifting communities, recognizing that people and nature must thrive together.

A life of passion, purpose, and risk

Tony’s life was never easy, nor did he seek comfort. From confronting armed poachers to battling corrupt officials, he pushed through adversity with humor and unrelenting resolve. He described himself as “the Keith Richards of conservation,” known as much for his wild energy as his work ethic. In his later years, he returned to Kenya with hopes of revitalizing the now-declined Kora Reserve, completing the circle of his conservation journey.

A personal connection to One Earth

Tony Fitzjohn’s impact extended far beyond the parks he protected. At One Earth, many on our team had the privilege of working closely with Tony during their time at the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF). Our Executive Director, Justin Winters, and our Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, Kate Thomas, developed a relationship with him through years of partnership and support.

LDF proudly funded Tony’s work at Mkomazi, backing his vision of integrated conservation that protected endangered species, restored ecosystems, and invested in local communities. He was more than a grantee—he was a friend, a mentor, and a force of nature who inspired our mission and reminded us what dedication to the planet truly looks like.

The lasting legacy of Tony Fitzjohn

Tony Fitzjohn passed away in 2022 after a long battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy as vast and enduring as the landscapes he helped restore. His work protected Africa’s most iconic species, restored ecosystems that play a vital role in our planet’s health, and demonstrated that large-scale conservation can go hand in hand with community empowerment.

Fitzjohn lives on through the continued efforts of his family, colleagues, and countless others inspired by his life’s work. His story reminds us that bold, place-based action rooted in love for nature can ripple far beyond its borders, shaping a more just and environmentally conscious future for all life on Earth.