“Elephant matriarchs don’t try and be bulls. They just are who they are.”
Dr Tammie Matson
DR TAMMIE MATSON
Dr Tammie Matson is zoologist specialising in elephants who has inspired thousands of people, from children to adults, to achieve their dreams through her award-winning books, speeches and African adventures. Inspired by a visit to Zimbabwe at the age of fifteen, Tammie achieved what many said could not be done as a young woman from North Queensland, by first becoming a wildlife researcher in Africa, then achieving a PhD in zoology and becoming a published author – all before she turned 25.
From the jungles of Borneo, to the plains of Africa, to the black markets of Vietnam, Dr Tammie Matson has been on a mission for over two decades to save endangered wildlife. She has survived charges by lions, been almost crushed by elephants in the Namibian desert, stood up to angry Zimbabwean war veterans and seen first hand the brutal war against ruthless poachers and the bloody carcasses of the wildlife she loves.
She has met presidents and traffickers in palaces and tourist markets, journeying to the dark heart of the dark illegal ivory and rhino horn industry in South East Asia. Today, she balances her passionate commitment to conservation with running her ethical safari business, Matson & Ridley Safaris, and being a mother to her two young sons, Solo and Shep. Together with her conservationist husband, Andy Ridley, she continues to work towards the conservation of nature through her conservation safaris and projects throughout Africa.
“We were thrilled to welcome Tammie back to St Patrick’s College Townsville (her former high school) to talk to our students and alumni about her adventurous career. Tammie captivated her audience and left us wanting to hear more. Tammie is an inspiring presenter, articulate and warm with a sense of humour as she uses her experience as an international wildlife conservationist to deliver a powerful message to women about overcoming fear and following your passion.”
Paulina Skerman | Principal, St Patrick’s College Townsville
Julie Heckscher
“While working in Singapore for a number of years, I had occasion to attend, participate in and officiate at innumerable events of every shape, colour and size. It is one of the great pleasures of an overseas posting. One such event that I hosted, and which still stands out for me, was a ‘Let Elephants be Elephants’ presentation by Australian zoologist and author, Dr Tammie Matson. It stood out for the passion and commitment of its delivery, the depth and interest of its content, and for the way it engaged its audience, from the very young to the very old, inspiring many of them to action. I look forward to being again in the right city at the right time to join another presentation by Dr Matson.”
“Dr Tammie Matson was invited to be the guest speaker at our annual SAVE the African Rhino Foundation (NSW) fundraising event. Due to her vast first-hand experience with wildlife and especially elephants, Tammie proved to be a fantastic speaker, thoroughly charming the audience with her personable manner and engaging stories appealing to the conservationist in each of us. The event was a huge success thanks to Tammie.”
Shaun Smith, Treasurer | SAVE Foundation, NSW Australia
Dr Nigel Taylor
“Having Tammie Matson speak at the Singapore Botanic Gardens was a huge privilege and drew a larger and more diverse crowd than our regular speakers. Her enthusiasm and sincerity for the plight of elephants engaged the audience and attracted many questions. She is a brave activist for a good cause and we should all pay more respect to these extraordinary animals by avoiding the purchase of ivory.”
Dr Nigel Taylor, Director | Singapore Botanic Gardens
Andrea McDonald
“Our college has had the privilege of participating in Tammie Matson’s interactive talks on several occasions, and Tammie has inspired our students to take personal action in the conservation of elephants. Not only are her presentations educational and engaging, but she has an innate ability to connect with both an adult audience and children of all ages. Her personal anecdotes are entertaining and inspiring. Tammie Matson gives us hope for the future of the elephant – she moves us to take action and make a difference. Like the elephant she has pledged to protect, her experience and passion is unforgettable.”
Andrea McDonald, Grade 5 Teacher | United World College, SEA, Singapore
Susan Edwards
“Dr Tammie Matson has spoken at the United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA), Singapore on several occasions and most recently, she was a guest speaker at the Round Square International Conference hosted by UWCSEA. A knowledgable and talented speaker, Tammie relates to and engages her audiences of all ages easily; she never fails to inspire. An excellent communicator, Tammie’s presentations are interactive and challenge our understanding of animal conservation.”
Susan Edwards | Head of Global Concerns, United World College, SEA, Singapore
Lucinda Bertram
“Tammie is an engaging speaker with an inspiring story to tell. In the corporate world we often say “it’s wild out there” and for Tammie it literally is. Despite the monumental and complex challenges she faces as a wildlife campaigner, Tammie delivers an encouraging message. She opens the audiences’ hearts and minds to a world a long way from their desk but with several surprising parallels.”
“Tammie has a special gift. She is able to capture the rooms attention completely for her entire presentation. Mouths are always agape with her storytelling, the audience transfixed with her enthralling takes on wildlife and life . They way that Tammie is able to use her experiences and challenges and work them to the theme of the event is admirable. Not only is her confident presence on stage notable, but Tammie is just so great to deal with . Professional , friendly and a great communicator. I would engage Tammie in a heartbeat , over and over again. “
Veronica Lake , General Manager Events , Women and Leadership Australia
Matson & Ridley Safaris is the product of a lifetime’s passion and love for Africa and its wild places, people and animals. Co-founded by zoologist, elephant expert and best-selling author, Dr Tammie Matson, and Earth Hour founder and movement builder, Andy Ridley, in 2013, this family business is first and foremost a conservation organisation. When you go on a safari with Matson & Ridley, you won’t just have the experience of a lifetime; you are also directly contributing to the conservation of Africa’s wildlife. Join us in Africa for a life-changing journey today.
I consider myself incredibly blessed to have been able to experience my first journey to Africa under Tammie’s guidance. I travel far too often but this journey is one that has changed my life and has put a giant notch deep in my heart leaving me feeling that Africa is my second home. Hassle free, magical and breath taking. When are we going back?
Nadya Hutagalung, Singapore/Indonesia
Leonie Bayley, Sydney
It was such a wonderful time. The group was great thoroughly enjoyed our meals with each other as it was still intimate with the 13 of us! Such fun we had! With you as our leader you were just perfect! I am so glad I have met you (finally) and travelled with you, you are an inspiration! Keep up all your fantastic work!
Leonie Bayley, Sydney
Rosemary & Steve Martin
We had an absolutely brilliant time! Rates on par with the Galápagos Islands for me. All went according to plan and even at Xigera, where birds are the focus, Julian and Maria were happily entertained by the colours and variety. The whole trip was just perfect in terms of variety, and everywhere we went the guides were great.
Rosemary & Steve Martin, Canberra, Australia
Aodan Peacock
I can say ,most sincerely, that the highlight for me was the seamless, trouble-free experience you created. Everything went exactly to plan. I appreciate deeply how you turned what was a somewhat complicated arrangement into a truly memorable adventure for us both. I will recommend without hesitation your services to everyone I meet who would like to go on safari or suchlike.
Aodan Peacock, Australian In The USA
Dish & Sid, Singapore
Visting Zimbabwe with Dr Tammie Matson has been one of the most memorable trips for Dish and I. Her knowledge, admiration and most of all love for the people of Africa changed the trip from being just tourist safari to an experience with the locals she knew well.
Dish & Sid, Singapore
Alice Bertram, Australia
On the trip we saw over 100 elephants, 13 lions, 3 leopards, 12 wild dogs, baby hyenas (pretty much baby everything) a cheetah and a truck load more! I became great friends with everyone on the trip and we plan to stay in touch. I also became great friends with the staff at all three camps and I even got to make my own traditional bracelet and was crowned queen of the Okavango delta.
Alice Bertram, Australia
Gijs Nieuwenhuijs, Hong Kong
In 2009 Tammie Matson helped me organise a safari trip to the Okavango Delta, the Moremi Game Reserve and the Linyanti Reserve in Botswana, Africa. This journey was without a doubt one of the most fantastic holidays me and my wife have ever undertaken. Tammie’s knowledge of the best places to go and best camps in the Botswana to stay at, made the whole trip a magical experience.
Gijs Nieuwenhuijs, Hong Kong
Fleur Thomas, New Zealand/USA/Singapore)
It was such a privilege to lose my safari virginity with you. I remain overwhelmed and so grateful for the opportunity to see up close the heroic beauty and magic of all those animals.
