WWF Travel Blog

Brendan in front of a large Mapajo tree in Madidi National Park, Bolivian Amazon. © Brendan Rohr

The third in our summer series introducing you to WWF employees as passionate about seeing the world’s wild places as they are about protecting them.

Brendan Rohr, Media Relations Specialist, chats with us about his most exciting animal encounter and why he’ll always love the Florida Keys.

How did you catch the travel bug?
I was a weird kid. At a very young age I became obsessed with tropical rain forests and the idea of exploring the Amazon. That said, it wasn’t until I studied abroad in Chile as an undergrad that I realized how much I really love getting to know new places and cultures.
 
What’s been your top natural spot to visit?
Maybe the mangrove islands of the Lower Florida Keys backcountry. I’ve been going with my family since I was a kid, and we’ve shared countless incredible memories there. Exploring the tidal creeks and observing wildlife above and below the water’s surface is something I think I’ll never get sick of.
 
What’s the most remote place you’ve visited?
The Quiquibey River in the Bolivian Amazon. I spent several days living with an indigenous community, about four hours by motorboat from the nearest town. For nearly a week I didn’t see a single other Westerner. At one point I found myself deep in the forest in the pitch black of night, standing next to (but unable to see) my guide. He was wielding a decent-sized knife to “guard against pumas.” It suddenly dawned on me that I really didn’t know where I was or who I was with. Might have been the most exhilarating moment of my life.

What are your top three dream nature destinations?
Papua New Guinea, the Pantanal in South America and British Columbia.

Thinking back over your trips, tell us about one of your best observations of an animal?
My first ocelot sighting in the Panamanian rain forest. I was working with an organization to raise, release and track harpy eagles, and this often involved solo night hikes to feed the birds as they acclimated to the forest. One night I pointed my flashlight up a steep slope and caught the eyeshine of an ocelot. I dove into the brush after him to get a better look – he kept his distance as I followed him up the hill, but would always stop when I did and fix his eyes on me. Finally, when I thought I had lost him, I pointed the flashlight to my right and the cat was sitting on a fallen tree, looking at me from maybe 40 feet away. The whole experience was pretty amazing.

What’s one item you never leave home without?
An Ohio State cut-off shirt.

What’s your best or most frequently used eco-friendly travel tip?
Use common sense. Don’t purchase food or souvenirs that you think might contribute to the degradation of local habitats.