Macquarie Island - as a Wildlife Ranger
Macquarie Island is a place that I have wanted to work at for over a decade. I first learnt about the island during my undergraduate degree and ever since then I have been striving to land an opportunity. And now, here I am employed as the Wildlife Ranger with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service for the next 12 months. To say that I am stoked is an understatement.
To start the season off with a bang, I thought, what better time to shave off all of my hair and raise some money for a cause that I am deeply passionate about: The Macquarie Island Conservation Foundation. Their aim is to support science, research and management on the island, to benefit the conservation and protection of this very wild and special place.
Three days after we waved Nuyina goodbye, it was time for the big chop. The 79th ANARE team gathered in the mess to watch as our talented station hairdressers (Sophie, Liam and Braydo) put their three hours of hairdressing training to the test, and took my hair on a journey of outrageous hairstyles until it was all gone.
I am loving the no-hair life, particularly the convenience when out in the field. Although, note to self: a beanie is now essential when spending more than five minutes outside.
I have been absolutely blown away by the generosity of donations from fellow expeditioners, round-trippers who came down for the resupply, and family and friends back home. Thank you all. Now for a year of re-growing my hair and wildlife monitoring on this incredible island.
Karina Sorrell, Wildlife Ranger
