Deborah Lanzi Mazzocchini

Born and raised in Italy, Deborah's love for animals and nature was evident from a young age. Despite growing up in the big city of Rome, her curiosity for the natural world intensitied as she got older. It was in 2015, at the age of 19 and during her first solo visit to South Africa, that Deborah's path truly crystallized. It was her first encounter with Africa’s diverse ecosystems and majestic wildlife -  particularly a herd of African elephants - that ignited a fire within her. During this time, she volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation centre in the Eastern Cape,  where she discovered the field of wildlife conservation. The connection she felt with the land and its inhabitants was undeniable, revealing her true purpose.

Deborah’s curiosity to learn more led her to pursue a BSc in Natural Sciences at Sapienza University of Rome. Her academic journey was complemented by volunteering for four years at a project focused on the conservation of the first Italian Appennine wolf breeding pack on the outskirts of Rome. After finishing her studies, she took part in the European Solidarity Corps EU programme to survey and assess the level of biodiversity in protected forests in central Italy, focussing on some endangered species of plants, mammals, birds, insects and amphibians.

Her fascination with African landscapes and her passion for the wildlife that inhabit them found her returning to South Africa in 2021. She worked for a year as a field research assistant at the remote Kalahari Research Centre for the Kalahari Meerkat Project, collecting social and behavioural data on wild-habituated Meerkats. Later on, propelled by her eagerness to learn more about the cultural and natural heritage of southern Africa and develop new skills, Deborah took a significant step forward in her journey by qualifying as a FGASA NQF2 Field Guide. This role allows her to share her passion and knowledge with others, but more importantly, to educate by bringing people closer to nature and helping them to develop a deeper appreciation of nature and conservation.

Over the years, her passion for wildlife and conservation naturally intersected with a growing interest in photography. Her camera lens has become her favourite medium to portray the majesty and vulnerability of the creatures she encounters, while also educating people about pressing conservation issues and encouraging a collective responsibility to protect our ecosystems.

In her spare time, Deborah recharges her batteries by reading, practising Pilates or yoga, editing her countless photographs, and spending time outdoors hiking or just exploring local natural areas. She is also developing an interest in birding, which she loves to blend with her photography.

All her volunteering and travelling experiences not only enriched her knowledge and enhanced her passion for the conservation field but also solidified her commitment to preserving the natural world. Deborah sees the MSc in Conservation Biology as an invaluable opportunity to lay the foundation for her career in conservation by obtaining necessary skills and learning from inspiring and experienced researchers.