

Professor Carl Jones, conservation biologist
Apr 13, 2025
Carl Jones, a conservation biologist renowned for rescuing the Mauritius kestrel from extinction, shares his extraordinary journey. He discusses his innovative breeding methods that brought the kestrel back from the brink, along with touching stories about his bond with Andean condors. Jones reflects on how childhood memories sparked his passion for wildlife and explores the emotional challenges of conservation. He also emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and his role in restoring ecosystems, including introducing giant tortoises to Mauritius.
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Empathizing With Andean Condors
- Carl Jones empathized deeply with his hand-reared Andean condors to rehabilitate and encourage natural behaviors.
- He used adjacent cages and controlled interactions to manage their aggression and socialization.
Childhood Backyard Menagerie
- Carl Jones kept a menagerie of up to 40 animals in his Carmarthen backyard, including rescued birds and wild mammals.
- His parents' reactions varied, with his father dismayed but his mother supportive until a snake caused chaos.
Family Links to Dylan Thomas
- Carl's grandfather, a butcher, inspired a character in Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood.
- The playful teasing between his grandfather and Dylan Thomas showed the family's connection to Welsh culture and literature.