The Dingo Conservancy was co-founded by Jo Samuel-King and Marcus Gwynne, two people from different backgrounds, united by a shared passion for Australia’s most misunderstood native apex predator.

Jo, a doctor and environmental advocate, fell in love with the Australian bush as a child exploring the wild outskirts of Canberra.  Her fascination with wild canids began with the story of Lobo, a grey wolf immortalised in the writings of Ernest Thompson Seton.  This passion evolved as scientific understanding of apex predators—like wolves and dingoes—grew.

And when she saw dingo tracks in the snow at Mt Hotham Ski resort, she learned that they still exist in Victoria.  She then went on to discover that dingoes play the same keystone ecological role as wolves do.  However, they are the only native Australian species that is not only unprotected but actively persecuted.

Her background in environmental advocacy, spans decades and includes a time on local government as a Bayside City Councillor as well as being the founding president of the Yalukit Willam Nature Association.

Marcus brings a background in science, strategy, business and psychology.  Like many, he assumed dingoes were extinct in South-East Australia.  Learning that not only were they here, but genetically pure, culturally significant, ecologically vital - and being killed to protect livestock - sparked a deep commitment.

His reason for founding the Conservancy? "Because it’s important, it needs doing, and maybe - just maybe - we can make a difference”.

Presentation by Jo and Marcus at the Moe Library, 29 George St Moe and on Zoom.

Image: © Marcus Gwynn