Wild Hero 2021: Celebrating Professor Phil Bishop
For Professor Phil Bishop, conservation wasn't just about protecting wildlife. It was about inspiring people to care.
Wild Dunedin recognises the late Professor Phil Bishop as our 2021 Wild Hero, honouring a life dedicated to science, education and the conservation of Aotearoa's extraordinary wildlife.
Known affectionately as "Professor Frog", Phil was an internationally respected amphibian researcher, award-winning science communicator and passionate advocate for nature. His research transformed the understanding and conservation of native frogs, while his work reached far beyond the laboratory, inspiring thousands of students, families and communities to connect with the natural world.
Phil was also there from the very beginning of Wild Dunedin. As one of the festival's founding committee members, he helped shape its vision and believed deeply in celebrating Dunedin as New Zealand's Wildlife Capital. His enthusiasm, humour and boundless curiosity became hallmarks of the festival, encouraging people of all ages to explore, learn and appreciate the wildlife on their doorstep.
Throughout his career at the University of Otago, Phil supervised dozens of postgraduate students, published more than 100 scientific papers, delivered countless public talks and school visits, and championed conservation both nationally and internationally. He coordinated visits by Dame Jane Goodall to Dunedin, led the World Congress of Herpetology in 2020, and received numerous honours recognising both his scientific achievements and his exceptional teaching.
Yet perhaps Phil's greatest legacy was the people he inspired. Whether mentoring young researchers, sharing a "frog fact of the day", hosting Zoom sessions with schoolchildren during lockdown or introducing students to wildlife in the field, he had an extraordinary ability to make science accessible, exciting and deeply personal.
Wild Dunedin Trustee Rachel Cooper said Phil's impact reached far beyond the world of science.
"Phil had this wonderful way of making everyone care about nature. He could be talking about frogs, but before long you found yourself completely fascinated. He was incredibly generous with his time, always happy to share his knowledge, encourage others and have a laugh along the way. Wild Dunedin simply wouldn't be what it is today without Phil. We miss him dearly, but his passion continues to inspire our festival every single year."
The Wild Hero Award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to protecting, celebrating and advocating for New Zealand's natural environment.
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