John Rainbird was born in South Africa in 1964 where he grew up exploring the mountains and rivers around Cape Town. He moved to Australia in 1993 after graduating with a Masters in Conservation Biology. After a varied career including working as a zoo keeper, scientific illustrator, research assistant and didgeridoo repairer, he headed up to Cairns and the Far North Environment Centre for 5 years. Currently he works for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in their Community Partnerships Group. He lives in Kuranda with his wife Fiona and daughters Ruby and Jorgie. Together with his family, nature, art and photography remain his abiding passions.