Introduction
Dr Rhys Jones is an Associate Professor of Evolutionary Biology at Cardiff University. He has worked across the globe, including China, Somaliland, and alongside Kenya’s Loita Maasai since 1996. He has written two books, Becoming Dr Jones (Published on Headline) and Being Dr Jones (Published on Headline – not yet released). He has been a broadcaster for over 25 years, presenting 5 self-titled BBC series, including Rhys to the Rescue and Rhys Jones’s Wildlife Patrol (Now streaming on Amazon Prime). He has also presented shows for Disney+, Discovery, National Geographic and the Smithsonian Channel. Rhys was Bafta nominated (best presenter) following the success of his Rhys Jones’s Wildlife Patrol series being moved to the BBC One network and into a primetime slot. He is currently working on an ambitious wildlife series to document how climate change affects various animal species, which will be filmed over a five-year period.
Becoming Dr Jones
Rhys Jones was brought up on a council estate in South Wales where expectations for what life held in store for you were slim. As he recalls, he was born fighting and never stopped. His perspective on what life could offer him changed forever in the early 1980s when his grandfather took him to the local cinema to see Stephen Spielberg’s blockbuster Raiders of the Lost Ark. The dream of emulating his hero Indiana Jones and travelling to the farthest reaches of the planet to explore exotic locations and its wildlife now burned deep inside him.
As he progressed at school this passion to escape and explore was further kindled through the pages of an old natural history encyclopaedia given to him by his grandmother. Devouring the pages, the encyclopaedia would help craft his chosen path in life. Like his hero and namesake Indiana Jones, Rhys’s journey has now taken him to all corners of the globe with friends and colleagues at every port; from the Australian outback to the furthest outpost of the Maasai tribe in Eastern Africa.
In Becoming Dr Jones Rhys will take the reader on an inspiring journey through his life. One filled with highs, lows, humour and poignancy, as well as reverent insights into some of the amazing residents of our beloved natural world. If adventure had a name it would be Jones, and Dr Rhys Jones has taken that mantle to a whole new level!
Reviews for Becoming Dr Jones
An inspiring journey that reflects Rhys’ strength, resilience, and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges. Through his words, Rhys has beautifully captured his life’s experiences, and has shared them with the world. He has opened up about his struggles and triumphs, and his unwavering spirit shines through every page. This book is a reminder of the power of human determination and the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams. Rhys’ story is a shining example of how one can overcome obstacles and emerge stronger on the other side
Sir Gareth Edwards CBE
Rhys Jones is one of the most upstanding, kind, intelligent, and engaging people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. His ability to connect with people on a deep level is remarkable. Whether it is through his warm and welcoming demeanour, his thoughtful conversation, or his insightful observations, Rhys has a unique talent for making others feel seen, heard, and appreciated
Jamie Baulch
From a childhood immersed in books, films and wildlife to a career in environmental science – Dr Rhys Jones’ inspirational story is a call to arms – to follow our dreams!
Professor Alice Roberts
This engrossing, humorous and inspiring journey, from little boy to globe-trotting adventuring scientist, is a heart-warming tale for us all
Professor Ben Garrod
Dr Jones is a wonderful raconteur. I implore you to join him on this epic journey filled with passion, his thirst for knowledge and an insatiable desire to connect human beings to their remarkable cohabitants
Mark A Sheppard
What an inspiration to anyone and everyone who has ever been told ‘you will come to nothing . . . Give up!’ He is a kind reminder that working hard and sticking to your dreams whilst being kind and generous to those you meet along the way is the message we should all be pushing for
Eve Myles
An honest, funny and action-packed memoir from one of Wales’ real life heroes
Gareth David Lloyd
An inspiration for those who have dealt with adversity . . . Dr Jones truly has led a WILD LIFE worth hearing
Jesse McClure
Becoming Dr Jones is available at all good bookshops
Click here to buy from Waterstones
Click here to buy from Headline
Rhys Jones Wildlife Patrol
Hi-octane animal adventures for all the family with wildlife crime fighter Dr Rhys Jones. The series features never seen before access to wildlife crime investigations in the field and in the laboratory; including police raids, smuggling, poaching, forest fires, court cases, alien invaders, and a whole host of cute, cuddly and downright dangerous animals. A unique, informative and fun series.
Click here to view on Amazon Prime Video
Click here for promotional BBC videos