Jennifer recognised for dingo work

JENNIFER Parkhurst has been named Australian Wildlife Protection Council's 2012 Conservationist of the Year, for her efforts to preserve Fraser Island dingoes.

Jennifer Parkhurst. Picture: FILE

RAINBOW Beach wildlife photographer Jennifer Parkhurst has been named the Australian Wildlife Protection Council's 2012 Conservationist of the Year, for her efforts to preserve Fraser Island dingoes.

Ms Parkhurst received the award at a special presentation at Kindness House, Melbourne, on Sunday.

The presentation took place before an audience of leading conservationists, including Jane Goodall Institute Australia CEO Natalie Houghton.

Presenting the award, AWPC president Maryland Wilson said: "When I first heard Jennifer Parkhurst had been fined $40,000 for trying to feed starving dingoes, I was amazed and furious.

"It came as a very easy conclusion for us at the Australian Wildlife Protection Council that we should name her the winner of this year's environmental award for all the wonderful things she's done for dingoes".

The citation states her award is "in recognition of outstanding contribution to the preservation and protection of Australian native wildlife".

Ms Parkhurst showed her audience video of her journey over seven years in the company of island dingoes, recording intimate details of their daily lives.

The unique footage featured lively images of play behaviour and never before seen glimpses of a dingo pack's intimate daily life.

Several of her audience wiped tears from their eyes as they watched video of dingo puppies dying from starvation.

Several thanked her for her perseverance and said they felt honoured to have shared in part of her experience on the island.

Originally published as Jennifer recognised for dingo work