“If you could bottle the spirit of adventure, a passion for wildlife and nature, a relentless determination to succeed against all odds, a rebellious streak, story-telling genius, a quick wit, a mercurial temperament, and a generous heart… you might get close to the essence of Tony Fitzjohn.

“Bill, Virginia and I knew Fitz for nearly 50 years. I met him when I was a teenager and, off and on, he was a presence in my life from day one. We were in touch only a few months ago.

“Initially alongside his mentor George Adamson in Kora, Kenya, then with his beautiful wife and family, and his amazing team in Mkomazi, Tanzania, Fitz was a truly larger than life character whose presence left a lasting impression wherever he went.”

The Travers family in Kora, left to right: George Adamson, Virginia McKenna, Daniel Travers, Tony Fitzjohn, Louise Travers, Justin Travers, Will Travers. Photo taken by Bill Travers.

Charming and challenging in equal measure, Virginia recalls: “One of my most treasured photographs from the 1970s was taken by Bill at George’s little camp in Kora, a photo of George and Tony and our four children. I remember what an impact he made on us all – this fine young man who was, thankfully, helping George with his challenging mission to return previously captive lions to the wild.

“I also have very special memories of him arriving many years later at my house, out of the blue, on one of his rare visits to England. Joyful moments I recall as if it was yesterday.

“Tony has gone and we have lost a little bit of the crazy magic that the world needs so badly.” – Will Travers OBE