“Errrrm so what would be your dream job?”
This wasn’t a question from the careers officer at school. No this was a question that was thrown at me three years ago when I announced I was going back to uni to study primates. It came from friends; colleagues; family and complete strangers.
“It’s a bit niche isn’t it?”, “How will that help you get work?”, “What does that have to do with the news?”
All legitimate questions.

© Left to Right: naturepl.com/T.J. Rich / WWF; David Lawson / WWF-UK; Russell A. Mittermeier / WWF-Canon; Martin Harvey / WWF-Canon
The masters was a route that saved me from insanity when I experienced boredom and bitterness in equal measure when shifts were verging on extinction. It was also amazing to use the grey matter once more; engage with like-minded people and learn something new about issues that will affect generations to come.
“Gaaawd, I dunno,” I stuttered out every time. “There’s the obvious route, get the masters, continue with academia and eventually inherit Sir David Attenborough’s job. Who doesn’t want to travel the globe as a conservation broadcaster? But I guess the queue for that is longer than the bloody Nile.
“But if there were no barriers …….and no conditions ……..hmmmm……then I guess my dream would be to work in some capacity for the United Nations.”
Fast-forward three years on and if by magic I am gearing up to fly off to Jackson Hole, Wyoming next week for the United Nations. I had to pinch myself when the email arrived in my in-box. It must have been how Charlie Bucket felt when he found Willy Wonka’s last Golden Ticket.

Jackson Lake, courtesy of the National Park Service
Now some of you will thinking: “Whoa there little lady what happened to your Science Reporter role at Channel 4 News?”
It didn’t work out. I was deeply unhappy. Shame really as I had high hopes and loved the team there. But the signing of a new editor with a different agenda and change in management equated to misery for me. That’s show business!
Let’s not dwell on it, I haven’t. This summer I have soaked up the sun and launched into freelancing with surprising ease.
So now back to my bombshell news – the United Nations!
I’ve been asked on behalf of the Great Ape Survival Project (GRASP) and the Arcus Foundation to moderate one session (on habitat loss) during a Great Ape Summit and to act as an in-house reporter filing content for its website and you-tube page.
The four-day summit is running simultaneously with the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival. Six hundred or so documentary makers are gathering to show the fruits of their labour on every creature great and small. Plus names from conservation and science will also be gathering there and it will be a huge privilege to have close access to interview them.
I’m flying out with my dear friend, cameraman and amazing video editor Noodle. Having him on board as a 2-man band has helped to ease the anxiety and increase the excitement, because for one week I will be living my dream!
Ian Shore
September 9, 2013
I just think you are amazing ! x
Katie Carmichael
September 9, 2013
Congratulations Ms. Tanna! This sounds amazing!
urbanprimate
September 10, 2013
Thanks Katie, very excited about meeting some of the authors of papers we had to research at uni. Hope all’s well in Canada!x
martalamolla@yahoo.es
September 10, 2013
Sooooooo happy for you!! You well deserve to be experiencing the dream!! Enjoy it, smell it, taste it and the most important of all: live it!
More to come 🙂
Sent from my iPad
LW
September 10, 2013
Well done, Asha.
Can you drop the youtube link on your blog when you get there?
“United Nations Roving Ambassador for Conservation”……now that sounds like a job title!
urbanprimate
September 10, 2013
Thanks Liam,
I will of course share any content with my readers and I will be blogging about it all.
ciucciarielloJo
September 10, 2013
I am excited for you!
Good luck!
xxx
Isaac Ocitti
September 10, 2013
I have nothing else to say congrats for the dream come true.
Go for it!!!!!
urbanprimate
September 10, 2013
It’s been a while Isaac, how is Uganda. Did you complete your research?
isaac ocitti
September 19, 2013
The “Bloody flies”, noisy birds, large snake and the long trail journeys have finally flown you to one of you dream jobs. Like some body commented, smell and live it.
Nyombi Herbert
September 10, 2013
Congulationsssssss Asha Tana, Hope you achieve more. Nice time
________________________________
Nancy Akumu
September 10, 2013
Congs Asha!
I’m happy to receive the good news. Finally, your hard work in Budongo Forest did not go unrewarded. Enjoy the fruit of your uphill struggle!
Good luck
urbanprimate
September 10, 2013
Thanks Mamma Nancy! Hope your masters is coming along nicely.
A
vreynolds
September 10, 2013
Hi Asha
Fantastic news! I hope it all goes well. Keep me posted!
Vernon
Dave Southam
September 12, 2013
Hi Asha
Good to hear from you, it’s been a bit quiet on the WGAM front. Good luck in the next chapter of your life. You will do brilliantly of course.
Dave xx
Barnaby
September 13, 2013
Hello Asha,
I’m pleased to hear of your fabulous progress. Well done. This news inspires me.
Barnaby Jackson, fine artist.