George is a seasoned and accomplished speaker with over four decades of experience captivating audiences. He is a best-selling author, with an MA in political science from Griffith University in Queensland and a BSc in biology from UBC in Vancouver, showcasing his versatility and breadth of knowledge. His background includes roles as a Naturalist with Canada’s National Parks, a Registered Professional Biologist, and a Senior Consultant for terrestrial and marine strategies in British Columbia.

What truly distinguishes George is his ability to delve into a wide array of captivating subjects during his presentations. Drawing on his extensive real-world expertise and anecdotes gathered from his travels spanning over 90 countries and cruise itineraries across the globe, George covers diverse destinations including Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Central and South America, Asia, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, the UK, and ports throughout the Mediterranean.

Whether you seek insight into the natural world, global politics, or the intersection between the two, George possesses the knowledge and experience to deliver an engaging presentation that will enlighten and captivate your audience.

With degrees in biology and political science, George possesses an exceptional understanding of how the interplay between natural and political forces impacts the intricacies of world affairs. George’s talks are infused with humor and real-world examples that take you on an extraordinary adventure through geography, natural sciences, and world affairs.

One remarkable aspect of George’s presentations is their dynamic and visually immersive nature. Showcasing stunning images and satellite views from various corners of the world, his talks transport audiences to mesmerizing locations. This visual impact is further complemented by his online portfolio of photographs, boasting over 90 million views with nearly 1 million monthly views.

Born in Australia and holding dual Canadian/Australian citizenship, George currently resides in Victoria, BC, Canada with his wife, Jan, who shares his passion for adventure. His wealth of experience and knowledge qualify him as an esteemed speaker sought after by those seeking a deeper understanding of natural sciences, world affairs and geopolitics. If you’re looking for a dynamic speaker, entertainer, and source of inspiration all in one, George is the perfect choice!

Click here to visit George's website >> AnimalsFYI.com

Dear Enrichment Team:

Here's a sampling of presentations I've given on various cruise ships worldwide. I can easily customize any of these to fit your specific itinerary, and I always make certain that my presentations are destination focused. I've given hundreds of presentations over more than 16 years of lecturing on cruise ships, and have developed a good sense of the topics and content that informs and entertains the guests.

Please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss your specific needs. Thank you, George

Transatlantic

1. Cavorting with Atlantic Whales
Learn about the true giants of the Atlantic. One species is the loudest creature on the planet… and another can go two hours without a breath!

2. Drifting Continents and other Crackpot Ideas
Drifting continents? Expanding oceans? Early believers were once considered crackpots! Our planet is dynamic and change is inevitable…

3. Ocean Currents & Weird Weather!!
Here’s your chance to get whole the enchilada on the shrinking Arctic, rising oceans, and changing currents. Not to mention skyrocketing insurance!

4. What’s Shrinking and What’s Rising…? (On Planet Earth!)
Get the whole scoop on rising sea levels, shrinking icecaps, and out-of-control insurance!

5. Brains are Over-Rated!
They might be spineless and heartless… but they're still very successful!!

6. Unique Landscapes and Ecosystems of the Canaries
The Canary Islands represent a hotspot -- both in terms of geology and biodiversity

7. Some of the Most Fascinating Creatures from Our Travels!
True tales from our explorations, including the Aye Aye, Cassowary, Salties, Ellies, living dragons… and more.

8. A Fishy Future… Protein and Protection
What's the connection between bustling ecosystems, boatloads of tourists, and plentiful fish?? Connect the dots between Marine Reserves and the protein on your plate.

Transpacific

1. Smart Suckers -- Octopus & Squid!
Who says you need a backbone to succeed? Discover creatures without bones that are as smart as your average dog, with arms that think for themselves!

2. Marine Reserves in the 21st Century
Many of the world’s top Marine Reserves are full of tourists. Not only that, they are full of fish! Join George to connect the dots between Marine Reserves and a fishier future for all.

3. Jellyfish Invasion: A Stinging Success
Some of the most prolific and intriguing Sea Creatures are totally spineless and heartless. How can brainless blobs of jelly become so successful?

4. Living Ocean Dinosaurs & Really Big Fish Stories
Living in the open ocean is like living on another planet. Surprisingly, most life on earth lives under water! Discover the biggest fish in the world and a huge marine reptile.

5. Meet the Masterminds of the Sea!
These brainy creatures are amazingly well-adapted to a wide range of marine habitats - from warm tropical reefs to the dark, cold depths.

6. Pacific Giants and the importance of Fertile Seas
The true giants of the Pacific: fishy breath at one end and awesome fertilizer at the other!

7. Ancient Reptiles, Giant Sharks… and a Bonehead!
Huge sea-going reptiles and sharks the size of whales have you surrounded.

Arctic, North Atlantic, Iceland, Greenland

1. Who Owns the Arctic and the Fish Below
Melting ice and changing fates. Who makes the rules out here anyway!!?

2. Tips from Top Predators
Why the world needs muscles and jaws...and big teeth!

3. Who Owns the Arctic and the Fabled Northwest Passage
Melting ice and changing fates. Who makes the rules out here anyway!!?

4. Curious Creatures and Changing Ecosystems
Ecosystems are shifting northwards and many creatures are facing uncertain futures.

Alaska & Pacific Northwest

1. The Pacific Northwest: home to some Smart Suckers
These creatures are sure to impress – big brains and arms that think for themselves!
2. Momma's Boys of the Pacific Northwest
Matriarchs that rule the family and big boys that throw their weight around. The life of Killer Whales!

Caribbean

1. Killer Carnivores of the Caribbean
More fascinating than the Pirates of the Caribbean - and a true story!!

2. Parrotfish Can Save the Caribbean Reefs
Parrotfish vs lionfish: keys to healthy coral reefs.

3. The Gulf Stream: Mixing Hot Water & Wine!
The connection between ocean currents and the future of fine wine and winegrowing regions!!

4. Warming Caribbean Seas and Jellies Galore
Learning to survive in hot water and other lessons from brainless creatures.

Mediterranean

1. Unusual Sources of Wealth from the Seas
Some of the most successful ancient and modern civilizations have built empires on unexpected sources… including fish guts, the color purple… and venomous creatures.

2. Undersea Robots and an Ancient Computer
Robots and computers let us delve into the furthest reaches of the world’s oceans… but how do you explain a 2,000 year old computer left lying at the bottom of the Med?

3. Plugging into Waves & Tides: Renewable Ocean Energy
Ocean energy has the potential to power a large portion of modern civilization. The oceans are in constant motion (as we know on board!!). Will the power be with us…?

4. The Mediterranean – Wealth in Many Forms
DIY guide to building empires (bird droppings can come in handy)

5. Dangerous Volcanoes & Ancient Time Capsules
Visiting some of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.

6. Undersea Explorations Reveal Untold Treasures
The Mediterranean is revealing secrets such as an ancient 2,000 year old computer… found lying at the bottom of the sea. You can’t make this stuff up!

Australia, New Zealand

1. Up Close with Coral
Are corals animal or vegetable? Learn fascinating stories about the “rainforests of the sea” and who’s eating who (and how to avoid joining the food chain…!)

2. Koalas, Crocs & Komodo Dragons
We are voyaging to exotic lands inhabited by some of the most amazing creatures on earth!! Get up close and personal with stories and photos to intrigue and inspire.

3. Living Dragons that Won't Be Tamed!
Discover some of the myths and realities of creatures that dwell in the Land of Dragons.

4. Romance and Mystery of the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the richest ecosystems on earth. Discover some of the magic and mystery of this iconic reef.

5. Sexual Selection Makes the World Go 'Round!
Meet some fascinating creatures with habits that may surprise you and perhaps even inspire you!

6. Land of Lizards & Dragons
Discover why Australia is known as the land of reptiles (lizards, not wizards!) and dragons! These reptiles include some true giants and the world's deadliest snakes!

7. Romance and Mystery of Ningaloo Reef
Deep immersion into one of the richest ecosystems on earth... without getting wet!

8. Devils, Crocs & Amazing Creatures of OZ
Meet a real handsome ‘devil’… and an egg laying mammal with toxic spurs!

Japan, Asia, Indonesia

1. Japan & the Not So Pacific Ring of Fire!
Ready to blow off some steam and crack some crust? Japan has lots to offer...!!

2. Are Alien Jellies attacking the Sea of Japan?!
Lessons on How to Succeed in Life by Brainless Balls of Slime.

3. Fishy Findings on the Kuroshio Current
Connecting the Japan Current with shrinking icecaps, rising seas, and extreme weather.

4. Kill or Cure – Singapore, Venom & BioMeds!
Hideous or handsome… venomous creatures can be deadly! Discover how venomous snakes, sea snails and other deadly creatures provide the painkillers and specialized meds of tomorrow.

5. Dangerous Volcanoes & Ancient Time Capsules
Sail past some of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world and learn tales of cities frozen in stone.

6. Life in the Tropical Jungle: Biodiversity & Cultural Hotspots
Ecosystems are shifting, as is our understanding of biodiversity… rainforest secrets revealed!!

7. What does it take to attract a Female in Paradise...?
We're travelling through some exotic lands inhabited by some of the most amazing creatures on earth!! Stories and photos to intrigue and inspire.

8. Komodo Dragons Won't Be Tamed!
Some fascinating discoveries about Komodo dragons and Homo floresiensis the tiny human hobbits that once shared these islands with modern humans in the true Land of Dragons.

9. Tambora & the Pacific Ring of Fire
Discover a planet that is more active, and often more destructive, than we can imagine. Learn about the lost city known as the Pompeii of the Far East.

Hawaii, South Pacific

1. Fantastic Reefs of the Coral Sea
Dive into the amazing biodiversity of Coral Reefs as we sail near some of the greatest reefs - and most amazing natural history stories - on earth.

2. Tropical New Caledonia: Biodiversity & Cultural Hotspot
Discover why New Caledonia is considered one of world's biodiversity hotspots!! One native animal even makes tools and knows how to use them!

3. Sharks and Traditions of Fiji
Local Fiji communities traditionally consider sharks to be sacred, eating them is taboo. New perspectives on ancient predators and the ecosystems they inhabit.

4. Volcanic Isles of Samoa and Its Happy People
The rich ecosystems of Samoa and cultural traditions that have evolved on these steep volcanic slopes.

5. Life in the Pacific Can be a Stinging Success!
Meet some amazing creatures that are brainless, spineless and heartless - and still very successful!

6. Amazing Cultures of the True Pacific Giants
Meet Cetaceans with complex undersea societies much like our own… and communication abilities we are just beginning to understand and appreciate.

7. Hawaii - Hot Stuff and Tectonic Tales!
Hawaii is one of the best places on earth to experience living Lava and Killer Crust... Such is life on an unstable planet!

South & Central America, Amazon

1. Costa Rican Rainforests: Monkeys are Made of Chocolate
Ecosystems are shifting, as is our understanding of biodiversity… rainforest secrets revealed!!

2. All Cracked Up! Guatemala and Life on an Unstable Planet
Belching volcanoes, the Pacific Ring of Fire, and Killer Crust... Travel tips for an unstable planet!

3. Red Devils of Mexico & the Sea of Cortez
No bones about it - these creatures are smart suckers...! Discover how more than one brain can come in handy.

4. California: Land of Condors & Prehistoric Giants!
True tales of California beyond the world of Disney! Top predators, killer birds, and predatory primates…and did I mention megafauna?! Giant sloths, camels, lions & tigers used to roam here!

5. How to Succeed Without a Brain (Not for Dummies)
Brainless, spineless and heartless creatures are poised to take over… why are they so successful??!

6. Pacific Currents, Extreme Storms and Rising Seas
The Humboldt Current has created to one of the planet's richest ecosystems… and massive change is 'currently' underway.

Africa

1. Unique Wildlife of Madagascar
From Lemurs to fascinating Geckos and Chameleons, Madagascar is home to some of the most unique creatures on the planet and some of the highest biodiversity, with about 150,000 species that exist nowhere else.

2. Madagascar: Escape from Africa!
How can islands float…? Madagascar continues to drift away from the African continent … where did it come from and where is it headed…?

3. Mighty Ocean Currents and Feeding Frenzies
We’re sailing near one of the most powerful ocean currents in the world, the Agulhas Current. Learn how these rich waters produce one of the greatest feeding frenzies on earth!

4. In the Realm of the Great White Shark
This coast is home to one of the greatest carnivores on the planet. Discover some fascinating insights into the life of these top predators and the ecosystems they help create and maintain!

5. Apex Predators of Africa
Discover the fascinating role of the largest carnivores in Africa… and their valuable ecological roles in “top-down” structuring of the ecosystem. Without 6. Lions… would their prey survive?

Summary of Cruise Ship Lecture assignments:

2023 – June Viking Venus – British Isles Explorer – Bergen to London – 14 days
2023 – Jun/July Viking Venus – Into the Midnight Sun – London to Bergen – 14 days
2023 – Mar Seabourn Odyssey – Australia / Queensland Coast – Sydney to Cairns – 16 days
2023 – Feb/Mar Seabourn Sojourn – South Pacific Cruise – Fiji to Sydney, Australia – 17 days
2022 – Nov/Dec Seabourn Sojourn – Caribbean Gems Of The Leeward Islands – 11 days
2021-Dec-Jan 2022 Viking Star – Ft Lauderdale to LA – World Cruise first leg
2021-Nov Viking Star – Panama Canal – Ft Lauderdale to Panama return – 21 days
Apr-2019 Viking Sun - Durban, South Africa to London - 28 days
Oct-2018 Westerdam - Vancouver to Yokohama - 16 days
May-2018 Seabourn Sojourn - Kobe to Vancouver - 21 days
Apr-2018 Amsterdam - Grand World - Cape Town to Dakar - 15 days
Nov-2017 Seabourn Odyssey - Caribbean - Miami Return - 12 days
Sep-2017 Volendam - Transpacific - Vancouver to Yokohama - 16 days
Jul-2017 Zuiderdam - Baltic Adventure - 12 days
Apr-2017 Noordam - South Pacific - Sydney to Honolulu - 16 days
Oct-2016 Rotterdam - Transatlantic - NYC to Piraeus (Athens) - 25 days
May-2016 Maasdam - Panama Canal - Ft Lauderdale to Seattle - 20 days
Oct-2015 Statendam - Transpacific - final farewell - Hilo to Singapore - 22 days
Apr-2015 Volendam - Transpacific - Kobe Japan to Vancouver - 17 days
Feb-2015 Amsterdam - Grand World - Sydney to Singapore via Perth & Bali - 23 days
Nov-2014 Maasdam - Transatlantic - Ft Lauderdale/Rome - 22 d
Apr-2014 Volendam - Transpacific - Yokohama /Vancouver - 17 d
Jan-2014 Prinsendam - Grand S. America - Ft Lauderdale / Lima - 10 d
Nov-2013 Maasdam - Med/Transatlantic - Civitavecchia /Ft Lauderdale - 23 d
Sep-2013 Volendam - Hawaii - Vancouver/Honolulu - 11 days
Mar-2013 Amsterdam - Grand World - Seychelles/Cape Town, South Africa - 11 d
Nov-2012 Rotterdam - Caribbean Odyssey - Rotterdam/Barbados - 23 d
Mar-2012 Amsterdam – Grand World – Sydney / Singapore - 21 d
Jan-2012 Rotterdam – South Pacific – Honolulu /Papeete - 21 d
Nov-2011 Nieuw Amsterdam – Med/Transatlantic – Venice/ Ft Lauderdale
Feb-2011 Rotterdam – S. America – Puerto Vallarta /Calloa (Lima) - 12 d
Jan-2011 Prinsendam – Amazon – Barbados / Forteleza
Aug-2010 Maasdam – Voyage of Vikings via Iceland, Greenland – Ireland /Boston - 23 d
May-2010 Azamara Quest – Mediterranean Athens /Civitavecchia - 12 d
Dec-2008 Amsterdam – South America – San Diego /Santiago Chile
Oct-2008 Volendam – South Pacific - Honolulu /Auckland
Apr-2008 Amsterdam – Grand World - Trans-Atlantic - Lisbon / Ft Lauderdale
Dec-2007 Zaandam – San Diego /Honolulu
Sep-2007 Westerdam – Mediterranean - Civitavecchia /Return 22 d
Jan-2007 Statendam – Sydney – Auckland 14 days

George and his wife both have dual Australian/Canadian citizenship, providing cruise lines with additional flexibility

The following recent Cruise History has been recorded for this candidate.