Big Cat Man

From childhood on a Berkshire farm in the UK to international fame as a wildlife presenter, Jonathan Scott has lived the kind of life that many people dream about.

Following a degree in Zoology he travelled 6,000 miles overland to Africa, where he became a wildlife artist and then a safari guide in the Masai Mara, writer of many major books on wildlife and presenter of several very long-running wildlife TV series.

In telling his story Jonathan reveals a side to his character that he struggled to overcome from childhood until he met and married his wife Angela.

Jonathan and Angie’s world changed forever when, having travelled the world in earch of award-winning photographs and adventure, always sharing a love of family and wilderness and art, Angie was diagnosed with a cranial aneurism requiring surgery. Facing up to that challenge draws them even closer together and forces them to examine the meaning of life, leading them on a spiritual journey to rival anything they have undertaken before. Ultimately, The Big Cat Man is a love story: one man’s infatuation with Africa and his unfailing devotion to the woman who shares his passion.

Jonathan’s writing makes for a fascinating safari through a life lived in the world’s most spectacular wilderness area. His book raises uncomfortable questions about the future of wildlife on a continent where the needs of peopel sometimes seem overwhelming; it will bring hope to those who have struggled with own demons and feared to seek help. Most of all it will be an inspiration for those who, like Jonathan and Angie, long to follow their dream, whatever it may be.

First published by Bradt Travel in 2016.

“Jonathan Scott understands the animals he photographs so well that it is as though he has entered their minds and can see the world as they do.”
David Attenborough

“Nobody knows lions like Jonathan Scott.  He has been patiently observing them in Africa for many years and his Big Cat Diaries have given us all a wonderful chance to share his knowledge.”
Desmond Morris

“A cracking tale – and cracking well told with deftness, compassion and humour.  From the man whose name is synonymous with big cats, thsi is the brutally honest and insightful story of a life lived to the full.”
Mark Carwardine

“You can’t make, buy or fake passion.  It’s pure and precious and probably the most valuable thing on earth.  And when it comes to big cats, Africa and wildlife Jonathan has it in buckets.  Along with knowledge and a great love.”
Chris Packham

“This is a story of a man’s deep rooted affair with Africa’s wildlife nad his own spiritual connection with it.  It is about Jonathan and his truth and the author is strak about this fact.  I love Africa and this is a book you can’t put down- you can tasted and feel Africa through its pages.  It stirs the soul.  We know Jonathan is a super photographer but in this book his sketches are just breathtaking!  A must read for one and all.”
Valmik Thapar

“Jonathan Scott – our man in the Maasai Mara – has written a wonderfully evocative account of his life with the lions, leopards and cheetahs.  A true insight into one of the world’s greatest locations for wildlife.”
Stephen Moss, Series Producer, Big Cat Diary

“Once I started The Big Cat Man I couldn’t stop.  I was swept back to East Africa, the colours, the smells, sotries and characters – some of whom I knew a little myself.  I was fascinated to read the story of Scott’s life and what led him to be living in his car in the Serengeti.  What comes acors is his passion, his determination, his generosity, his honesty about his troubles.  Such a pleasure to read.
Jeremy Gavron, author of A Woman On The Edge Of Time