Ruth Peacey
Polar Charter Operations & Admin Coordinator
Exploration and adventure have shaped my career for the last two decades. From producing wildlife documentaries for international broadcasters to guiding expeditions in the polar regions, I've been fortunate to experience extraordinary places and remarkable wildlife firsthand. A five-month trip to Antarctica to spend a season filming penguins took me across the legendary Drake Passage aboard a 54-foot expedition sailing vessel, reinforcing a lifelong fascination with ships and the unique perspective they offer on some of the world's most remote and wild places. At Natural World Safaris, I bring that experience to my role in Polar Operations & Ship Charters, helping create seamless journeys that allow our guests to focus on what matters most: immersing themselves in the natural world. Whether it's planning the finer details behind the scenes or drawing on my time in the field, I'm passionate about creating exceptional voyages and experiences that inspire the same sense of wonder, discovery and connection that has shaped my own career.
What is your favourite travel destination and animal?
The Southern Ocean, its remote islands and, of course, Antarctica are the places that call to me more than anywhere else on Earth. I love the sense of adventure that comes with every journey through this extraordinary part of the world, and the ever-changing landscapes never fail to inspire me or draw me back. My favourite animals, penguins, are also found there in abundance. I love penguins so much, I named my daughter Adelie after one of my favourite species. Sadly, Gentoo didn't quite make it past the family approval process...
What is your first travel-related memory?
Spending time in the Welsh mountains with my family. I had a lot of family in Wales when I was growing up, and I used to relish any opportunity to explore heather-covered mountainsides, smelling gorse and looking out for rare birds.
What is your most memorable wildlife encounter?
Seeing millions of chinstrap penguins on Zavodovski Island in the South Sandwich Islands remains my most memorable wildlife encounter. I joined an expedition to discover whether the colony had survived a recent volcanic eruption. Watching an active volcano in one of the wildest corners of the Southern Ocean, while millions of penguins thrived across every available patch of land, was an extraordinary reminder of nature's resilience and the remarkable tenacity of these birds.
Out of all the places you've visited, which one surprised you the most?
South Africa. I thought I knew the country until I spent a significant amount of time in a rural village in the north. Seeing how communities without running water live alongside wildlife and use the land completely changed my perspective on conservation. It made me really understand that protecting the environment is inseparable from understanding and supporting the people who share those landscapes. I was also struck by South Africa's extraordinary cultural diversity (eleven official languages within one country!) and by the stark inequalities that are still so visible today. A local guide took me around Soweto, giving me an insight into the country's history and present-day realities that I could never have gained on my own. Those experiences deepened my appreciation of South Africa's wildlife because they gave it a richer human context. It's a destination that continues to surprise me, and one I think everyone should experience, especially if it includes meeting the unforgettable African penguins.
Which little-known creatures turned out to be an unexpected safari highlight for you?
Recently, I had the pleasure of watching a vagrant redwing in Svalbard. Although regular as a winter visitor in the UK, they are not a common bird on this Arctic archipelago. It was a calm evening, and I spent a long time simply watching the bird as it foraged before disappearing out of sight, presumably to settle for the night in the wood store of a nearby cabin. There was nothing dramatic about the encounter, but that's exactly why it stayed with me. It was a reminder that some of the most rewarding wildlife experiences come from slowing down and appreciating an unexpected moment, however small.If you could do just one NWS safari, which one would it be and why?
The Ultimate Svalbard Safari. Svalbard is one of those rare places that never loses its sense of wonder, no matter how many times you visit. The ever-changing light, vast glaciers, drifting sea ice and incredible wildlife create a landscape that feels truly wild and unpredictable. What I love most about this trip is that every expedition is different. You might encounter Polar Bears on the sea ice, Walruses hauled out on remote beaches, Arctic Foxes, whales or thousands of seabirds nesting on dramatic cliffs. Just as memorable, though, are the quieter moments - watching a glacier calve, listening to the silence, or spotting an unexpected bird far from where it would normally be found. It's a destination that rewards curiosity and patience, and every visit offers something new to discover. For me, it captures everything that makes expedition travel so special.
Why do you travel?
I've spent twenty years trying to capture the natural world on film, sharing remarkable places through my work. While I've loved every second behind the lens, it's the times when I've been fully immersed in those wild places that have meant the most. Travel is far more than what you see. It's about the sounds, the smells, the changing light, the weather on your skin, and the feeling of being completely present in a place. Those experiences stay with you long after you've returned home, shaping how you see the world and your place within it. It's those feelings, memories and emotions that inspire me to keep travelling and to keep sharing the natural world with others.
Aside from travelling, how do you maintain your connection to the natural world?
I’m an avid birdwatcher with a pretty good UK list and enjoy taking time out to see what’s around my local patch. I also love hiking – the more altitude the better!
What's the farthest away from "civilisation" that you've been?
Probably the South Sandwich Islands. While we were there, our nearest neighbours were the crew aboard the International Space Station. Standing on the slopes of an active volcano, surrounded by penguins in one of the most remote places on Earth, really puts into perspective just how vast and wild our planet is. It evokes all the reasons why I love exploring the polar regions.
What's the strangest place that you've visited?
The lunar-like landscape of Haleakala Crater in Hawaii felt other worldly.