The Falkland Islands: A Wild Paradise
Living with wildlife in the Falkland Islands
Tony Mason left London two years ago to set up home in one of the most remote places on Earth. Here he tells Ocean View why moving to the Falklands was the best decision he’s ever made.
The Falkland Islands, located 300 miles off the east coast of Southern America, are made up of 740 islands all home to a vast array of extraordinary wildlife. Penguins, walrus, killer whales, elephant seals, porpoise, dolphins, black-browned albatrosses and almost 200 native species of plant all thrive together on these craggy lands and shores, helping to attract around 53,000 binocular-wielding visitors a year. But what is it like to live and work on these remote, sparsely populated islands?
Tony Mason is now Managing Director of the Falklands Island Tourist Board and proud inhabitant of the archipelago’s capital Stanley. He said:
“My time in the Falkland Islands has been fantastic and an adventure I will never forget. I had been Managing Director for a travel group in Canary Wharf for quite a few years and felt it was time for a change. One Friday afternoon looking at a trade magazine, I spotted a listing for Managing Director of the Tourist Board in the Falkland Islands. I had been in the industry for many years and thought a change might be good, but the Falkland Islands? I tore out the article and took it home and discussed it with my partner expecting to find no support for a move to another country and to my surprise the reply was ‘Go for it!’ So I did. Two years later, and it has been the best decision and experience of my life.”
Only 2,000 people live in Stanley, with the outside villages barely reaching a population of 20 people each. For this reason, community spirit is a big part of life in the Falklands. This is something Tony has seen reflected in his role at the Tourism Board. He said:
“When I accepted the role I never expected to be working so closely with the Legislative Assembly, Governor and being engaged in matters that affect national security such as air-links to the islands. We are successfully running a small, spectacular country and that’s an amazing feeling.”
While people may be few and far between on this quiet corner of the Southern Atlantic, there’s certainly no shortage of wildlife.
“The wildlife in the Falklands is so amazing it’s really hard to describe. I tell journalists and visitors: if you take a blanket and just sit down with your friends for a picnic, all of a sudden you’re surrounded by penguins and birds. They are not afraid of humans in the Falkland Islands as we don’t pose a threat.”
Stanley, where Tony is based, is a thriving and colourful seaside town with a distinctly English feel left over from its British heritage. Here visitors can find old country-style pubs, military monuments, churches, fascinating museums and of course the bustling shops and restaurants you’d expect from any significant town. Of course, there is plenty more to discover outside of Stanley, in what the locals call ‘Camp’, which refers to all islands and areas beyond the capital. Tony said:
“I have just finished a tour of all of the Islands and the different offering on each Island make the experience unforgettable. Sea lions, elephant seals, albatross, five of the seven breading species of penguins, whales, and so many more marine animals are at your fingertips.
“We enjoy welcoming over 50,000 cruise visitors each year and the number is steadily increasing. When people arrive for the day by sea, they enjoy visiting one of the largest King Penguin colonies in the world at Volunteer Point, visiting war memorials, and see the capital of Stanley or some go on an adventure off road experience in a 4×4.
“However, those fortunate enough to arrive by air and plan a land-based holiday have better opportunities to see the wildlife on the Islands and meet the locals. As I mentioned before, each Island offers a different and diverse variety of marine wildlife and so many species of birds. I recommend a minimum of seven days island hopping on one of our five FIGAS Islander aircraft (which fly you according to your itinerary). If you have time you could easily enjoy a fortnight without ever getting bored. The wildlife and experience of remote tranquillity you get in the Falklands is unique!”
