“Leave Only Footprints, Take Only Pictures” A Collective Spotlight on Hassan Bayyan
Photo Courtesy of Hassan Bayyan
“Uncommunicated science is no better than a book in the library of Alexandria. The goal of science is to unearth truth and facts to provide distinction from hearsay and hubristic inclinations of humanity. Good storytelling concretizes and demystifies complex ideas into digestible pieces that spark curiosity in the audience. These are two pillars that hold up the frontier of discovery.”
Hassan Bayyan is a husband, father, optimistic zoologist, science communicator, and storyteller. His deep passion for animals and zoology has led him worldwide, from Australia and Zimbabwe to South Africa, Arizona, and Florida, where he has worked with a diverse range of species.
His mission extends beyond wildlife conservation; he aims to reshape how people perceive, connect with, and engage with nature, particularly through social media. Whether in the field, on camera, behind the lens, or addressing an audience, he constantly explores fresh ways to share captivating, inspiring, and authentic stories. Hassan hopes these stories will inspire everyone to cherish and protect the planet.
Photo Courtesy of Hassan Bayyan
“But what these last 10 years—begrudgingly counting 2020—have really taught me is that, in the age of TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and LinkedIn, people are tired of being bombarded with insipid information and crave stories that resonate on a deeper, more personal level. That’s where my passion for Science Communication comes in. I am studying and using the great African tradition—the art of oral storytelling—not just for entertainment but as an educational and spiritual practice that connects the past, present, and future.”
What inspired him to pursue filmmaking was the opportunity to tell stories from a unique and different perspective. “I want to inspire the next generation of conservationists to seek best practices and to elevate the online space from “daredevil” style extreme helping into something more respectable.”
Photo Courtesy of Hassan Bayyan
Currently, he’s working on a project blending different genres and styles. “It's a bit of a secret, but I was told I could give you the title and a logline. It's a show called “Big Black Conservation” (BBC for short). Basically, it's your favorite late-night comedy show with twice the melanin and half the danger of zoology.”
“In today's hyperpolarized environment, it’s challenging for science that doesn’t align with pre-existing biases to reach and impact the people who need it most. Comedy can be a powerful tool in this context, as it exposes absurdities while instilling higher values in audiences who might otherwise tune out. As an educator, I believe it is my duty to protect and empower the curiosity of young people. The youth, with their innate curiosity, are uniquely positioned to challenge conventions. By protecting their curiosity, we can help them become lifelong learners.”
The birth of his two sons and his journey as a father have revealed new depths of inspiration, motivating him even more to continue this work for the emerging generation.
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men," is a quote from Frederick Douglass that has sat with me ever since Cairo and Kiyan were born. They embody for me the responsibility this quote purports: that investing in the growth, education, and emotional well-being of the next generation is far more impactful than trying to fix past mistakes. Through them, I have discovered reserves of strength and effort I never knew I had. #NoSleep2k24”
“Working with animals is a very challenging yet rewarding field. Especially when young animals suffer from a failure to thrive. This is unambiguously the hardest part of the job. The most exciting historically has been veterinary procedures, which require weeks, months, and sometimes even years of planning and flawless execution.”
Photo Courtesy of Hassan Bayyan
His first visit to Africa was in 2018, when he traveled to Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe to study leopards. Looking back, it remains one of the proudest moments of his professional career and personal journey.
“I had to work four jobs simultaneously (two full-time and two part-time) for months to save enough money, but that journey is what I can truly say solidified my love for working with nature. I was 19, and it was my first time leaving the country. I did it by myself, driven by the hope of making my dream a reality.”
Photo Courtesy of Hassan Bayyan
In 2024, he’d return to Africa, this time in South Africa for NEWF Congress, and later in the year, in Sodwana Bay as a Fellow for the Central Africa Cinematography Lab.
Photo Courtesy of Hassan Bayyan
He’d advise his younger self: "here are the winning lottery numbers for today: 9, 35, 54, 63, 64. To someone aspiring to this space, I would say stay true to yourself and your morals. There can be unscrupulous figures doing unethical work in this space that lure people in with money and notoriety.”
Connection is at the heart of Hassan's work; anyone who has met him in person can feel his charisma and energy from a mile away. That same vibrant energy shines through on screen as well. Through the Collective, Hassan has been able to meet with fellow storytellers and communicators and identify collaborators for his current project. “The thing that I value the most about the Jackson Wild Collective is the connections. The ecosystem produces a strong pool of like-minded individuals on a similar journey. The Collective has also connected me with a writer on my current project, as well as friends who I discovered lived in my area. (If you're in DC, Maryland, or Virginia, hit me up!)”
Hassan’s Three Mosts
Most memorable is being stung by a Cassiopeia jellyfish on the Great Barrier Reef.
Most thrilling is easily being mock-charged by a rhino.
Most euphoric is seeing a wildebeest give birth.
Photo Courtesy of Hassan Bayyan
As Hassan embarks on the next decade of discovery, storytelling, science communication, and his ongoing dedication to the planet, we’re excited to continue following his journey and see what he accomplishes!
Follow Hassan Bayyan on Instagram, and learn more about his work on his website.
The Jackson Wild Collective is the virtual home for our global storytelling community to connect, collaborate and inspire change year-round. Join today.