Fransje van Riel biography

Fransje van Riel was born in Holland but moved to the East Sussex countryside, where she attended school in the small village of Forest Row. Upon her return to The Netherlands, she chose to embark on a career in the airline industry, which led to frequent trips to, and a deep love for, Africa and her wild animals. Unable to resist Africa's beckoning calls, Fransje eventually resigned to settled in South Africa, where she pursued a career in writing.

After covering numerous stories for a variety of South African magazines and newspapers, Fransje started writing her first book, Life With Darwin and Other Baboons, which told the moving story of Karin Saks, who had dedicated her entire life to the welfare of primates.

Fransje’s second book The Crowing of the Roosters chronicled the true life story of Nomfusi Yekani,a young Xhosa girl, and spanned over five decades against the backdrop of South Africa's apartheid government. The book was the recipient of a nomination for The 2006 Sunday Times / Alan Paton Awards, Africa’s premier literary award.

Following its publication, Fransje travelled around Southern Africa to write about wildlife, wildlife projects and sanctuaries, as well as general travel stories to protected areas. She also uses her media experience to highlight contentious wildlife issues as well as raising awareness for both wild and domestic animals.

Fransje lives in a leafy suburb in Cape Town where she is currently writing her third book of non-fiction. To Live with Leopards is the moving account of a unique relationship between a young man and two leopard cubs.

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