Bright Toh is a visual artist whose passion for wildlife conservation is evident in his work. As a child, he realised the power of art to inspire change and impact society positively. Today, he uses his artistic skills to advocate for the protection of endangered species in Cameroon.
WildAid is proud to partner with Bright Toh on the “Unsung Heroes of Conservation” series, recognising the brave and dedicated men and women who are essential to wildlife conservation in Africa. These unsung heroes work tirelessly to safeguard endangered species and support local communities living alongside them. Despite often going unnoticed, their contributions are critical in ensuring the survival of African wildlife.
Bright is particularly concerned about the plight of the pangolin, a mammal that is critically endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. Pangolins play a crucial role in controlling ant and termite populations, and their extinction could have severe ecological and agricultural consequences. He urges people to stop consuming bushmeat and recognise the harm it causes to wildlife populations.
The chimpanzee is his favorite animal. “Chimpanzees never fail to fascinate me with their complex social hierarchy that can resemble political behaviour,” Bright said. “Their intriguing behavior always manages to bring a smile to my face and leave me laughing.” However, chimpanzees are also victims of poaching and habitat destruction, which result in trauma and displacement.
Caring for nature is essential for our well-being since we depend on the environment for our survival. The forest, in particular, holds a special energy for Bright that helps boost his creativity. “Being in such an environment not only boosts my creativity but also brings me serenity and calmness in my spirit. Living in Cameroon without forests would be the most devastating.”
Bright’s artwork often portrays the effects of poaching. For example, his drawing of a gorilla with a missing arm represents the tragic consequences of poaching and highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures.
“I drew a gorilla in captivity, which had lost its family and was the only one left from that group,” he said. “Due to poaching, the gorilla had also lost an arm. In my drawing, I added an arm to the gorilla, as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity."
He believes that everyone, regardless of their profession or background, can contribute to wildlife conservation. By raising awareness and supporting conservation initiatives, we can all play a role in protecting endangered species and their habitats.
Bright Toh's passion for wildlife conservation is admirable, and his artwork carries a powerful message that resonates with people of all ages. Through his creative expression, Toh hopes to inspire others to join the fight to protect endangered species and preserve our natural world for future generations.