Brian Keating

BRIAN KEATING BIOGRAPHY

Brian Keating is an international keynote speaker and a former Honorary Conservation Advisor who raises money for environmental projects around the world. He previously held the position of “Head of Conservation Outreach” at the Calgary Zoo, which enabled him to raise money and then spend it on environmental projects around the world. He shares his experiences, insights, and expertise by leading groups on nature-based travel for three decades, exploring some of the best wildlife areas on the planet.

He’s been leading groups on nature-based travel for three decades, exploring some of the best wildlife areas on the Planet. He’s a weekly guest on both Calgary and Edmonton’s CBC Radio, and for many years, was a regular on the Discovery Channel, using his own wilderness adventure and wildlife filming. Brian Keating is one of those rare speakers who immediately captures your attention, creating a memorable experience that audiences will remember for years to come.

His stories and experiences entertain and educate about the natural world and all living things, sharing the natural systems & animal patterns that impact our world while also sharing the impact we have on them. He’s in high demand as an international speaker. His speaking style would best be described as buoyant, fast-paced, humorous, and always uplifting and meaningful. His talks have proven themselves the highlight of many conferences and special events. He’s also written five books designed for ages 8 – 14, these books are real-life stories of wildlife exploration and adventure, designed to get children excited about exploring this amazing world we live in.

Brian Keating’s previous job at the Zoo was to raise money and then spend it on environmental projects around the world. Presently, he’s the Zoo’s Honourary Conservation Advisor in their outreach efforts. He is also a part-time Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Calgary. Brian Keating is in high demand as an international speaker, presenting at some 50 events a year. Brian’s style would best be described as buoyant, fast-paced, humorous, and always uplifting and meaningful. His talks have proven themselves the highlight of many conferences and special events. He’s also the author of five children’s books celebrating nature.

Brian Keating is a pilot, naturalist, scuba diver, and mountaineer. He also is the owner of Going Wild. His wife, Dee, is a physician and keen naturalist who always joins him on his adventures. Together, they have explored nearly 50 countries on all seven continents in the last quarter century.

• 2017: Renamed in his honour, the Calgary Zoo’s “Brian Keating Conservation Endowment Fund.” The one million dollars (that Brian had initially raised for the fund during his employment with the Zoo) will be matched up to an additional one million.
• 2017: The Canadian Nature Federation’s “Stan Hodgkiss Canadian Outdoorsperson of the Year Award,” presented in Montreal, in recognition of Canadian outdoors people who have demonstrated an active commitment to conservation.
• 2016: Elected as a “Fellow”, The Royal Canadian Geographical Society
• 2012: Western Legacy Award, recognized 100 Outstanding Albertans
• 2011: “Honorary Conservation Advisor” title and Life Membership award, Calgary Zoological Society
• 2011: “Honorary Doctor of Laws”, awarded from the University of Calgary, for being “an observer, steward and champion of natural wonders, whose exuberance, love of beauty, generosity of spirit and genius for communication have dared us to apprehend, to imagine and possibly then to comprehend the glorious plenitude of nature”….. “to teach us about the world’s astonishing, fragile biodiversity and the need to conserve it”.
• 2009: “Honorary Doctor of Science”, awarded from Brandon University in Manitoba, for his distinguished role as a public educator and environmental efforts;
• 2007: “Honorary Chief of Dompie” (a village in Ghana), awarded at a powerful ceremony due to his efforts in raising the necessary funds to develop a nature sanctuary;
• 2006: “Canadian Hero of the Year” award from Readers Digest Magazine for his global environmental efforts;
• 2006: Presented “Alberta Centennial Medal Award” in recognition of “outstanding work for the communities and province of Alberta”.
• 2005: “One Of The Top Ten Contemporary Calgarians” as voted by the students of the Calgary Board Of Education;
• 2003: Alberta film industry award for “Best Host” on his hour-long Discovery TV documentary “Planet Zoo” ;
• 2003: The “Integrity Award” by the Rotary Club of Calgary (Olympic Club);
• 2002: “The Distinguished Public Education Award” from the Canadian Council of University Biology Chairs;
• 1993: Emerald Award, a Provincial environmental award from The Alberta Foundation for Environmental Excellence;