'Nature Chose Me': Naturalist Supriya Shrii Shares Lessons She Learnt From Wildlife

For Supriya Shrii, the rustling of leaves and the roars of wild animals are not a new sound; it is the soundtrack she grew up hearing. A young naturalist with an unparalleled passion for wildlife, she honed her skills in the forests of Kanha Tiger Reserve, where she grew up. Her three years of experience as a safari guide have solidified her reputation as an expert tracker and birding specialist.

Supriya is a naturalist and safari guide at Jungle Camps India, where she is dedicating herself to sustainable wilderness tourism. In a conversation with SheThePeople, she shared her personal relationship with nature and discussed how local communities and climate change impact wildlife in Kanha.

Supriya Shrii In Conversation With SheThePeople

STP: You grew up immersed in the wilderness, surrounded by wildlife. In what ways did your childhood shape your deep connection with nature?

Supriya: Growing up in Sarhi, a small village that is part of Kanha National Park, my connection with nature began early. My father, who worked in the forest, would take me along on safaris and share stories about the animals, trees, and the life hidden within the wilderness.

Those moments sparked in me a deep respect and fascination for the forest. As I grew up, I was fascinated by seeing the gypsies lined up, tourists arriving for safaris, and the guides leading visitors into the park. I often found myself dreaming of being part of this world, and that childhood dream has shaped my career. For me, the jungle is not just a place of beauty—it is a teacher, a responsibility, and a lifelong commitment.

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STP: What was it like stepping into the role of a safari guide in Kanha National Park?

Supriya: Being a safari guide in Kanha National Park was both exciting and humbling. I was fascinated with the ecosystem since childhood, and becoming a guide was a dream come true. Every safari is a new experience, sometimes thrilling, sometimes peaceful, and I love sharing those moments with visitors. More than a profession, it is a way of life and a chance to protect and celebrate the forest I grew up in.

STP: Guiding in the wild must come with unique pressures. What would you say is the most challenging part of being a safari guide?

Supriya: The biggest challenge is managing expectations in the jungle. Sometimes guests expect to see a tiger immediately, but the forest has its own rhythm. Explaining this without disappointing them can be tough. I try to shift their focus toward the smaller wonders like a deer’s alarm call, a bird’s song or the way the forest changes with light. Turning that challenge into an opportunity to teach is what makes the role truly meaningful.

STP: Many believe that nature chooses us rather than the other way around. How did you discover your bond with the jungles of Kanha Tiger Reserve?

Supriya: I truly believe nature chose me. Growing up next to the Kanha forest, the jungle was never just scenery; it was part of my everyday life. There was never a boring moment with excited tourists and guides entering and exiting the park. More importantly, I felt a deep connection with nature, and that is when I realised my bond with Kanha was not something I had created; it was something that had always been there, waiting for me to recognise it. 

STP: What is the relationship between the local tribes and the wildlife, and why is it important for conservation?

Supriya: Local tribes are the true guardians of this forest. They don't just live here; they are a part of the ecosystem. Their old customs and beliefs teach them to respect the trees and animals; they know what not to hunt and where the fragile areas are.

It's important because when tribes are involved, they help stop poachers and prevent small problems from escalating into major conflicts between animals and people. They are the long-term solution: They know the jungle better than anyone. Real conservation only works when the people who live here every day are the ones protecting it.

STP: The jungle teaches lessons in patience, silence, and observation. What is the most profound lesson you’ve learned from the wild?

Supriya: The most profound lesson the jungle has taught me is the virtue of patience. Out here, nothing happens in a hurry. If you’re silent and observant, the forest slowly reveals its secrets.

STP: How is climate change impacting the animals and the forest you see every day?

Supriya: Now we see less predictable rain, sometimes huge floods, sometimes long dry spells that cause big forest fires. The forest is getting hotter, drying up the water holes.

This forces animals, especially elephants and tigers, to leave the deep forest and look for water near camps and villages. This means more conflict with people. Also, trees are fruiting at the wrong times, which means animals can't find the food they expect for their babies. The jungle's rhythm is broken.

STP: How do you see the role of women evolving in spaces like wildlife guiding and conservation, which are traditionally male-dominated?

Supriya: I believe the role of women in wildlife guiding and conservation is growing stronger every day. For a long time, these fields were male-dominated, but now women are stepping forward with equal passion and knowledge. Being a woman guide myself, I see it as breaking stereotypes and showing that the jungle doesn’t belong to any one gender but to those who respect and protect it. Women bring patience, empathy, and a fresh perspective, which are just as important as courage and strength in this work.