Kyle Thomas

Animal advocate & Wildlife Ambassador

Kyle Thomas, the UK’s most-followed TikToker, is an animal advocate using his platform to spotlight conservation and sustainability. His BBC documentary We Built a Zoo follows his journey into ethical wildlife care, with a focus on protecting exotic species that are often misunderstood. As UK Ambassador for Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, Kyle hopes to inspire the next generation with a message of hope and action, working to protect our planet and ensure a future where all species can thrive.

“A big one for me was thinking I could do it all alone. In my early journey in conservation and the animal world, I didn’t realise how powerful it is to collaborate. Once I started working with others, I saw how much more impact we could make together, and that changed everything.” - Kyle Thomas

Welcome to A Portrait of Progress, a series that sees seven changemakers come together to create one inspiring collective. A collective united by one goal, protecting our planet and those who inhabit it.

Please introduce yourself.

Hi, I’m Kyle Thomas. I’m a conservationist, animal advocate, and wildlife ambassador—and I’m here today with PANGAIA, shooting the A Portrait of Progress campaign.

What moves you?

What moves me is animals and hope for the next generation. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve loved animals and loved learning about myself. Now, I feel really moved when I get to be part of teaching the next generation.

What does Earth positive mean to you?

To me, Earth positive means hope for future generations and for the future of planet Earth. It means looking after all of our incredible animal species and taking care of the planet we’re so lucky to be a part of.

What advice would you tell your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self: connect with others. When you’re trying to make an impact, doing it together makes such a difference. As a kid, I was so focused on my love for animals and so driven by the mission, but I didn’t know how to navigate it. If I had teamed up with others earlier on, I think I could’ve made an even bigger impact, even faster.

How did your journey begin?

My journey began when I was about three years old. I became totally fixated on the natural world. I was watching nature documentaries, visiting wildlife parks and sanctuaries, and I was just mesmerised by all the different species on this planet. From that moment on I knew I wanted to be a part of that world, to be close to animals, to learn from them. As I got older, I realised we’re not separate from the natural world, we are part of it.

How do you stay grounded?

I actually find it quite easy to stay grounded. When I get lost in work or the chaos of the city, I remind myself that nature is always there. As soon as I step back into it, I remember that I’m just a part of the whole and I feel my true purpose again. It brings me peace.

What's a mistake you’ve made that ended up teaching you something valuable?

A big one for me was thinking I could do it all alone. In my early journey in conservation and the animal world, I didn’t realise how powerful it is to collaborate. Once I started working with others, I saw how much more impact we could make together and that changed everything.

“Kyle Thomas brought a youthful energy with a Nettle Denim jacket and jeans layered over a bold red t-shirt.” —Anders Sølvsten Thomsen, stylist.