Sandra Hanke
From a young age, Sandra Hanke’s heart was captivated by the wonders of the natural world. Growing up in Paderborn, Germany, her curiosity about the rainforest was sparked at the tender age of 10. This fascination took root during an elementary school lesson when her teacher, who had spent several years in South America, shared vivid tales of his experiences. He spoke passionately about the indigenous peoples living in self-built huts, the towering broad-rooted trees, and the gigantic leaves reminiscent of elephant ears. These vivid images ignited Sandra’s dream to witness and experience the rainforest’s splendour firsthand.
Sandra’s dream took a decisive turn when, at 18, she met Dieter, who would become her lifelong partner. Their shared passion for the rainforest deepened their bond, and they resolved to transform their dream into reality. Their journey led them to explore the world’s rainforests, a commitment that has seen them spend over 4,000 nights in tents or shelters they built themselves. Immersed in the heart of the jungle, they lived alongside indigenous communities, learning their ways, joining their hunts, and gaining profound insights into the natural world.
These “jungle lessons” proved invaluable, teaching Sandra and Dieter the art of spotting hidden animals amidst the dense foliage and capturing the rainforest’s elusive beauty through their lenses. The fruits of their adventures are the stunning and evocative photographs they bring back to Germany, each image a testament to the mesmerising beauty and rich biodiversity of the rainforest.
Back home, Sandra and Dieter are on a mission to share their experiences and the stories of the rainforest with the world. Through captivating narratives, films, and breathtaking photographs, they aim to inspire people of all ages to appreciate and protect this unique and vital ecosystem. Their heartfelt gratitude for the unforgettable years spent in the jungle fuels their dedication to conservation.
Sandra and Dieter’s driving force is clear: to ignite a passion in others for the rainforest and to motivate action towards its preservation. They hope their journey and work will encourage others to join in safeguarding this precious habitat for future generations.
2012 – Life in the Jungle was published by National Geographic and has won awards
2022 – Jungle Life – Life dreams and endangered forests
