Colin Tennant's Diverse Interests Beyond Domestic Dogs
Knights Hospitaller or the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, was founded around 1099. This order, like the Templars, had its origins in the protection of Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. Colin Tennant’s pursuit of historical understanding has led him to explore numerous countries first-hand to study the original buildings of the various orders, recognising the value of immersive experiences over merely reading about a particular era. He believes that a tactile approach adds a touch of magic, breathing life into history. His journey has encompassed various locales, each holding significant historical relevance.
One of his noteworthy destinations is Baalbeck, which is located in northern Lebanon. This site is embellished with pre-Christian Roman temples, making it stand out among the others. One of his valued clients, a Palestinian businessman, graciously hosted Colin during his trips, as Colin was conducting training sessions for his dogs and staff in Lebanon and on may future occasions.
Colin dedicated time to the ancient cities of Tyre and Tripoli, integral stops along the crusader routes. His travels extended to Syria, where he explored the iconic Krak des Chevaliers and the city of Aleppo—both vibrant centres with rich historical narratives. His guide was a Lebanese University history academic who was instrumental in getting Colin past the occupying force of Syrian soldiers ensconced throughout Lebanon.
Antioch on the Orontes is another emblematic site he ventured to. This ancient city, with roots in Greek and Roman antiquity, graced the eastern shores of the Orontes River. The present-day city of Antakya, Turkey, owes its name to these ruins, a testament to their enduring significance.
In essence, Colin Tennant’s quest for historical insight has propelled him across the globe, allowing him to personally connect with the past Through these explorations, he has skilfully woven history into a tangible, vivid tapestry. In each country Colin took the opportunity to study the domestic dogs and he wrote extensively in British, Indian and Nigerian pet dog magazines about what he observed including the dogs owners from the different cultures.
One of his significant achievements in this field was his partnership with Roger Tabor on the creation and supervision of the BBC series “The Mills Life.” This series delved into the history and fabric of social communities across numerous centuries, focusing on an Essex Mill that continues to endure. The contrasting perspectives on cats, being feared in Europe but revered in the Middle East, were explored. The programme achieved substantial success, highlighting Colin Tennant’s adaptable skills as a Producer and Director.
The First and Second world wars, the English Civil war and the American civil war are also areas of specific interest to him in and he has visited may of the battle sites or other important archaeological pertinent places of interest. He was most taken by the large landscapes in the USA to learn about the political and battle struggles that took place at the time. He has read extensiveness the Indigenousness people of North America pre and post colonialism and especially the internecine warfare of the many tribes of those periods.
The Zulu Nation.
“Shaka Zulu and the Zulu Wars: A Persistent Historical Fascination for Colin”
In the realm of history, “Shaka Zulu and the Zulu Wars” has held an enduring allure for Colin, a fascination originating in his teenage years and ignited by the film “Zulu.” The narrative unfolds by immersing itself in the remarkable odyssey of Shaka Zulu, charting his early years and his evolution into a revered warrior and adept strategist. His forward-thinking reforms introduced within the Zulu Kingdom heralded transformative shifts in both military tactics and societal frameworks, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s history. It’s crucial to acknowledge that the pursuit of this unity was accompanied by a massive tragic bloodshed, a facet that shadows the narrative. These events transpired well before his later conflict with Britain, encapsulated through his son Chestwayoyo.
Colin’s profound admiration for these historical figures, cultural heritage, and their accomplishments resonates deeply. The timeless allure of Shaka Zulu’s saga, interwoven with the tumultuous Zulu Wars, encapsulates a historical era that continues to seize his curiosity, reflecting his profound appreciation for the historical panorama that has indelibly shaped the course of events in that geographical expanse.
At its core, the allure of “Shaka Zulu and the Zulu Wars” weaves an unbroken thread through Colin’s historical interests, initially sparked by a seminal cinematic encounter during his youth. This unwavering fascination underscores his genuine respect for the people, culture, and achievements of that period, a sentiment that resounds with clarity.
In summary, Colin Tennant’s breadth of interests in History, reflecting his deep-seated passion for the medieval era, religious groups of the past, and the profound legacies of civilizations that have shaped the world we know today.
Colin Tennant’s Affinities in Evolutionary Biology, Science Education, and Natural History Evolutionary Biology and good Science Advocacy
Colin Tennant is an atheist and finds himself engrossed in the works of Charles Darwin and his co-discoverer Alfred Russel Wallace. He ardently supports the integration of Science into school curricula, advocating for the removal of religion, save for its role within historical contexts. While he refrains from having heroes, he highly commends Richard Dawkins, a distinguished evolutionary biologist, and recommends Dawkins’ seminal works such as “The Selfish Gene” and “The God Delusion.”
Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins and theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss stand out as bold and revolutionary scientists, who envision a world improved by relegating religion to history’s archives, or at least marginalizing its role as a political and social force. Colin strongly aligns with their rational perspectives and contributions across various societal domains.
His more light hearted approach from his Liverpudlian background supports figures like Bill Maher, an American comedian and political specialist, and the late Christopher Hitchens, a globally influential polemicist, as pivotal in reshaping attitudes through intelligent discourse and debate, often delivered with good humour. Platforms like YouTube allow these remarkable thinkers to shine in their full eloquence.
Appreciation for Natural History
Given his affinity for animals, it’s no surprise that Colin delves into the realm of natural history. His deep exploration encompasses wildlife studies and filming, especially of Africa’s majestic big cats. His journeys across Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, and other East African nations have culminated in an extensive collection of films capturing these creatures’ behaviour in their untamed habitat. Engaging with local communities has enriched his understanding of the delicate coexistence between wildlife and people in each locale. His resume contains all the Pet Dog magazines he his written for about such wild animals.
His favourite wild animal – The Wolf
Colin’s thorough examination of wolves and their diverse subspecies has proven pivotal in enriching his comprehension of the myriad domestic dogs he has supported and trained. A pivotal juncture in his exploration was his trip to Wolf Park in Indiana, where he had the privilege of partaking in a video interview with the late Dr. Eric Klinghammer, the esteemed chief zoologist and wolf authority. Guiding Colin through this immersive encounter was Pat Goodman, the chief resident biologist, who offered invaluable insights into the reasoning behind the existence of Wolf Park.
During his extended stays, Colin diligently documented the intricate interactions among the wolves, amassing priceless footage that furthered his insight. These direct engagements at Wolf Park provided enlightening experiences, granting him a profound understanding of the nuances of wolf behaviour and the intricacies of their social dynamics.
In essence, Colin’s venture into the domain of wolves serves as a testament to his resolute dedication to comprehend the nuances of the animal kingdom, which in turn fortifies his expertise in the arena of canine behaviour and training in the UK. This exploration underscores his unwavering commitment to untangling the enigmas that bridge the realms of domestic dogs and their untamed counterparts.
Broadcasting experience and Literary Recommendations
Colin’s presence extends to television broadcasts for BBC Television, Channel 4 and ITV News, wherein he achieved a remarkable record of 14 radio broadcasts within a two-hour window for regional BBC radio stations during a Police Dog incident.
As an advocate of enriching knowledge, Colin readily shares his book recommendations, including titles like “The Ancestor’s Tale: A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Evolution,” “The Magic of Reality: How We Know What’s Really True,” and “River Out of Eden: A Darwinian View of Life.” Also included is “The Templars: The History and the Myth: From Solomon’s Temple to the Freemasons” by Adrian Desmond and James R Moore.
Fundamentally, Colin Tennant’s diverse interests encompass Evolutionary Biology, Science Education, Natural History, and Broadcasting, encapsulating a captivating voyage of exploration, dissemination of knowledge, and promotion of rational discourse. Colin frequently appears on British television and radio, and this year alone he has made eighteen contributions to national newspapers and TV appearances.
You can read more about Colin’s Canine biography by clicking here.