Rich Kirchner

Rich “Mad Dog” Kirchner has worked as a Naturalist for more than 30 years, guiding in Antarctica, Alaska, the Bering Sea, Baja California and the High Arctic, including Svalbard, Greenland, Arctic Canada and Iceland. For the past 19 years, he has worked with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

In addition to his expedition work, Rich has spent 36 years as a professional wildlife photographer. His images have been published internationally in a range of magazines, including Geo Germany, Geo France, Natural History, Audubon, National Wildlife, International Wildlife and Ranger Rick, as well as in more than 100 books. His photography has also received both domestic and international awards.

Rich’s years in the field have shaped a strong understanding of animal behavior and the rhythms of wildlife in remote environments. This experience informs both his photography and his work as a Naturalist, where careful observation and anticipation of wildlife activity enhance guest experiences.

Rich has completed approximately 90 expedition voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falklands. He also spent 21 months working with the U.S. Antarctic Program, including a winter at McMurdo Station, with travel to remote locations such as the South Pole, Mount Erebus, the Dry Valleys and Marie Byrd Land.

He lives in Bozeman, Montana and spends summers in Alaska near Glacier Bay National Park, continuing his lifelong engagement with wildlife and wild places.