A high-fashion model. A trilingual actor. A safari guide. A gorilla observer. A befriender of dolphins. An advocate for animal welfare. And an incredibly engaging and articulate interviewee. We are talking about Antoine Musy.
From a young age, French-born Antoine created his own mini safaris in his backyard, collecting insects and animals in his mother’s Tupperwares. The outdoors was his happy place, where he played, made up stories, fantasized about talking animals—a small boy with a big dream of epic adventures.
So much so, more than 10 years later he found himself acting in New York, taking roles in movies and walking the runway for luxury fashion brands. Soon after, he landed his major role as Tom Riddle Sr. in the British series The House of Gaunt. It was during this time that he returned to the books, diving into communication studies, which ultimately led to a job at National Geographic to embark on a journey of wildlife documentary-making.
This marked his next chapter, his wildest yet, into the animal kingdom, and one that would introduce him to his most breathtaking life moments. Now a self-trained safari guide and a captivating (and rather comedic) content creator, Antoine took a break from his wild and wonderful adventures to speak with us about his incredible career—and, more importantly, to explain what to do when locked eye-to-eye with a gorilla in the jungle.
Our Interview with Antoine Musy
Your last Instagram post tells us a lot about your journey—from playing zookeeper in your garden to becoming a safari guide and filmmaker. But what we really want to know is: what is it like to lock eyes with a gorilla?
It’s a moment etched in time. A suspended instant that resonates deeply, echoing through millennia. Of course, there’s apprehension, but above all, an overwhelming curiosity that transcends words. It’s like meeting a distant cousin from ten million years ago without really knowing how to initiate an interaction.
We share 98% of our DNA with gorillas, so it’s quite natural to perceive intentions in their gaze, in their body language, or even in a sort of invitation to establish physical contact.
While I am ethically committed to not touching a wild animal in its natural habitat, the gorillas I interact with are either from captivity or orphans undergoing rewilding. In such cases, human contact is necessary. However, I would never willingly touch a wild gorilla in nature… unless it was the one to initiate contact.
Is it frightening? Have you ever experienced a moment when you were truly scared of an animal?
Yes, it can be very frightening when you don’t have enough knowledge of animal behaviour, and even when you think you do, they can still be unpredictable… especially considering some say they’re four to six times stronger than a man.
I’ve felt uneasy around lions when walking through the savannah with the Maasai to conduct GPS tracking of their presence in different areas. One particularly intense moment was a night when I could hear lions calling for a hunt while I was sleeping less than a hundred metres away…
How should a human approach a gorilla? Any advice?
I advocate for an ethical approach to wild animals. As humans, we tend to want to touch and humanise them. We do this with our pets because they have been accustomed to us, and their social codes have been altered over thousands of years of domestication. But this is completely different from wild animals, where simply observing them should be enough to satisfy our curiosity.
Firstly, in the wild, it’s essential to wear a mask to avoid transmitting potential diseases (zoonoses) to them.
You must maintain a safe distance of several metres, respecting the animal’s comfort zone and avoiding a situation where it feels cornered—otherwise, it may try to defend itself or make it very clear that you are disturbing it.
To show that you are not a predator trying to harm or eat it, you can tear leaves and pretend to eat them while mimicking deep, long throat sounds—signalling that you come in peace.
If a gorilla becomes aggressive, do not run! This is often just intimidation, a way of testing you or asserting that you are not in charge here. In such a case, sit down, hunch your shoulders, and make yourself small so the gorilla realises you are not challenging it or seeking a confrontation. Gorillas are very intelligent—they will understand that you are not a threat and will move on.
Do you think animals notice your model-like appearance? (Just kidding.) But we’re sure your confidence as a model and acting skills help you stay calm around such extraordinary and impressive creatures. What parallels do you see between your careers on stage and in the wild?
Haha, no, I don’t think they notice those unimportant details, although my height and build probably play a role in how they assess me as a potential threat.
That said, my acting skills do help when it comes to keeping a cool head and staying calm in stressful situations. Acting is especially useful in analysing behaviour, decoding it, and responding accordingly—so that everyone maintains their role and the grand theatre of nature continues to offer magnificent scenes.
Tell us about other incredible animals you’ve had the chance to get close to.
I’ve had the privilege of living with the Maasai and tracking lions on foot every morning in the savannah, getting up in the middle of the night to relieve myself surrounded by spotted hyenas, hearing baboons’ alarm calls as a leopard approached, hunting with bows and arrows alongside the Hadza hunter-gatherers, forging an unbreakable bond and ultimately befriending a pod of wild bottlenose dolphins in Mozambique after several months, swimming in total trust with a multi-tonne humpback whale calf under its mother’s watchful gaze in French Polynesia, locking eyes with a forest elephant in the Congo, diving with sea lions off the west coast of the United States, and so many other unforgettable encounters.
You must have countless favourite moments. Tell us about the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in the wild.
I’ve always struggled to pick a favourite because every experience is so different yet equally enriching.
However, one of the most incredible moments was in Mozambique, when a dolphin brought me a piece of seaweed to play with—just like a dog bringing a ball! And, of course, offering water from my hands to Bomassa, an eight-year-old gorilla, was an unforgettable experience…
If we were to go on an expedition with you, what could we expect?
What drives me is the coexistence between humans and animals, often through the lens of indigenous peoples. Travelling with me means embarking on a unique experience—one I hope will be unforgettable. It’s about meeting communities, wild animals, and scientific organisations in an exclusive way, far from traditional tourist circuits. Adventure and the unexpected punctuate every step of the journey, bringing encounters full of warm smiles, cultural exchanges, and moments that bridge worlds apart.
Who would be your dream expedition companion (it can be anyone)?
In another life, I would have loved to take my parents and sister with me when they were in their twenties, so we could experience it all together like a group of friends!
If you could swap lives for a day with an animal you’ve met, which one would you choose?
I think I’d choose one of the dolphins I interacted with in Mozambique! It must be incredible to glide through the water at such speed, surfing waves with friends all day while encountering other creatures like migrating humpback whales… A dream!
Is there an animal you haven’t encountered yet but would love to?
Oh yes! There are so many! But one of my childhood dreams is to track down the ghost of the Himalayas—the elusive snow leopard! I used to collect every bit of information about it in a binder, hoping that one day I might have the chance to see one.
What have animals taught you about nature?
That we ourselves are animals and an integral part of nature. The very definition of an animal describes us: “A living organism, capable of sensation and movement.” Just by observing our shared physiological traits with other hominids, it becomes obvious.
Even though we have shaped nature with concrete, it remains more powerful than anything. And when people claim we are the most evolved species, I often reply with Einstein’s words: “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.”
Conservation is a growing conversation in the world today. From your experience, what do you think people need to understand most about protecting wildlife?
Sometimes, conservation and animal welfare go hand in hand with stepping back and leaving them alone. People also need to understand that those who share land with these animals should not be excluded from their territories for the sake of creating national parks without their consent. Wildlife conservation must be considered as a whole, integrating complex themes of coexistence and balancing the needs of every species involved.
What’s one thing that you always take with you on an expedition? Any sentimental items?
A first-aid kit, a Leatherman (multitool), a lighter, and a water bottle or a filtering straw.
As for sentimental items, not really, but I always have photos on my phone that remind me of my loved ones.
Your job means you’re travelling a lot. But what does “home” mean to you?
That’s a tough question… I don’t really have—or no longer have—a “true home.”
For me, home is wherever I feel happy and where I can spend time with family or friends. Of course, my parents’ house in the Paris region will always be a “home” because I grew up there, but after my travels, when I return to Europe, I usually settle in Barcelona, where I live with my cousin.
When you’re not captivating TV audiences or braving the wild, how do you unwind? Any favourite ways to recharge?
I’m a very simple person who loves to laugh about everything. I’m lucky to have a loving family and friends who have become an extension of that family. Humour plays a huge role in my happiness, and my loved ones know that laughter is what connects us. In my family and among my friends, you need to have self-deprecating humour, enjoy good food, and appreciate physical closeness!
Do you have any hobbies?
I love all kinds of sports! My father instilled in me the value of pushing myself and the joy of effort through physical activity. “A healthy mind in a healthy body” is a real motto for me!
If we met you in a bar, what would you be drinking? Who would you be with?
If it’s in Barcelona, a Clara! It’s a local mix of beer and lemon Fanta.
I’m not really into alcohol, and my friends often tease me because I struggle to finish my drinks!
If I’m somewhere else in the world, I’ll adapt. But if there aren’t many options, sparkling water always quenches my thirst—or I’ll try the local drink, even if it’s alcoholic, to satisfy my curiosity!
As for company—anyone who’s up for a laugh and a good time is welcome!
Do you have a favourite holiday destination? Are you a beach or pool guy? We’re guessing beach…
The great thing about my job is that I get to travel to some of the most incredible holiday destinations, like when I went to French Polynesia to film a project on ethical whale-watching and swimming. But now, I’d love to go to Sumatra to see orangutans!
And yes… I’m much more of a beach person than a pool person! Especially if there are big waves—I love surfing them or just playing in them like a kid! And, of course, exploring with a mask and snorkel, looking for fish, crustaceans, or other marine mammals!
What does the future hold for you? Do you see yourself ever settling down, or will the call of the wild always keep you on the move?
I don’t even know where I’ll be next week, so… But one thing is certain: as long as I can answer the call of the wild and dedicate myself to its preservation, I will!
Name five travel essentials you can’t leave home without.
A tent/hammock, a first-aid kit, Leatherman (multitool), a headlamp and a phone.
Do you have a favourite room in your home? What makes it unique?
The kitchen at my parents’ house! It’s the place that has hosted so many conversations, moments of joy, and even moments of sorrow. And, since I’m a big foodie, there’s always something to eat!
After a long day, what’s your ultimate comfort craving?
A shower—preferably hot, but if not, no problem!
Then, sitting down and taking the time to listen to some music that allows my mind to keep travelling.
How do you define luxury in your life, and how has this evolved over time?
I started my career modelling for prestigious brands like Balmain, but I’ve never been deeply drawn to the luxury industry. Of course, like anyone, I appreciate beautiful things and fine craftsmanship, but for me, the ultimate luxury is time—the time to take my time.
Time is the greatest wealth a human can have! As my uncle says: “When everything moves too fast, it’s urgent to slow down.”
What’s your earliest childhood memory?
I think it’s in my grandparents’ garden, where I was completely fascinated by my dad’s dog! I believe that’s where my passion for animals began!
How often do you rely on your gut feelings?
I think all the time! The body feels and speaks—we just have to learn to listen to it. We rarely make mistakes when we truly trust our instincts.
If you could choose any superpower, which would it be and why?
When I was younger, I probably would have said flying, just so I could play in the clouds with the birds! But today, I’d say the ability to control time—to make seconds last for years!
Thank you, Antoine, it was a real pleasure!
Check out Antoine's Instagram for more inspiring stories.
Read more:
- Klaus Thymann: An Interview with the Photographer, Filmmaker and Explorer
- Save the Mantas, Save the World!
Last Updated on April 3, 2025 by Editorial Team
