The relationship between the cult of celebrity and the religion of Gaia-worship is an interesting one. To use a biological term, it seems to be symbiotic, or mutually beneficial.

Most often it's celebrities who use environmental causes to boost their profiles. But sometimes it works the other way around. Naturalists with a passion for the planet can become famous in their own right. Examples include Steve Irwin and David Attenborough. David Bellamy was also quite famous for a while until he had the temerity to question global warming. Harry Butler is a prominent local example. 

But you don't have to be a bloke in boots and khaki to become famous this way. Take Ocean Ramsey, the "shark whisperer". This stunning sea-lebrity is a passionate advocate for the giant fish, and is dedicated to proving that they are not the marine monsters we believe them to be.

So committed is she to her cause that she routinely swims with sharks to show they are harmless. Frankly I'm surprised she hasn't been devoured yet. Maybe it's because they're awestruck by her mermaid-like grace and beauty? Hard to tell if a shark is drooling, of course. But I think that might just be what the big fella shown in this story is doing!

Ramsey is currently in Perth. Needless to say she condemns the cull.