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INTERVIEW: Sue Aikens from ‘Life Below Zero’ lives the remote life and loves it

Sue Aikens, star of 'Life Below Zero,' takes aim with her rifle in Kavik, Alaska — Photo courtesy of © 2012 BBC Worldwide Ltd. "All Rights Reserved"
Sue Aikens, star of ‘Life Below Zero,’ takes aim with her rifle in Kavik, Alaska — Photo courtesy of © 2012 BBC Worldwide Ltd. “All Rights Reserved”

Sue Aikens, star of National Geographic’s Life Below Zero, lives a unique life at Kavik River Camp, roughly 500 miles from the nearest city and 80 miles from the nearest road. Hunting animals, dealing with the harsh terrain and seeing the majestic beauty of the nearby Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Aikens works long days to survive and thrive against the elements.

She welcomes select visitors to set up camp at Kavik, but for most of the year she values her privacy and solitude. Over the years, she has gained a new respect for the animals she calls neighbors and the environment she calls home.

Aikens is cut off from the world, but still very much part of the daily events on planet Earth. She’s the one on the front lines of nature.

Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Aikens. Life Below Zero continues with new episodes 9 p.m. Thursdays on National Geographic. Answers have been slightly edited for style.

Has the success of the reality TV show brought any changes to your life?

It has certainly increased the amount of messages and calls I receive! I am unused to so much attention out here, but I enjoy answering as many questions and messages as I can get to. I value people’s lives and input. I just don’t want to live next door to them on a daily basis.

The terrain that you live in seems harsh and not for everyone. How has it been working with camera crews? Do you feel responsible for their safety?

Nat Geo feels very strongly about the crew’s safety and always brings a safety person to watch their backs. As with anyone that comes here though, I do envelop them into my sphere and watch for their safety, as well as make any suggestions I feel necessary to their activities.

Sue Aikens — Photo courtesy of National Geographic
Sue Aikens — Photo courtesy of National Geographic

What do you miss most about your former life before living ‘below zero’?

I still have the same life, so I am not missing anything. I don’t change who and what I am for many people. The crews come and go for a glimpse of what I do … but that is just it, they glimpse what I DO. If I feel the need to hide I will simply wander off one day, that is my nature.

Of your many responsibilities on a day-to-day basis, what brings you the most enjoyment?

I suppose it would be the closeness I have experienced with some of the animals here. Even the bears … simply by being here and not trying to dominate the landscape, but work within it, I am privy to  experiencing the animals as they live.

Could you comment on the wildlife you encounter. When you see these foxes, wolves and moose, among other mammals, do you love them, respect them, appreciate them? What’s going through your mind?

I have the highest regard and respect for all the creatures here. I get a rare glimpse into what they do and how they live in their natural habitat. I do not feel that “because it is brown it has to go down” attitude. I am more of an explorer and seeker than I am a huntress. I do hunt to eat, but beyond that I explore and seek interesting things.

Is this a lifelong commitment, or do you envision one day coming back to a more populated region?

I would not say this is a lifelong commitment. As an inquisitive eternal 5 year old … I can guarantee you that something shiny will one day catch my eye and off I will wander to check it out. Where that shiny thing is and what it will be is as yet an unknown, but a true explorer keeps themselves open to any challenge. I love my life at Kavik and do not foresee any changes, but my ability to live here is tied to having a successful business. I will try my hardest to make it work, but smile at the next challenge should it not.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

  • Life Below Zero airs 9 p.m. Thursdays on National Geographic.

John Soltes

John Soltes is an award-winning journalist. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Earth Island Journal, The Hollywood Reporter, New Jersey Monthly and at Time.com, among other publications. E-mail him at john@hollywoodsoapbox.com

9 thoughts on “INTERVIEW: Sue Aikens from ‘Life Below Zero’ lives the remote life and loves it

  • I really admire the way you live i watch alot even reruns. I would love to visit but could not do it for longyou always seem to be very busy but you also look relaxed when your doing what ever your doingmy hats off to you cant wait for the new season.

    Reply
  • Marge Roach

    Why dont you live in one of the containers where you would have solid walls around you? My husband and I love this show and have watched some parts many times. Would love to try to live it but I think we are a little old so we will do it through you.

    Reply
  • You are a inspiration for all of us in the lower 48. As a hunter and person who craves the outdoors, I’m drawn to the show. I can’t wait for future episodes. Every time I see your show it makes me want to go to remote Alaska and live my dream. Keep up the good work and God Bless!

    Reply
  • sandy sullivan

    You are insperational to all woman.

    Reply
  • Sheila Johnson

    I really admire you and envy you as well. I too crave the simple life without people/drama around ALL the time and also working on my dime and time not punching someone else’s time clock and filling their pockets. A dream of mine.

    Reply
  • Sue ur so much a cool lady we love and admire you

    Reply
  • MR. J.Terry Gallahar

    HELLO SUE

    I LOVE THE SHOW

    YOU ARE ONE TUFF LADY

    I HAVE MANY QUESTIONS,
    DO YOU GET PAID TO WORK THERE
    DO YOU HAVE INDOOR PLUMBLING
    DO YOU HAVE SATELLITE TV OR COMPUTER
    THANKS,
    TERRY

    Reply
  • Carol Rouser

    I have been watching “Life Below Zero” for sometime. I can’t figure out what exactly your job is. I know your a loner and a very hard worker to keep the Kavik River Camp running. What exactly is the river camp used as? You have select guests that come and enjoy the outdoors. Do you get a pay check for what you do? Is this a type of hunting , fishing and just getting away from “civilization”? I wish I was as tuff as you to try something like this but that will never happen so I just live the life through you. Thanks, Carol R.

    Reply
  • Hi Sue, just want to say how much my husband and I enjoy watching “Living below Zero”. I just wondered how you are doing now. are you still living at the camp? Kinda of worried about your health and well being. Hope you are doing great, still living the life you love. You are a amazing person.

    Reply

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