Interviews June 12, 2026 10 min read

Nick Evans and the Real Work of Snake Conservation

South African conservationist Nick Evans shares his journey from childhood snake enthusiast to renowned snake rescuer, researcher, educator, and advocate for human-wildlife coexistence. Discover career advice, conservation lessons, and the realities of working with some of Africa’s most misunderstood animals.

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews Early Years December 2, 2025 8 min read

From classroom to conservation: How students are redefining stewardship

Who is Tintswalo Mukhari? She’s not a scientist or politician; she’s a high school student from St Catherine’s Convent in South Africa who is proving that youth can drive real environmental change. What is she doing? Together with her co-captain, Lesedi Kgarimetsa, Tintswalo leads the True Blue Recycling Club, a school-based initiative turning everyday waste

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews Communicator November 18, 2025 10 min read

Sharks, stories and stewardship: How one communicator found her calling beneath the surface

What does it mean to speak for the ocean? For Esther Jacobs, a conservation storyteller, mother and campaigner whose journey spans from the cold coasts of Scotland to the vibrant marine ecosystems of South Africa, it means combining emotion with science, storytelling with advocacy, and turning life’s hardest challenges into a voice for change. Esther’s

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews Communicator November 4, 2025 7 min read

See. Feel. Act. Why storytelling is the new science of conservation

What happens when a biologist swaps the microscope for a camera, and discovers that storytelling can be just as powerful as science? From Arctic expeditions to coral reefs, from UNESCO heritage sites to naval and research vessels, Casper Tybjerg’s journey has spanned over two decades and 64 countries, a lifetime dedicated to showing the world

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews October 14, 2025 8 min read

Living with purpose: A career journey across continents, communities and oceans

In the heart of Mossel Bay, where the Indian Ocean meets South Africa’s Garden Route, Andrea Rowlands-Bradfield stands as a lighthouse for youth, conservation and purpose-driven leadership. Her story is a sweeping saga of adventure, reinvention and resilience, a journey that spans continents, career paths and conservation frontlines. Today, Andrea is the Co-founder and Director

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews October 7, 2025 6 min read

From saddles to safaris: A journey of grit, grace and the great outdoors

In a world so often rushed and reactive, some individuals lead with presence, purpose and a deep understanding of place. Andrea Bradfield is one of them. From rhino-tracking in remote bushveld to mentoring marine guides along South Africa’s southern coast, her journey is stitched together not by ambition, but by intention. This is the story

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews Land Manager September 23, 2025 9 min read

Sting in the shadows: Fighting wildlife crime in the heart of Africa

The forest near the Congolese border was thick with tension. The mission: intercept the illicit cargo, dismantle the syndicate and avoid casualties. This kind of covert “sting”, an undercover operation designed to catch criminals in the act, was familiar territory for Grevis Mutendi. In a remote clearing, long exploited as a smuggling corridor, half a

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews Land Manager September 9, 2025 10 min read

Turning tactical expertise into wildlife crime prevention: Lessons and advice

What happens when a former military intelligence officer trades the battlefield for the bushveld? Meet Leon Rossouw, a South African investigator who has transformed decades of tactical expertise into a powerful weapon against wildlife crime. From the plains of Southern Africa to the international networks trafficking endangered species, Leon has been at the frontlines where

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews Land Manager July 24, 2025 11 min read

Do you have what it takes to be a wildlife crimefighter?

What does it take to bring down an international wildlife trafficking ring? For Tim Santel, the answer lies in decades of experience, a refusal to play it safe and a belief that bold investigations can change the world. As a kid growing up in the rural Midwest, USA, Tim couldn’t have predicted that one day

Stephanie Nicolaides
Scientist Interviews June 10, 2025 8 min read

Becoming an impactful researcher: Making a difference across science and policy

What does it take to bridge the worlds of science, policy and industry to tackle one of the planet’s most urgent environmental threats? Meet Ginevra Oertel, a PhD candidate at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, whose research focuses on developing microplastic pollution prevention strategies in the maritime sector. Ginerva’s academic background spans an impressive

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews Land Manager May 27, 2025 9 min read

A day in the life of a conservation ranger: The journey, challenges and rewards of protecting nature

To learn the realities of life as a Conservation Ranger, Erich Goold takes us to the remote and windswept coastline of the Fransmanshoek Conservancy, nestled along South Africa’s Southern Cape near the fishing town of Mossel Bay. This coastal conservancy, known for its rich marine biodiversity, dramatic rocky shores, and unique fynbos vegetation, is a

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews Wildlife Carer April 29, 2025 11 min read

From wildlife vet to conservation leader: A journey of passion and purpose

In Mozambique’s Niassa Special Reserve, Dr Samuell Bilerio, a wildlife veterinarian and passionate advocate for human-wildlife coexistence, is making a profound impact. His approach to conservation goes beyond veterinary care; it integrates community involvement, innovative solutions, and long-term planning. His career highlights the crucial role that veterinary medicine plays in broader conservation efforts, particularly in

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews Scientist March 18, 2025 11 min read

From alps to action: A wildlife biologist’s journey in alpine conservation

Alessandro Forti’s path to wildlife conservation was set at a young age. Alessandro’s parents would often take him to the Alps for long days hiking, climbing and spotting wildlife, and there he developed a profound connection with the natural world which left a lasting mark. Those early days in the mountains sparked his curiosity about

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews Organisational Manager March 6, 2025 9 min read

Conservation as a unifier – A vision for a sustainable, connected future

Scott Thomson’s journey from the fast-paced world of hospitality to the heart of conservation is nothing short of remarkable. Once a dedicated chef, Scott’s life took a dramatic turn following a life-altering injury that forced him to rethink his path. This unexpected twist led him to a newfound purpose, one where conservation and community are

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews February 28, 2025 9 min read

Switching paths: From culinary arts to conservation leadership

Scott Thomson’s career path took an extraordinary turn, one that few could have predicted. Starting as a chef in South Africa’s hospitality industry, he spent years in the fast-paced world of professional kitchens, crafting dishes and perfecting his culinary skills. However, at the age of 23, an irreversible injury changed everything. Suddenly facing a future

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews Celebrating Diversity in Conservation February 3, 2025 11 min read

From gears to greenery: Dr Gopalakrishna’s path from mechanics to conservation science

In a world grappling with environmental crises, the need for passionate and skilled conservation advocates has never been more crucial. Dr Trisha Gopalakrishna exemplifies this shift, moving from a background in mechanical engineering to becoming an impactful conservationist and researcher. Trisha works with leading organisations like The Nature Conservancy (TNC), focusing on vital environmental issues.

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews Organisational Manager January 6, 2025 11 min read

Seeds of change: Abubakar Ibrahim’s quest for youth empowerment, conservation and heritage preservation in Nigeria

The fight for youth empowerment, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental conservation is not always an easy one. It requires vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to creating positive change, and Abubakar Ibrahim, founder and president of Nigeria’s Katsina Youth Transformation Network (KYTN), exemplifies all these qualities. The birth of the Katsina Youth Transformation Network (KYTN) In

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews Organisational Manager December 9, 2024 10 min read

From passion to action: Julius Kirumira’s journey to animal advocacy and conservation leadership in Uganda and beyond

In a world increasingly in need of champions for animal welfare and environmental sustainability, Julius Kirumira’s story stands as a powerful testament to the impact one individual can have. Uganda, located in East Africa, boasts a rich tapestry of biodiversity, from the vibrant wildlife of its savannas to the diverse aquatic ecosystems of its lakes.

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews Scientist September 23, 2024 8 min read

Extreme conservation: Dr Sandra Lai’s mission to safeguard nature’s last frontiers

What drives someone to the most remote corners of the Earth in pursuit of wildlife conservation? For Dr Sandra Lai, it’s a profound dedication to understanding and protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species. In this article, we dive into Sandra’s remarkable career journey. Discover how Sandra’s unique experiences and insights can offer valuable lessons for

Stephanie Nicolaides
Interviews Scientist September 10, 2024 7 min read

Unveiling the mysteries of the Ethiopian Wolf: An in-depth look at Dr. Sandra Lai’s expedition into the heart of conservation

In the rugged highlands of Ethiopia, where the landscape meets the sky, a quiet but vital conservation battle unfolds. Amidst this breathtaking backdrop, Dr. Sandra Lai is at the forefront of preserving a species on the brink of extinction: the Ethiopian Wolf. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Sandra’s remarkable journey, her role as

Stephanie Nicolaides