Ep 52: Timothy Santel – Focused Conservation and Criminal Investigations with the USFWS.

Ep 52: Timothy Santel – Focused Conservation and Criminal Investigations with the USFWS.

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In this episode, I’m talking with Timothy Santel. Tim is currently the Senior Advisor on International Wildlife Trafficking programs for Focused Conservation, which is a nonprofit changing the game in the battle against wildlife crime through investigations, government support, and information sharing. Tim spent over 33 years working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and retired as a Special Agent in Charge of their Special Investigations Unit. Tim developed and oversaw a team of elite covert federal agents tasked with investigating transnational criminal organizations that were illegally trafficking wildlife. In recognition of his efforts, Tim received numerous awards throughout his career including the prestigious Guy Bradley Award, Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal, and North American Wildlife Officer of the Year.

In this conversation, we go deep into the work being done at Focused Conservation, why what they are doing is important to the cause, and how you can support. We dive into Tim’s progression from growing up in a rural Midwestern town in the US, to becoming a law enforcement agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We go into many of his experiences on the job and investigations including Operation Crash, which resulted in nearly 50 prosecutions globally for trafficking in rhino horns and elephant ivory. Tim is generous with his stories and his wisdom.

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Instagram: @focused.conservation
Facebook: @FocusedConservation
Twitter: @FocusedConserve
LinkedIn: @Timothy Santel | @Focused Conservation

Ep 51: Chris Galliers – The future of rangers and the International Ranger Federation.

Ep 51: Chris Galliers – The future of rangers and the International Ranger Federation.

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In this episode I’m talking with Chris Galliers. Chris is the current President of the International Ranger Federation and we go deep on everything rangers, on this World Ranger Day. He is also the manager of Conservation Outcomes, which was created to provide support to land that is being developed and managed for biodiversity conservation outside of traditional state protected areas. Chris has been on the executive committee for the Game Rangers Association of Africa, and was the Senior Manager of Wildlife and Conservation Initiatives at WESSA.

In this conversation, we dive into Chris’s youth growing up on a dairy farm in rural KwaZulu-Natal and the curiosity that led him into the conservation field. We talk about the importance of rangers, the balance of conserving spaces while supporting growth, staying optimistic in work that can feel like a constant battle, and we go deep on the International Ranger Federation. Chris talks about the next World Ranger Congress, the Chitwan Declaration and the Universal Ranger Support Alliance, and the International Ranger Awards. Chris is deeply passionate about rangers, conservation, and his work. You won’t want to miss this wide ranging conversation.

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Instagram: @chrisgalliers | @int_ranger_fed
Facebook: @chris.galliers.5 | @InternationalRangerFederation
Twitter: @ursa4rangers
LinkedIn: @Chris Galliers | @Universal Ranger Support Alliance

Ep 50: John Jurko II – Directing RHINO MAN the movie and living the better story.

Ep 50: John Jurko II – Directing RHINO MAN the movie and living the better story.

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In this episode, we turn the microphone on our host, John Jurko II. John is the lead director and producer who has overseen the completion of our documentary film, RHINO MAN, since 2018. After receiving a BA in Film Production and Philosophy at Bowling Green State University, he lived in Los Angeles, where he worked in the camera department of many indie films. He then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he was drawn to RHINO MAN for its story and potential as a social impact project. He created and hosts The Rhino Man Podcast to further build awareness of the importance of rangers, the rhino poaching crisis, and community engagement. John has presented to audiences such as His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, government, international financial crime delegates, law enforcement, and conservation NGOs.

In this conversation, we dive into the ups and downs along John’s winding journey into filmmaking. We go deep into his philosophy on life, how he came to RHINO MAN, and the endless obstacles he had to overcome to complete the film. We also talk about the devastating loss of his good friend and ranger, Anton Mzimba.

Matt Lindenberg, the Executive Director of the Global Conservation Corps takes the reins and hosts an intimate conversation with John. This episode shows how we can all contribute to the greater cause in our own way.

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Instagram: @johnjurko
Facebook: @johnjurko
Twitter: @johnjurko
LinkedIn: @John Jurko II

Ep 49: Orlat Ndlovu – Head of Ranger Services at the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.

Ep 49: Orlat Ndlovu – Head of Ranger Services at the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.

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In this episode, I’m talking with my good friend, Orlat Ndlovu. Orlat is the Head of Ranger Services at the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which borders the Kruger National Park in South Africa. He’s been a dedicated ranger for over 14 years, and he was a close friend and colleague of the late Anton Mzimba.

In this conversation, we talk about Orlat’s early love of birds and how that passion for nature led to a career as a field ranger. We dive into the challenges he faced during ranger selection and training, the day-to-day work of a ranger in the Timbavati, and the many dangers of the job. We spend time unpacking the rhino poaching crisis, and how it changed the nature of his work. We go deep into what makes a good ranger, the nature of corruption within the ranger corps and how his team works to eliminate it, and the importance of educating and inspiring the youth. We even have a heartfelt discussion about the loss of Anton Mzimba, and the difficult task Orlat had in stepping up and taking leadership of his team during such a devastating time. Orlat is full of sage advice and love for the work he does.

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Website: timbavati.co.za
Instagram: @ort_027_| @timbavati_pnr
Facebook: @orlat.ndlovu | @timbavatiprivatenaturereserve
Twitter: @timbavati

Ep 48: Marianne De Kock – A life dedicated to training the next generation of rangers.

Ep 48: Marianne De Kock – A life dedicated to training the next generation of rangers.

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In this episode, I’m talking with Marianne De Kock. Marianne along with her husband, Ruben, and their close friend, Martin Mthembu, founded and ran African Field Ranger Training Services, or AFRTS. Together they developed the coursework and trained tens of thousands of rangers across Africa and beyond. AFRTS continues to operate as a program of the Southern African Wildlife College’s Protected Area Integrity Department. Marianne served in the South African Military Defence Force, where she became a sharp shooter and participated in National Key Point shooting competitions. In 2018, Marianne was recognized as a Rhino Conservation Supporter at the Rhino Conservation Awards. She also plays a major role in our documentary film, RHINO MAN.

In this conversation, we talk about Marianne’s path into the military and how the training she received prepared her for her future work as a ranger trainer. We go into how she and Ruben met, and the leap of faith they took in starting AFRTS. She tells many stories of the early days, of the bonds she had with Martin Mthembu and Anton Mzimba, and the passion she has for the frontline of conservation, our rangers. This was such a lovely episode, and Marianne’s life of dedication to a bigger purpose shines through.

Ep 47: Andrew Lemieux, Ph.D. – Problem-Oriented Wildlife Protection with LEAD Ranger.

Ep 47: Andrew Lemieux, Ph.D. – Problem-Oriented Wildlife Protection with LEAD Ranger.

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In this episode, I’m talking with Dr. Andrew Lemieux. Andrew grew up in the mountains of Arizona in the United States, before spending more than a decade researching wildlife crime at the Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement in Amsterdam. Andrew now manages LEAD Ranger’s Problem-Oriented Wildlife Protection program, the humble beginnings of a scalable approach to teaching problem-analysis and crime prevention to the global conservation community. Andrew is also the editor-in-chief of the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing’s Wilderness Problems Resource Portal, and is a member of the scientific advisory committee for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s World Wildlife Crime report.

In this conversation, we dive into Andrew’s youth and path to studying criminology and wildlife crime. We go deep into the benefits of implementing problem-oriented policing in conservation, the importance of having a well trained analyst on your team, and the obstacles to convincing organizations to hire analysts and how to overcome them. We take a brief journey through LEAD Ranger ‘s development and explore their vision for the future, and we go into the broader advantages of looking at the world through the lens of problem solving, even outside of protected area management. This episode is jam packed with years of research and knowledge, and Andrew’s passion for the work shines though.

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Website: LEAD Ranger | Wilderness Problems Resource Portal | 55 Steps
Instagram: @lead_ranger
LinkedIn: @LEAD Ranger

Ep 45: Tom Medema – Rally for Rangers: Empowering rangers with new motorcycles.

Ep 45: Tom Medema – Rally for Rangers: Empowering rangers with new motorcycles.

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In this episode, I’m talking with Tom Medema. Tom is the Co-Founder of Rally for Rangers, whose mission is to protect the world’s special places by empowering rangers around the world with new motorcycle equipment. Tom was born in Michigan in the United States, and developed a passion for national parks at a young age while on family vacations throughout the American west. This passion turned into a career as a park ranger spanning over 33 years.

In this conversation, we talk about how Tom found himself on his first ride through Mongolia, and the early beginnings of Rally for Rangers. We dive deep into the importance of rangers, the support they need to do their work, and passion for this calling. We go into some of the epic adventures of past rallies, how you can get involved, and talk about their new film A Rally for Rangers. Tom was full of energy and passion and his stories make you want to go on your own adventure and to support the rangers.

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Website: rallyforrangers.org
Instagram: @rallyforrangers | @tom_medema
Facebook: @rallyforrangers
Twitter: @tom_medema
LinkedIn: @Tom Medema

Ep 44: Urs Reif – European Ranger Federation and Black Forest National Park.

Ep 44: Urs Reif – European Ranger Federation and Black Forest National Park.

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In this episode, I’m talking with Urs Reif. Urs studied biology and nature conservation and is working as chief ranger for Black Forest national park in Germany. In addition Urs worked in conservancy reporting and in the federal ministry for nature conservation. As a volunteer he is seating the ranger working group for Europarc Germany and is president of the European Ranger Federation.

In this conversation, we talk about Urs’ path to becoming a ranger, the beauty of Black Forest national park, and his opinion on Black Forest cake. We dive into the importance of rangers locally and globally, the necessity and benefits of ranger associations, and the workings of the European Ranger Federation. This conversation was full of energy and confirmed, once again, my love of rangers, their stories, and the work they do.

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Website: europeanrangers.org
Instagram: @european_ranger_federation | @reif.urs
Facebook: @EuropeanRangerFederation
LinkedIn: @European Ranger Federation

Ep 42: Theresa Sowry – SAWC and educating the next generation of conservationists.

Ep 42: Theresa Sowry – SAWC and educating the next generation of conservationists.

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In this episode, I’m talking with Theresa Sowry. Theresa is the CEO of the Southern African Wildlife College, which equips people with the necessary knowledge and applied skills to conserve and protect Africa’s natural resources and biodiversity in viable, inclusive and economically successful ways. Theresa holds a Master of Science Degree in Botany from the University of the Witswatersrand, South Africa. She gained conservation experience while employed by South African National Parks working on their rare antelope programme in the Kruger National Park. And she is a pilot, flying a Savannah S, Light Sport Aircraft.

In this conversation, we talk about Theresa’s family visits to Kruger National Park in her youth, and how those fostered her love of nature. We talk about her path to working at the Wildlife College, the beauty of the location and people, and the many programmes offered: from field ranger training, the K9 unit, and aerial support to community and youth development, and responsible Resource Management. We talk about the changes that took place because of the rhino poaching crisis, the complexities and nuances of conservation, and Theresa’s love of flying. Such a wonderful, wide-ranging conversation.

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Instagram: @wildlifecollege
Facebook: @theresa.sowry | @southernafricanwildlifecollege
LinkedIn: @Theresa Sowry | @Southern African Wildlife College

Ep 40: Reginah Smith – North West Parks Board, and female leadership in the ranger corps.

Ep 40: Reginah Smith – North West Parks Board, and female leadership in the ranger corps.

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In this episode, I’m talking with Reginah Smith. Reggie is a ranger corporal in Pilanesberg National Park in North West Province, South Africa. She’s an adjutant of the Pilanesberg Rhino Protection Unit, she’s a participating member of the Game Rangers Association of Africa, and she is studying law to become an advocate for rangers in the legal system.

In this conversation, we talk about Reggie’s unexpected path into becoming a ranger. We talk about her training at the Southern African Wildlife college by Ruben de Kock and Martin Mthembu, and the confidence and leadership skills they instilled in her. We go into the beauty of Pilanesberg National Park, the height of the rhino poaching crisis, the formation of the Rhino Protection Unit, and how she’s overcome the challenges of leading a ranger unit as a woman. She remembers Anton Mzimba, and we discuss the lessons loss. Reggie has a deep love for family, inspiring the youth, and advocating for her rangers.

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Website: northwestparks.org.za/
Instagram: @pilanesberg_national_park
Facebook: @visitnwparks | @PilanesbergNationalPark
Twitter: @NWP_HOME | @PilanesbergNP