Ep 26: James Slade – Firefighter, ranger, and wildlife crime prevention at Re:wild.

Ep 26: James Slade – Firefighter, ranger, and wildlife crime prevention at Re:wild.

In this episode, I’m talking with James Slade. James was born in British Columbia surrounded by wildlife on the Canadian West Coast. After some years of traveling he ended up studying at the Southern African Wildlife College. From there he worked as a game ranger and tracker at the Cheetah Conservation Fund, he was the Senior Warden and Operations Manager with the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, he worked for the Game Rangers Association of Africa, he was a Technical Advisor for the Bumi Hills Foundation, and he is currently the Wildlife Crime Prevention Officer for Re:wild. On top of that Jame’s is a Volunteer Firefighter with the Lone Butte Fire Department in BC, Canada.

In this conversation, we talk about all of James’ roles and experiences through the lens of following his passion for wild spaces and working in the bush. From his early days growing up in BC, to his decision to study at the SAWC, and all that he has learned and encountered through his varied positions over the years. From training rangers, to combating poaching, to understanding crime prevention. This is another great episode full of stories of following one’s passion and seeing where it takes them.

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Website: rewild.org
Instagram: @james_logan_slade | @rewild
Facebook: @Rewild
Twitter: @rewild

National Park After Dark: People of the Parks – RHINO MAN with John Jurko II

RHINO MAN was featured in an episode of National Park After Dark. Show description and show links below.

In today’s episode, we speak with John Jurko II, the lead producer of an upcoming documentary film, Rhino Man. We discuss the poaching crisis in places like Kruger National Park and the Rangers who risk their lives to protect the wildlife. We also take the time to honor the legacy of Anton Mzimba, a lead ranger and protagonist of the film, who recently had his life taken because of the work he did in wildlife conservation.

We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you’re out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations – head over to our website.

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Website: npadpodcast.com

Ep 24: General Johan Jooste – Rhino War: the battle to save Kruger National Park’s rhinos.

Ep 24: General Johan Jooste – Rhino War: the battle to save Kruger National Park’s rhinos.

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In this episode, I’m talking with retired Major General Johan Jooste. General Jooste spent 35 years in the South African National Defence Force as an infantry officer, a war veteran of Southern African campaigns, and finally exiting the military as the Deputy Chief of the Army. His second career was 5 years as the Director of International Business Development for BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa, a South African defence company. The General’s third career started in 2013 and includes the roles of Officer Commanding Special Projects at Kruger, Officer Commanding Special Projects at SANParks, Law Enforcement and Security Program Manager at Peace Parks Foundation, and Law Enforcement and Security Program Manager seconded to the National Department.

In this conversation, we talk about General Jooste’s past experience in the military and how he ended up leading the para-militarization of the ranger corps at Kruger National Park. We dive into the many challenges he faced, his method for securing the park from the outside in, the risks the rangers must take to protect the rhinos from poaching syndicates, and why he decided to write his new book titled, Rhino War. The General wants to make it clear that all of his answers are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the organizations he works for. There are many great stories and lessons in this one, along with the harsh realities of poaching crisis.

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Rhino War: Buy book on Amazon
Instagram: @sanparks | @krugernationalpark | @peaceparks | @tonyparkauthor
Facebook: @SANParksHonoraryRangers

Ep 21: Grant Fowlds – Project Rhino, Saving the Last Rhinos, and Rewilding Africa.

Ep 21: Grant Fowlds – Project Rhino, Saving the Last Rhinos, and Rewilding Africa.

In this episode, I’m talking with Grant Fowlds. Grant is a conservationist, consultant, educator and author of two books. He grew up in the Eastern Cape of South Africa where his family and neighbors came together to form the now famous Amakhala Game Reserve. He’s the Director of the (KZN) Project Rhino Alliance NPC and the Ambassador & Manager for Rhino Art. He splits his time between range expansion projects, marketing, fundraising, youth education, and speaking about the work being done in the field. His two books, Saving the Last Rhinos and Rewildling Africa can be found on Amazon.

In this conversation, we talk about Grant’s early days of growing up on the family farm, his entrepreneurial beginnings in goat farming, and the development of the Amakhala Game Reserve. We talk about his involvement in Rhino Art with adventurer Kingsley Holgate, the work at Project Rhino and their efforts in range expansion, ranger support, youth education, and building a conservation economy. We go into the many stories related in his books, and dive into some of his rewilding projects with a focus on the development of the Loziba Wildlife Reserve. Grant’s books and life story is a masterclass in conservation. This episode is full of stories of passionate people coming together to make a difference.

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Websites: grantfowlds.com | projectrhinokzn.org | amakhala.co.za | loziba.com
Instagram: @grant.fowlds | @amakhala_game_reserve | @projectrhinokzn
Facebook: @grant.fowlds | @projectrhinokzn | @amakhalareserve
Twitter: @GrantFowlds1 | @ProjectRhinoKZN | @amakhala

Ep 19: Peter Knights – WildAid and reducing the demand for illegal wildlife consumption. 

Ep 19: Peter Knights – WildAid and reducing the demand for illegal wildlife consumption. 

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In this episode, I’m talking with Peter Knights. After graduating from the London School of Economics, Peter first worked on wildlife trafficking as an investigator and campaigner for the Environmental Investigation Agency. He specialized in global on-site investigations and campaigning against the trade in wild birds for pets, as well as consumption of endangered species. In 1996, as a director of the Global Survival Network, he introduced conservation to the concept of demand reduction, that is now widely accepted as an important tool in solving trafficking problems. Peter is currently the Founder and President of WildAid. WildAid’s demand reduction program uses sophisticated advertising techniques, donated airtime, and celebrity spokespeople with the message “When the buying stops, the killing can too.”

In this conversation, we talk about Peter’s early days in conservation, how he came to see demand reduction as a powerful tool in stopping the illegal wildlife trade, the beginnings of WildAid, and Peter’s first campaign with his longtime ambassador, Jackie Chan. We dive into the WildAid’s campaigns to reduce the demand of ivory and rhino horn. We discuss WildAid’s successful partnership with the Chinese government. We talk about the over 100 ambassadors who have appeared in campaigns, including Yao Ming’s contribution to WildAid’s campaigns and documentaries. There are so many legend stories, and so much passion for conservation in this episode.

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Website: wildaid.org
Instagram: @wildaid @peter_knights
Facebook: @wildaid
Twitter: @wildaid

Ep 18: Bibhab Talukdar – Aaranyak, Indian Conservation, and IUCN Asian Rhino Specialist.

Ep 18: Bibhab Talukdar – Aaranyak, Indian Conservation, and IUCN Asian Rhino Specialist.

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In this episode, I’m talking with Bibhab Talukdar. Bibhab has a Masters in Biology from Guwahati University. He is the Secretary General & CEO of Aaranyak (@aaranyak_india), an organization leading a new, integrated conservation movement to address topics like ecosystem goods and services, climate change, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. He is also a member of the Asian Rhino Specialist Group of the IUCN (@iucnssc) and a member of the National Board of Wildlife under the government of India.

In this conversation, we talk about Bibhab’s early days growing up in the Eastern Himalayas, and his inspiration for starting Aaranyak as a nature club, which then grew into a large conservation organization. We go into the success story of the Greater One-Horned Rhino, we dive into the many conservation problems Bibhab is tackling in India through Aaranyak, and we learn of the importance of connecting with local communities near protected areas. Bibhab has an amazing life story, and has accomplished so many things in the conservation space.

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Website: aaranyak.org
Instagram: @aaranyak_india
Facebook: @aaranyakindia
Twitter: @aaranyak

Ep 16: James Mwenda – Losing the Northern White Rhinos, and safari travel with intent.

Ep 16: James Mwenda – Losing the Northern White Rhinos, and safari travel with intent.

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In this episode, I’m talking with James Mwenda. James grew up in the foothills of Mt. Kenya where he was surrounded by wildlife and inspired by the local rangers. At Ol Pejeta Conservancy, he worked his way up from general laborer, to rhino patrolman, to caretaker of the last of the Northern White Rhinos. James is a Kenyan Wildlife Speaker and African Wildlife Educator, and he recently started Jemu Mwenda Expeditions, where he offers Safari Travel with Intent.

In this conversation, we dig into James’ early memories of human wildlife conflict and how that influenced his decision to become a ranger. We talk about his years out in the bush working at Ol Pejeta. We go into his time as one of the caretakers of Sudan, the last male Northern white rhino, his work as an ambassador for conservation, and his new venture, Jemu Mwenda Expeditions. We even talk about his recent visit to see the Mountain Gorillas.

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Website: jemuexpeditions.com
Instagram: @jemu_mwenda @jemuexpeditions
Facebook: @jemuexpeditions
Twitter: @jemumwenda

Ep 14: Barney Long, Ph.D. – Re:wild, lost species, and saving the Sumatran and Javan rhinos.

Ep 14: Barney Long, Ph.D. – Re:wild, lost species, and saving the Sumatran and Javan rhinos.

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In this episode, I’m talking with Dr. Barney Long. Barney received his Bachelors of Science in Zoology at the University of Bristol, and his Ph.D. in Biodiversity Management, at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent at Canterbury. For years Barney led the Species Program at WWF, starting his career in Southeast Asia exploring the region during baseline biodiversity inventory surveys and searching for presumed extinct primates. Barney is now the Senior director of Conservation Strategies at Re:wild, where he works on the conservation of endangered mammal species and the thematic approaches required to achieve the recovery of their populations.

In this conversation, we talk about Barney’s childhood dream to work in the rainforest, some of his early days in the field, an unexplainable experience with a local guide, and his passion for the Sumatran and Javan rhinos. We dive deep into the complex and daring attempts being made to bring the Sumatran rhinos back from the brink of extinction. We explore the many lost species and lesser known creatures on the edge, and how Re:wild is partnering with people from around the world, who have a passion for saving their local wildlife.

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Website: rewild.org
Instagram: @rewild @barney_long_pro
Facebook: @rewild
Twitter: @rewild

Ep 11: Matt Lindenberg – GCC, RHINO MAN, and fighting for the future of conservation.

Ep 11: Matt Lindenberg – GCC, RHINO MAN, and fighting for the future of conservation.

Subscribe, Rate, and Listen to The Rhino Man Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, YouTube, and Amazon today!

In this episode, I’m talking with one of my best friends in the world, Matthew Lindenberg. Matt is the founder and executive director of the Global Conservation Corps and a co-director and producer of RHINO MAN the movie. Early on, Matt studied at the Southern African Wildlife College, where he subsequently worked for six years. During this time, Matt was mentored by Martin Mthembu, one of the finest ranger trainers in the African continent. Matt went on to attain his Masters in Cheetah Conservation from Grand Valley State University. After Martin passed away in 2014, Matt was compelled to continue Martin’s legacy of conservation and he did so by founding GCC and RHINO MAN the movie.

In this conversation, Matt and I dig deep into his early connection to wildlife, his years of moving around South Africa and the US, his struggle for direction during his youth, how he eventually reconnected with his love of nature, and the path down which following this passion took him. We dive into the inspiration for starting the Global Conservation Corps, how RHINO MAN the movie came about, the trials and tribulations we’ve both had while bringing the film to life, and some of the recent challenges since COVID-19 changed the world. There are a ton of amazing stories of overcoming struggle, finding one’s direction, and committing to something bigger than oneself.

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GCC Website: globalconservationcorps.org
Instagram: @theglobalconservationcorps @matt.lindenberg
Facebook: @globalconservationcorps. @matt.lindenberg.5

Ep 9: Petronel Nieuwoudt – Care for Wild and the collective passion for saving the rhinos.

Ep 9: Petronel Nieuwoudt – Care for Wild and the collective passion for saving the rhinos.

Subscribe, Rate, and Listen to The Rhino Man Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, YouTube, and Amazon today!

In this episode, I’m talking with Petronel Nieuwoudt. After completing her university studies, Petronel joined the Endangered Species Protection Unit of the South African Police Service, where she held the rank of Captain. In 1999, she left the police service and started The Game Capture School, which focused on the best practices for wildlife capture, care, and management. Petronel also started the Sondela and Tamboti wildlife centres. In 2011, she moved to Mpumalanga where her passion for the protection of wildlife resulted in the founding of Care for Wild Africa, a rescue and rehabilitation centre for all wildlife in need.

In this conversation, we talk about Petronel’s youth growing up on a farm surrounded by wildlife. We go into her journey of conservation that led up to the founding of Care for Wild. Petronel tells beautiful stories about all of the sacrifices the many people have made in working to save the rhino species, everything from dangerous helicopter flights, to rangers risking their lives, to the endless long hours the caretakers put into keeping these orphaned survivors alive. This episode is truly a journey of passion and love for the people and animals of this amazing planet.

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Care for Wild: careforwild.co.za
Instagram: @careforwild
Facebook: @careforwild