Archive

11 Mar

How To Become A Ranger

The path to becoming a wildlife ranger, anti-poaching ranger, or field ranger is both rewarding and demanding. It requires dedication, physical fitness, and a deep respect for wildlife and conservation. Whether you are looking to protect rhinos from poachers, patrol reserves for illegal activities, or work alongside K9 teams in wildlife protection, there are many avenues to enter the field. At Global Conservation Force (GCF), we are committed to preparing the next generation of wildlife protectors through rigorous training programs designed for real-world conservation challenges.

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7 Mar

Rhino Poaching Crisis Update

From January to December 2024, 420 rhinos were poached in South Africa—320 on state properties and 100 on private reserves. While this marks a decrease from the 499 rhinos poached in 2023, the fight is far from over.

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3 Mar

2025 Global Conservation Force Training Courses

Global Conservation Force (GCF) is excited to announce a series of immersive, hands-on conservation training courses for 2025! Designed to provide participants with critical skills and education, these programs offer a unique opportunity to contribute directly to wildlife protection efforts while experiencing the diverse beauty of South Africa.

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10 Feb

Saving Baby Rhinos – A Fundraiser for Emergency Conservation Efforts

Join Global Conservation Force (GCF), Zululand Conservation Trust, and Zululand Rhino Orphanage for an impactful evening dedicated to protecting and caring for orphaned baby rhinos. The surge in rhino poaching across KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has left an alarming number of calves orphaned, requiring immediate emergency funding for their protection, medical care, feeding, and long-term rehabilitation. Additionally, funding is needed for rescue operations and the safe release of rehabilitated rhinos back into the wild.

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9 Feb

Protecting Pangolins: How You Can Help on World Pangolin Day

Every year, on the third Saturday in February (February 15th this year), conservationists and wildlife lovers around the world celebrate World Pangolin Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness and taking action to protect the world’s most trafficked mammal. Pangolins, often called "scaly anteaters," are facing a devastating crisis due to illegal wildlife trafficking. At Global Conservation Force (GCF), we are committed to fighting for their survival through a multi-faceted approach that includes counter wildlife trafficking investigations, anti-poaching initiatives, K9 conservation units, and global education programs.

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6 Feb

Meet Instructor Mike

I am the founder and CEO of Nomad International, a security consulting and government contracting service. Growing up, I felt a strong affinity to animals and envisioned working with them in some way as an adult. But life can take unexpected twists and turns, and I ended up in military service after the events of 9/11. In the US Army, I served in Special Forces as a Green Beret for 20 years. While exciting and rewarding in its own right, my career also provided the opportunity to travel in West Africa along the border regions of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Togo within the Parc “W” Nationale Parc. It was here that I was first introduced to the exotic animals I read about in my youth, while also offering insight to the challenges parks face in protecting wildlife and their habitats. During repeated trips to the Sahel, I also encountered the results of illegal poaching in Mali—elephants killed for their tusks. This experience was so upsetting, it shifted my personal focus toward conservation.

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5 Feb

Wear Your Support: Pangolin-Themed Apparel for Conservation

At Global Conservation Force, we are dedicated to protecting the world’s most trafficked mammal—the pangolin. These elusive, scale-covered creatures are facing extreme threats due to poaching and illegal wildlife trade. By supporting our conservation efforts, you are directly contributing to anti-poaching initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and the essential resources needed to safeguard pangolins in the wild. One of the easiest and most stylish ways to support pangolin conservation is by wearing your commitment! Our pangolin-themed apparel and merchandise not only spreads awareness but also funds our frontline protection efforts. Every purchase helps provide critical resources, such as ranger training, K9 units, and rescue operations for pangolins caught in the illegal wildlife trade.

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11 Jan

Coffee and Conservation: The Story Behind The Last Ranger with Cindy and David Lee

At Global Conservation Force, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire action and awareness about critical conservation issues. In this blog, we’re thrilled to share highlights from our latest podcast episode of Coffee and Conservation, where we spoke with the creative minds behind the award-winning short film, The Last Ranger.

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6 Jan

Best Practices for Wildlife Veterinary Procedures

Wildlife capture and veterinary procedures are highly technical operations that involve a coordinated effort between various teams such as rangers, biologists, ecologists, and veterinarians. These operations are vital for research, conservation, and relocation efforts. However, they can be stressful for the animal and dangerous for humans if not executed properly. In this blog, we will share the best ethical and professional practices to adhere to for your safety, the safety of the animal, and ultimately the best outcome for the all involved.

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6 Jan

Meet Natasha Frolander

My name is Natasha Frolander, and I am the Vice President of U.S. Operations for Global Conservation Force (GCF). I joined the organization in 2018, bringing with me a rich background of volunteer work with animal rescues and several years working at a local zoo. For anyone considering a path in conservation, my advice is simple: keep going. My journey wasn’t linear—I didn’t grow up dreaming of working with animals. At different points, I thought I’d become a teacher, a psychologist, or a social worker. It wasn’t until I was 28 years old that I found my true calling. Life has a way of presenting opportunities when you’re ready for them. So, no matter where you are or how uncertain the path may seem, take that first step. Passion can lead you to places you never imagined.

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