Archive

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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4 Jan

“The Last Ranger” Makes the Oscars Shortlist!

This powerful film, shot in the Eastern Cape at Amakhala and Kariega Game Reserves, is based on true stories of rhino poaching. It shines a light on the devastating toll of poaching on both humans and wildlife.

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4 Jan

A day on safari: South Africa

Imagine yourself surrounded by the beauty of the African wilderness, encountering majestic wildlife, and soaking in breathtaking views. Let’s take a closer look at what a typical day on safari will look like.

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26 Dec

Join the Fight Against Wildlife Poaching: Snare Patrol Training with Global Conservation Force

Snares are among the deadliest threats to wildlife across the globe, silently and indiscriminately capturing and killing animals. These simple yet devastating traps take a heavy toll on wildlife populations, and their removal requires constant effort and vigilance. That’s why Global Conservation Force (GCF) is stepping up the fight against this silent killer, and you can join us.

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26 Dec

Meet Instructor Dylan

Wildlife conservation is important to me because I want our world to be filled with thriving life. I don’t want to live in a world where most of the species I grew up with are extinct, and I can only see them in museums. My personal philosophy is that we are custodians of this world, and it is our responsibility to care for it.

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24 Dec

New Ecotour Safari Trip Dates – April 2025

Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? This April, join Global Conservation Force (GCF) for a once-in-a-lifetime ecotour at the breathtaking Amakhala Game Reserve. Hosted at the historic and luxurious Leeuwenbosch Lodge, this 7-day, 6-night adventure offers an exclusive opportunity to immerse yourself in African wildlife conservation alongside GCF's Lead Field Medic Instructor, Chris Laursen.

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