15 Apr
Pour yourself a fresh cup and join Mike Veale for a compelling episode of Coffee and Conservation, featuring Karen Odendaal, Chief Operating Officer of Zululand Conservation Trust (ZCT) and Managing Director of Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Karen has been a driving force in South African conservation since 2005, from her early days as a Black Rhino Monitor to establishing the Zululand Rhino Orphanage and leading groundbreaking community and wildlife initiatives. In this episode, Karen and Mike explore the vital work being done at the intersection of wildlife conservation and community engagement—from pangolin rehabilitation and range expansion to her pivotal role in founding the Zululand Rhino Orphanage in response to the poaching crisis.
READ MORE12 Apr
Global Conservation Force is proud to announce that we are fully sponsoring the next K9 Field First Aid Course for anti-poaching and conservation K9 units in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. This life-saving training will take place on May 30th, 2025, in collaboration with Ikhala Veterinary Hospital in Grahamstown, South Africa.
READ MORE25 Mar
At Global Conservation Force (GCF), we are committed to equipping the next generation of rangers with the skills, training, and gear they need to protect some of the world’s most endangered wildlife. Thanks to a generous grant from the United Methodist Church in Vista, we have secured the base costs for our instructors and the community-selected recruits participating in this year’s Annual Ranger Training Course in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. However, additional funding is still needed to ensure these recruits complete their training fully prepared.
READ MORE11 Mar
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.
READ MORE7 Mar
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.
READ MORE1 Mar
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.
READ MORE11 Jan
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.
READ MORE4 Jan
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.
READ MORE26 Dec
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.
READ MORE20 Dec
Global Conservation Force (GCF) is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to support wildlife conservation and anti-poaching efforts. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters and the P.L.A.Y. Donation Match Campaign for Giving Tuesday, we have successfully sponsored critical gear for the entire @manyoniapuandk9unit.
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