Tag wildlife conservation

15 Apr

Coffee and Conservation with Mike Veale – Episode: Karen Odendaal

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.

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25 Mar

Sponsor a Future Guardian of Wildlife

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.

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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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1 Mar

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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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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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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6 Jan

K9 Field Training and Integrated Operations | South Africa

Join expert K9 trainers and anti-poaching rangers for this intensive course, designed for handlers, trainers, and rangers working with active K9 units. Participants will engage in real-world scenarios, enhancing operational effectiveness in anti-poaching, counter-trafficking, and wildlife protection roles. Like all GCF programs, this course provides exposure to diverse habitats and local tourist experiences within GCF’s conservation zones.

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6 Jan

Introduction to Snare Patrols and Tactical Man Tracking | South Africa

This combined course introduces participants to two essential field skills: snare patrols and tactical man tracking. In the snare patrol segment, attendees will focus on identifying and removing snares to protect wildlife. The tactical man tracking component teaches participants how to locate and follow a person or quarry by analyzing environmental clues like footprints. Whether for anti-poaching efforts or navigating dangerous game habitats, these skills are foundational for conservation work.

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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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