Damien Mander's Journey from Military Sniper to Anti-Poaching Vegan Activist

“In conservation, the lost causes are the best worth fighting for.” This week, Kathy speaks with Damien Mander, the renowned war veteran and founder of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. In this informative episode, Kathy and Damien discuss:

• Damien’s unique path to animal activism after an extensive military career ultimately led to establishing found the IAPF

• How Damien transitioned to a vegan lifestyle in 2012 after realizing that he “ran out of excuses” for not going plant-based sooner: “I was saving some and eating others.”

• Why nature is the “best self-regulating system” and how IAPF approaches environmental issues through social justice activism, including scholarships and health care reform, in neighboring communities

• Akashinga: Africa’s first armed, plant-based, all-women anti-poaching unit whose lives are completely changed by finding their voices and purpose in their work

• Katana, the newest canine member of IAPF, and the role of working dogs as part of the ranger team in Africa

To follow the IAPF and stay updated on their work, check out their social media pages here:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter

Find the Akashinga documentary short from National Geographic here.

Watch Damien’s Ted Talk here.

Connect with Kathy Stevens:

• Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
• Twitter: @CASanctuary
• Book: Where the Blind Horse Sings
• Website: CASanctuary.org
• Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
• YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
• TikTok: @CASanctuary