Episode 5 - Cheetah Relocation, Conservation Grit, and Rewriting Hunting’s Public Narrative

What does it take to move wild cheetahs across Africa, carrying on after unthinkable loss—and win over the world in the process? Robbie Kroger joins Legends of the Wild to share the inside story of The Origins Foundation (formerly Blood Origins) to go behind the scenes of the largest open-range cheetah relocation effort ever attempted. Kroger shares the mission’s triumphs, its brutal setbacks—and the devastating death of a close friend and partner, Vincent Van Der Merwe, just days before a major milestone in the project. From chaos in the Kalahari to an emotional fundraising auction in San Antonio—where a single moment of generosity steeled the team’s resolve to carry the mission forward—this is the story of what it truly means to fight for wildlife, and to finish the work when it matters most. Also in this episode: What it takes to translocate cheetahs across international borders Why cheetahs are fragile yet vital to Africa’s ecosystem balance How hunters raised over $250,000 to fund the project Rebranding Blood Origins into The Origins Foundation Why “trophy hunting” needs an SEO war plan Lessons in sustainable use from around the globe—from Namibia to New Zealand The future of digital advocacy for hunting, wildlife policy, and conservation This conversation blends heart, science, chaos, and purpose—offering a rare look at the work, loss, and grit behind the world’s most misunderstood conservation tool: ethical, science-based hunting. Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/ Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/ Check out the work The Origins Foundation does: https://theoriginsfoundation.org Listen to The Origins Foundation podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/1543788045              Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/  This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices