ANNUAL REVIEW 2018 - 2019

OUR MISSION

Stop Poaching Now! (SPN) is dedicated to wildlife conservation, the fight to combat poaching by supporting and coordinating community-based conservation efforts, and the use of education to reduce the demand for illegal wildlife products

Tigers now occupy just 7% of their former range. Poaching to supply the illegal trade in products such as skins, bones, and teeth remains the greatest single threat to wild tigers

ABOUT STOP POACHING NOW!

SPN is a proud and long-time supporter of the International
Anti-Poaching Foundation and their all-female Akashinga ranger program as they battle on the anti-poaching frontlines

MISSION
Stop Poaching Now! (SPN) is dedicated to wildlife conservation, the fight to combat poaching by supporting and coordinating community-based conservation efforts, and the use of education to reduce the demand for illegal wildlife products.

VISION
Robust and effective conservation programs require four pillars for success: protection through anti poaching efforts, education for behavioral change, effective conservation action, and the empowerment of local communities. Since 2015, SPN has raised over 600.000 dollars in support of these objectives and provided essential funding to a wide network of on-the-ground grassroots organizations and partners to drive this important work forward. Whether achieved through our education programs or by supporting frontline anti-poaching efforts, the generous support of our donors and sponsors will always go directly towards the conservation and protection of species affected by poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.

CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION
Our conservation efforts continue to grow and show great
success. Throughout 2018 and 2019, our funding helped support the International Anti-Poaching Foundation’s program that has now trained nearly 400 anti-poaching rangers and the Akashinga Initiative in Zimbabwe. We also continued to advance our Ranger Dog programs in Tanzania and Zambia. Providing financial support for orphaned rhinos and elephants continued to be a high priority for SPN. Through partnerships with Care For Wild and Game Rangers International, we have now helped in the rescue and rehabilitation of 5 orphaned elephants and 2 orphaned rhinos. In 2018, building on the success of our existing School Assembly Program, SPN launched a new and comprehensive conservation education Classroom Visit Program in the United States. In 2019, we launched our formal education programs in Africa and Asia. Combined, our education programs have now reached over 7,000 children.

A MESSAGE FROM HEIDI JO MARKEL

Our organization gives a voice to the voiceless, empowers
youth through education, and fights against the illegal poaching of some of the world’s most magnificent and threatened wildlife species.

These are very exciting times at Stop Poaching Now! This year
saw the expansion of our domestic conservation education
programs and, after a year in planning and development, we
became a truly international organization with the launch of our
new Global Conservation and Education Program (GCEP). We
are incredibly proud of this achievement and have now widened
our reach and impact by making significant inroads into Africa and
Asia. This simply would not have been possible without your
incredible support and an outstanding network of dedicated
partner organizations such as the Chipembele Wildlife Education
Trust in Zambia and Aaranyak in India. 

Education remains at the core of our mission and your ongoing
support has now impacted the lives of thousands of students as,
together, we empower them to become the next generation’s
wildlife protection warriors.

SPN also continued to drive its conservation programs forward by
providing financial support to on-the-ground and community-based organizations in Africa and Asia. Valued partners such as the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, WildlifeNow, Conservation South Luangwa, and Conservation Lower Zambezi play a vital role in both conservation education and in the frontline anti-poaching effort.

Our growth and accomplishments would not have been possible
without the generosity of our supporters and sponsors. Thank you
to everyone that helped us forge ahead and accomplish our
mission: to PROTECT and EDUCATE. In conjunction with our
commitment to fund targeted conservation and anti-poaching
efforts, we now have our ultimate goal clearly in sight: to end
poaching and the illegal wildlife trade. Together, we can do this!

Thank you!

Heidi Jo Markel
Founder & President, Stop Poaching Now

PROTECTION

Anti-poaching rangers are a critical frontline defense against both poaching and the illegal wildlife trade. SPN provides financial support to on-the-ground partners, such as the International AntiPoaching Foundation, that train, equip, and deploy highly skilled rangers so that they can effectively combat poaching and protect wildlife. 

EDUCATION

Education is a vital component
of any conservation effort and
plays a critical role in creating
behavioral change aimed at
reducing the demand for illegal
wildlife products. SPN provides
transformational education
programs that empower youth
across the United States, Africa,
and Asia to become active and
effective wildlife conservation
ambassadors.

CONSERVATION

Conservation is a team effort
and requires a dedicated and
collaborative network of experts
and frontline organizations. SPN
drives its conservation mission
forward by supporting
community-based conservation
organizations such as
Conservation South Luangwa,
and Conservation Lower
Zambezi.

COMMUNITIES

Successful conservation requires
community engagement and SPN
is delivering projects that build
better lives in rural communities
across Africa. Our programs
focus on fostering female
empowerment, environmental
protection, and behavioral
change that reduces wildlife
poaching for both the bushmeat
and illegal wildlife trade.

THE CHALLENGES

Our conservation efforts are aimed at tackling the greatest conservation challenges faced by some of the most magnificent and threatened wildlife species in Africa and Asia. Whether through our education programs or direct protection through anti-poaching efforts, we strive to reverse the dramatic declines in three species: elephants, rhinos and tigers.

ELEPHANTS

STATUS

There are three recognized species of elephants, the Savannah, the Forest (both in Africa), and the Asian. Over the last 100 years, there has been a widespread and catastrophic decline in elephant numbers for all three species. Between 2006 and 2016 alone, nearly 120,000 Savanna elephants were lost, primarily due to poaching. Between 2002 and 2011, over 60% of Forest elephants were wiped out. The status of Asian elephants is equally alarming, and they have been reduced to fewer than 50,000 individuals in the wild.

INTERNATIONAL TRAFFICKING

The illegal trade in ivory is big business and to a large extent is now run by international criminal organizations. Recent seizures of illegal ivory headed for Asian markets illustrates the ongoing and devastating scale of the demand: In July of 2019, 9.7 Tons of ivory were seized in Singapore. In March and April of 2019, 10 Tons of ivory were seized in Vietnam and 8.3 Tons were seized in
China, respectively.

THREATS

Illegal poaching to supply the ivory trade remains the greatest threat to both African and Asian elephants.

Habitat loss and fragmentation is forcing elephants into significantly smaller portions of their previous range.

Agricultural expansion and new settlements in elephant habitats are increasing human-elephant conflict.

0 %

The decline in Forest elephants between 62 2001 and 2011.

0 %

Of all remaining African elephants are found in just eight countries. 

0

The number of African
elephants killed for their
ivory each day in 2011.

RHINOS

According to the IUCN Red List, three rhino species are now critically endangered (CR). Two Asian species are truly on the brink of extinction with the Javan rhino consisting of just a single population in Ujung Kulon National Park in west Java, Indonesia.

0
Javan rhino CR
0
Sumatran rhino CR
0
Greater one-horned rhino
0
Black rhino CR
0
White rhino

STATUS

There are five living species of rhinoceros, three in Asia and
two in Africa. The African black and white rhino species were
once widely distributed across the continent but the vast
majority (95%) are now found in just four countries: South
Africa, Namibia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. In Asia, the greater
one-horned, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos are at serious risk of
extinction with the Javan and Sumatran rhinos each having
fewer than 100 individuals left.

THREATS

Poaching for their horn is the greatest threat to rhinos in both Africa and Asia.

Habitat loss and degradation due to human activities is a serious threat to wild rhinos, particularly in Asia.

THE MEDICINAL MYTH

The demand for rhino is driven largely by the myth that it has medicinal value. Just like our own hair and nails, rhino horn is made of a protein called keratin and has no medical efficacy whatsoever. Vietnam and China remain key consumer markets for illegal rhino horn where it is used in ‘traditional’ medicines.

0 %

The decline in the number
of black rhinos between
1960 and 1995.

0

The number of Javan rhinos left on the planet.

0

Every 12 hours a rhino is
killed for its horn in South
Africa alone.

STATUS

There are currently six living tiger subspecies, three were driven to extinction in the 20th century. For all tiger subspecies combined, there are estimated to be just 4,000 wild tigers left on the planet. Found in 13 tiger range countries, 70% of all the wild tigers left are found in just one country, India. Tiger populations in other countries are highly fragmented and under intense extinction pressure due to poaching and the loss of suitable habitat.

THREATS

Tigers now occupy just 7% of their former range due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation.

Poaching for the illegal trade in products including skins, bones, and teeth remains the greatest threat to tigers.

Prey densities required for tigers to survive are being reduced dramatically by intensive and illegal hunting.

TIGER FARMS

There are now more tigers on “tiger farms” in East and Southeast Asia than there are in the wild. Their intent is to supply tiger body parts or derivatives to illicit markets. A growing industry, there are now 200 of these “farms” in operation, roughly three-quarters of them located in China.

TIGERS

According to the IUCN Red List, three tiger subspecies are currently endangered (E) and three are critically endangered (CR). The South China tiger is critically endangered but is now also thought to be extinct in the wild.

0 %

The decline in the historic range of tigers.

0 %

The decline in the number of wild tigers in the last 100 years.

0 %

The efficacy of traditional medicines derived from illegal tiger body parts.

CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

For the very survival of some of the world’s most magnificent and iconic wildlife species, effective conservation efforts and urgent protection is required to combat the relentless pressure from poaching. Since its inception, SPN adopted the fundamental philosophical belief that the best and most effective advocates for wildlife are members of the local communities being impacted directly. Therefore, we carry out our mission by supporting a network of frontline, community-based, anti-poaching and conservation organizations

THE IAPF AND ANTI-POACHING RANGERS

A VITAL SPN PARTNER IN THE ANTI-POACHING EFFORT

Since its inception, SPN made it a priority to help fund the training and equipping of anti-poaching rangers for our internationally renowned beneficiary, the International Anti Poaching Foundation (IAPF). We both share common core beliefs that anti poaching rangers form both the first and last line of defense for nature and
that without the right training and equipment, they cannot effectively
protect the world’s natural heritage for future generations. The IAPF was established in 2009 by Australian Navy Clearance Diver and Special Operations Sniper, Damien Mander (pictured above). After serving three years in Iraq, where he worked with the Special Police Training Academy to prepare Iraq’s paramilitary forces for the frontlines, Damien realized that the same skills could be utilized to train and equip anti-poaching rangers to more effectively combat the increasing poaching crisis in Africa.

OBJECTIVES

SPN is driven by a commitment to stop the illegal poaching of elephants and rhinos in Africa. This requires support for our on-the ground partners in the anti-poaching effort. Since 2015, we have provided substantial and ongoing financial support to the International Anti-Poaching Foundation to help drive their cutting-edge conservation and protection programs forward.

IAPF ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED BY SPN

ANTI-POACHING

RANGER TRAINING

SNARE REMOVAL

RANGER DOGS

FEMALE EMPOWERMENT

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

AKASHINGA

ANTI-POACHING MEETS FEMALE EMPOWERMENT

A truly just society is one that is anchored firmly in the belief that all
members have the inherent right to equality, dignity, and the opportunity to both succeed and thrive. This goal can only be achieved by removing the barriers that, far too often, have
limited opportunities for women in developing nations and empowering such women to independently and
effectively advocate on their own behalf. The Akashinga Initiative achieves this goal by providing women from some of Africa’s most impoverished rural communities with the opportunity for growth, education, and a successful career  while 

simultaneously providing the support required to foster lasting societal changes within their own communities. From the outset of the Akashinga recruitment process, selection was intentionally geared
towards unemployed single mothers, abandoned wives, victims of sexual and physical abuse, wives of imprisoned poachers, widows, and orphans. In direct alignment with SPN’s core mission, this program is dedicated to conserving Africa’s most iconic wildlife species while simultaneously uplifting and empowering the most vulnerable woman of rural society

OBJECTIVES

SPN’s ongoing financial support for the IAPF’s Akashinga (‘Brave Ones’) Initiative is driven by the unique goals of the project: to train and equip a dedicated all-female anti-poaching force for frontline protection while simultaneously empowering women. For the Akashinga, a career in wildlife protection also translates into stable futures for their families, better lives, and stronger communities. Ultimately, facilitating the ability of these brave female rangers to break through artificially imposed barriers associated with largely patriarchal rural societies also allows them to effectively take control of their own destinies through bold and independent action.

AKASHINGA BY THE NUMBERS

600 DAILY PATROLS

98 ARRESTS

74% CONVICTION RATE

1,000 RANGER GOAL

RANGER DOGS

RANGERS DOGS ON THE ANTI-POACHING FRONTLINES

SPN continues its commitment to both supplying and supporting
Ranger Dogs in Africa. Following on the provision of our first Ranger Dog, Heidi, we have now facilitated the deployment of 5 dogs including our latest for WildlifeNow, Attilla.

Atilla was trained by the African Wildlife Foundation before being deployed in Tanzania with the legendary conservationist Tony Fitzjohn, OBE, to help protect some of the last living black rhinos on earth. We have also funded 20 dog detection operations for Conservation South Luangwa, one of our partners in Zambia. If a poaching event is

OBJECTIVES

The main role of the Ranger Dog is to track poachers and assist in their apprehension. While serving as an invaluable asset on the anti poaching frontlines, these dogs are also playing a critical role in stopping the transport and trafficking of illegal wildlife products. Used at airports, roadblocks, and at known trafficking hubs, they are trained to detect illegal products including ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales, weapons, and ammunition.

HEIDI THE RANGER DOG

ORPHANED ELEPHANTS AND RHINOS

SAVING THE MOST VULNERABLE

There can be nothing more heartbreaking than discovering an
orphaned elephant or rhino. These are truly the most innocent and vulnerable victims of the poaching crisis that is sweeping across Africa. SPN continues to play an important role in saving and supporting these incredible survivors. In partnership with Game Rangers International and Care for Wild, we have now helped in the rescue and rehabilitation of 5 orphaned elephants and 2 orphaned rhinos, including Zac (above) and Lani (right). 

Being orphaned is an extremely traumatizing event and, if they are to survive, requires intensive psychological rehabilitation. In addition to the emotional trauma, many rescued orphans are suffering from dehydration, starvation, and injuries caused by poachers or predators.

OBJECTIVES

SPN’s ongoing financial support for elephant and rhino orphanage programs is driven by a deep commitment to do everything that we can to rescue and rehabilitate these innocent victims. Ultimately, our goal is to see these orphans released back into the wild for a second
chance at life. Our partner, Game Rangers International, is achieving this with the release of rehabilitated orphans into Kafue National
Park, Zambia.

LANI THE ORPHANED ELEPHANT

GLOBAL CONSERVATION EDUCATION PROGRAM

SPN’s Global Conservation Education Program (GCEP) was officially
launched in 2019 and has already had a significant impact. This program is aimed at empowering youth around the world to become effective conservation ambassadors within their own communities. Leveraging resources through fundraising activities in the United States is essential in our mission to provide engaging and impactful conservation education programs in developing nations in Africa and Asia. SPN is now actively running programs in three countries: Zambia, India, and Laos.

GCEP ZAMBIA

PROTECTING WILDLIFE THROUGH EDUCATION IN ZAMBIA

In 2019, we partnered with the Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust
(CWET) to officially launch our Tablets for Change Program. After
creating a stand-alone e-learning module addressing Human-Wildlife
Conflict, the module was preloaded onto Samsung Galaxy tablets that
were donated to CWET for use in their education programs (pictured
above). While in Zambia, we were also honored to be invited to
participate in the Environmental Education program of Conservation

Lower Zambezi (CLZ). Observing their conservation education program in action was of incredible value in gaining an appreciation for the needs and best practices of conservation education strategies in Africa.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of our work in Zambia is to introduce empowering programs that both educate and inspire the next generation to become conservation ambassadors within their own communities. SPN is leveraging technology to help achieve this goal by incorporating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into classrooms in Africa. SPN’s tabletbased learning program is designed to complement, enrich, and transform conservation education programs while simultaneously transferring technology skills to both teachers and students. 

BY THE NUMBERS IN ZAMBIA

10 TABLETS DONATED

18 SCHOOLS VISITED

12 TEACHER PARTICIPANTS

REACH

400 STUDENTS

8 COMMUNITIES

EUGIENE

Age 16
Gota Gota Secondary School

“Conservation is very important to
me because it protects animals
and the environment, but it also
helps our communities. I have
learned that it is very important to
work to protect nature today so
that our animals and a healthy
environment are here for the
future generations of Zambia.”

DOROTHY

Age 15
Gota Gota Secondary School

“I like so many animals and it
made me sad to learn that they
are disappearing. My friends
also like animals and we all
come to the education center
and join conservation clubs so
that we can help protect
Zambia’s wildlife.”

WEBSTER

Age 16
Mafungautsi Secondary School

“I will take what I have learned
and educate my friends, family,
and my community about the
importance of preserving our
natural environment. I am also
interested in science and this
conservation education program
has inspired me to protect the
environment as a career.”

DINAH

Age 12
Gota Gota Primary School

“Protecting animals is very
important to me. My favorite
parts of the education program
were going into Lower Zambezi
National Park where I saw
zebras and lions for the first
time. Using a tablet for the first
time to learn about conservation
was amazing.”

GCEP INDIA

PROTECTING TIGERS THROUGH EDUCATION IN INDIA

Running under the banner of the Manas Tiger Conservation Program,
SPN partnered with Aaranyak and funded the Empowering Village Youth conservation education project to promote tiger conservation and foster pro-conservation attitudes in youth. Aaranyak’s Environmental Education Initiative is an ongoing program operating in and around Manas National Park (a World Heritage Site), Assam, India. Since its inception, their conservation education program
has played a central role in addressing vital environmental and
conservation issues across the diverse Manas landscape.

This project targeted communities on the fringes of Manas National Park that can have the greatest, and most direct, impact on conservation as they are intimately tied to both the Park and the ecosystem services it provides. We would like to thank Aaaranyak and all of the participating students, schools, and teachers. 

OBJECTIVES

Key goals of the project in India are to: Create a deep understanding of the conservation issues within and around Manas National Park and illuminate the threats to the survival of tigers across the wider Manas landscape; including illegal wildlife poaching and habitat loss. Students and teachers that participated in the program will now serve as conservation educators within their own communities, greatly increasing both the reach and impact of the program.

BY THE NUMBERS IN INDIA

10 NATURE CLUBS CREATED

10 SCHOOLS PARTICIPTED

10 TEACHERS TRAINED

REACH

150 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED

1,000 COMMUNITY MEMBERS REACHED

GCEP LAOS

ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE IN ASIA

SPN is dedicated to the conservation and protection of elephants, rhinos, and tigers but also understands that there is an urgent need to tackle the illegal wildlife trade in other species such as pangolins, which are now the planet’s most trafficked animal. In 2019, our education program expanded into Laos which is at the geographic epicenter of global trafficking networks. As a neighbor to Vietnam, which is one of the largest consumer markets and trafficking destinations, Laos is a key player in attempts to reduce the demand for all illegal wildlife products. In partnership With the Laos Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW), SPN is currently piloting a unique online and tabletbased learning module aimed directly at illuminating the damage caused by the illegal wildlife trade to local communities and on global biodiversity. Ultimately, poaching will only be eliminated when knowledge and behavioral change reduce the demand to zero.

OBJECTIVES

Tigers vanished from Laos in 2014, largely due to illegal poaching and the devastating impact of snares. To reduce these impacts, SPN set out to create an effective and engaging education program that
would result in behavioral change and break societal misconceptions about the medicinal value of illegal wildlife products. Launched in 2019, we are now piloting our Illegal Wildlife Trade e-learning module in Laos.

RECENT IVORY SEIZURES
1 Ton = 2,200 lbs

0 Tons
(March 2019, Vietnam)
0 Tons
(April 2019, China)

RECENT PANGOLIN SEIZURES

0 Tons
(April 2019, Singapore)

EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN THE UNITED STATES

SPN believes that education is the most effective way to promote
environmental sustainability, create long-term behavioral change, and encourage youth to embrace a sense of personal responsibility and stewardship for the natural world. Starting within our own community was the inspiration for the School Assembly Program that brings world-renowned conservationists, such as Tony Fitzjon (pictured above) and Damian Mander into local schools. Continuing to grow, SPN now has 5 education programs in the United States alone.

CONSERVATION EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES

CONSERVATION EDUCATION AT HOME

Building on the success of our School Assembly Program, in 2018 we began developing a Classroom Visit Program to be delivered directly to schools. In April 2018, the pilot project was officially launched with a targeted reach of 500 students. By November 2018, we had exceeded expectations and reached 673 elementary, middle, and high school students. Responding to requests from teachers, this program was intentionally designed to align with NGSS performance

Expectations and fit seamlessly into STEM courses and classrooms. In
partnership with Nepris, in late 2019 we launched our new Remote
Classroom Visit Program that allows us to reach any classroom in the
United States and we have now impacted nearly 2,000 students with
our classroom programs alone.

OBJECTIVES

Key goals of our work in the United States is to empower youth to become actively engaged in conservation at both the local and international level. We achieve this by providing engaging, scientifically accurate, and curriculum-based conservation education
lessons to students in classrooms across the United States.

SPN EDUCATION PROGRAMS

CLASSROOM VISITS

SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES

FLIPPED CLASSROOMS

REMOTE VISITS

CONSERVATION CURRICULUM

E-LEARNING MODULES

REACH

2,000 STUDENTS

22 TEACHERS

FUNDRAISING

Damien Mander, Founder of the IAPF, delivers his powerful anti-poaching message to SPN supporters at Ago Restaurant in Los Angeles

SPN’s mission requires a dedicated team effort, passion, and significant resources. The finances used to fuel our
programs are generated through fundraising events held in Los Angeles and across the nation. We are incredibly
grateful to all of the SPN supporters that attended our fundraising events in 2018 and 2019. Without you, and our
corporate sponsors, none of our work would be possible.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Founder Heidi Jo and Executive Director Sebastian ’Strike-A-Pose' with powerhouse influencers: Young Ezee, Bria Via, Emily the Mermaid, and Kitty Katrina who share "E-RACE STORIES” with their Social Media followers.

Sitcom star Joey Lawrence (Blossom) co-hosted the event and encouraged riders to peddle faster to save species and win prizes!

2018: ANNUAL E-RACE EXTINCTION @ CYCLEBAR

Our first event of 2018 took place at Cyclebar in West Hollywood.
For this sold-out event, over 100 supporters gathered to ride for their respective teams: Team Rhino, Team Tiger, and Team Elephant. All funds generated were allocated to conservation projects benefiting these three amazing species. Together, participants raised over $25,000 for the cause. 

We would like to recognize and thank all of the corporate sponsors for the 3rd Annual E-Race Extinction event: Cyclebar, Millennium Media, Mandalay Pictures, Lotus Pictures, Eclectic Pictures, Don Papa Rum, and White Tiger Vodka.

Supporters enjoy mixology cocktails while raising paddles to bid on Venice trips, set visits to Boyana Studios in Bulgaria, and incredible paintings by renowned wildlife artists.

2018: ELEPHANTS, TIGERS AND RHINOS, OH MY!

SPN’s largest fundraising event of 2018 was our Elephants, Rhinos, and Tigers Oh My! Mixology Cocktail Soirée. Honorees included Gena Lee Nolin (Baywatch), Dr. Karen Halligan (The Doctors), and Kaley Cuoco (Big Bang Theory).

Over 120 of our most loyal supporters travelled from as far away as Las Vegas, New York, Canada, and the United Kingdom to join the fun. Braving an unusual spell of L.A. rain to take part in this spectacular event, together we raised nearly $60,000, benefiting our conservation and education programs. Attendees experienced a special live performance by Elan Atias of ‘The Wailers’ while enjoying specialty cocktails prepared by the legendary mixologist, Matthew Biancaniello. SPN was proud to make this a vegan event. 

A special thank you to the corporate sponsors: Nancy Corzine, Millennium Media, Eclectic Pictures, White Tiger Vodka, Craigs, Viale di Romani, Cecconi’s, Nobu, George Lopez Foundation, Vegan Glory, Ago’s, Taste of India, Mauro’s, B’Koah, and TGIS Catering.

Tony Fitzjohn, OBE, educates a future wildlife guardian about elephant conservation.

2018: LUNCH FOR TONY FITZJOHN AND WILDLIFENOW

SPN hosted the legendary Tony Fitzjohn, OBE, of WildlifeNow at the Laurel Canyon Estate of our founders, Heidi Jo Markel and
Sebastian Serrell-Watts. Attendees were treated to an afternoon of storytelling as Tony shared his thirty-year journey in lion,
rhino, and African wild dog conservation with us. SPN initiated its Ranger Dog Program in 2016 and this event was held to raise funds to supply Tony with another dog, Atilla. In just one afternoon, SPN raised $3650, enough to fund this second Ranger Dog for Tony and his organization, WildlifeNow

Danny Huston, passionate wildlife supporter, wishes Heidi Jo a Happy Birthday

2019: ALL I WANT FOR MY BIRTHDAY IS
AN ELEPHANT

SPN’s founder, Heidi Jo Markel, initiated our
Rhino and Elephant Orphan Program in
2016. One orphaned elephant named Lani,
holds a special place in her heart and she
now dedicates her annual birthday
fundraiser to help in the rehabilitation of this
amazing survivor. At her 2019 fundraiser,
Heidi Jo and her friends, including Danny
Huston, Johnny Simmons, and Anthony
Michael Hall, raised $3,600 for Game
Rangers International who care for Lani.
Heidi Jo’s goal is to inspire everyone to
follow suit and dedicate their birthdays to our
orphan program!

Sebastian Serrell-Watts introduces Akashinga Vimbai to an enthusiastic group of attendees.

2019: DINNER FOR THE IAPF AND THE
AKASHINGA INITIATIVE

SPN hosted an outstanding cocktail party
and vegan dinner at Ago Restaurant in L.A.
to support the IAPF and its all-female
paramilitary unit, the AKASHINGAS, or
‘Brave Ones’. Damien Mander gave a
riveting 30-minute presentation outlining the
poaching crisis in Africa and emphasizing the
need to increase the number of female antipoaching units, which are five times more
effective. We were honored to have
attendees such as: Akashinga, Vimbai
Kumire, Mario and Mandella Van Peebles,
Thora Birch, Eoin Macken, hosted by Gena
Lee Nolin. Combined with an earlier
Akashinga dinner, we raised over $27,000.

Board member Sarah MacDonnell helped organize the event with musical talent Louisa Bradshaw and renowned wildlife artist, Russ Ronat, Project Holocene.

SPN special screening of The Black Mambas by our esteemed guest and the director of the film, Bruce Donnelly.

2019: ZAVO’S IN NEW YORK CITY

SPN launched our Global Conservation Education Program (GCEP)
at a fabulous cocktail event held at ZAVO’S in NYC. GCEP is aimed at empowering youth around the world to become effective conservation ambassadors within their own communities. This launch continues our two-pronged mission: TO PROTECT and EDUCATE. During the event, we signed up over a dozen guests as brand new GCEP members and who made a commitment to become monthly donors to the cause.

The evening included a special preview of the short film: THE BLACK MAMBAS, from director Bruce Donnelly. Also, our Youth Board Ambassadors made short presentations on how to engage youth and become active participants in conservation and environmental causes.

Youth Board former President, Marlena Lerner, presents her directorial debut music video parody “Poachers Got Bad Blood” championing media art to inspire youth to get involved.

STRATEGIC VISION

SPN will continue to fulfil its mission by supporting programs and organizations that result in effective anti-poaching and conservation outcomes. As we move forward, we are also committed to increasing our impact in the following ways:

PROTECTION

1. Expand our support for world-class anti-poaching ranger training programs

2. Equip and deploy additional Akashinga all-female rangers

3. Provide additional Ranger Dogs to frontline anti-poaching units

EDUCATION

5. Expand the reach of the Africa programs into more countries

4. Continue to expand our domestic programs across the United States

6. Grow the Asia program and make inroads into Vietnam and China

CONSERVATION

7. Continue to support the rescue and rehabilitation of orphans

8. Provide additional support to on-the-ground conservation organizations

9. Expand our network of frontline conservation partners

COMMUNITIES

10. Implement female empowerment and girl-focused education programs in Africa

11. Provide funds to create community-based development projects

12. Expand our support for human-wildlife mitigation initiatives

Defending wildlife takes dedication, effort, and significant resources. Frontline anti-poaching rangers, conservation organizations, and educators rely on SPN’s ongoing financial and logistical support to help ensure the very survival of species threatened with extinction.

OUR PROMISE
When you make a donation, volunteer your time, or participate
in one of SPN’s fundraising events, you can be confident that
you are helping an organization that is committed to protecting
wildlife and dedicated to combatting both poaching and the
illegal wildlife trade. The support of our donors and sponsors
plays a vital role in being able to achieve our goals and is
essential for the success of our on-the-ground conservation
partners. If you’re ready and willing to join the fight, there are
several ways that you can help.

DONATE OR SPONSOR 
SPN relies heavily on donations to carry out its mission and fund
our conservation and education programs. Contact us to see how
you can become a valued supporting member of our community
and add your voice to this wonderful cause. For corporations, we
also have a number of sponsorship packages available. 

VOLUNTEER 
SPN’s network of amazingly talented and dedicated volunteers is
the driving force behind the organization. By relying on their
generosity, time, and skills, we can both maximize our reach and
get the financial support to where it is needed the most and will
have the greatest impact – the anti-poaching and conservation
frontlines. As SPN continues to grow, we are always looking for
volunteers who want to help the cause.

SPREAD THE WORD
As someone who is aware of the poaching problem, and the steps that must be taken to stop it, you have the power to help protect these animals. By passing along this information, you can bring awareness, energy, and passion to this fight