Shortly after our marriage in 2000, we both realized that our true calling was far greater than the corporate world we found ourselves in. It was a calling to nature. With courage and conviction, we took the leap—leaving behind the comfort of a steady income, the security of familiar surroundings, and the closeness of friends and family—to follow our passion for wildlife care and conservation.

Looking back, it was one of the most difficult yet most rewarding decisions of our lives. On little more than a wing and a prayer, we committed ourselves fully to a life dedicated to saving and protecting wildlife.

 

The journey was filled with obstacles, countless sleepless nights, and an ever-present fear of the unknown. Yet, through determination, passion, and a clear vision of the future, we built what Running Wild Conservation is today.

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From humble beginnings, with almost no support and very few resources, we achieved what many had once declared impossible: developing a successful method to rewild captive-born cheetahs back into the wild. Where others saw failure, we persevered, teaching ourselves, learning from every setback, and ultimately creating a unique Ten-Step Rewilding Program.

This program broke barriers, silenced skeptics, and proved to the world that cheetah conservation could succeed in ways never before imagined—not only in South Africa but globally.

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Our ethical and sustainable methods soon drew international recognition. The Aspinall Foundation in the United Kingdom turned to us when they sought to release a zoo-raised cheetah cub back into Africa. With our guidance, a step-by-step process was put in place to ensure its success. Shortly afterward, conservation authorities in Iran reached out, seeking our expertise to save the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah. At the time, only an estimated 25 individuals remained in the world. Through collaboration and guidance, the first Asiatic cheetahs were born in captivity with the hope of rewilding and eventual release—a monumental step for the survival of this subspecies.

Closer to home, the challenge was even greater. South Africa’s cheetah breeders were focused largely on trade and profit, raising cubs to sell to institutions rather than for conservation. We knew this mindset had to change. It took years of perseverance and countless conversations, but slowly, a shift began. Breeders and conservation bodies alike began to recognize that our program worked—that cheetahs released under our methods were not only surviving but thriving. Once met with skepticism and animosity, we were now approached for advice, collaboration, and even requests for cheetahs ready for release.

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Alongside our cheetah work, our mission has always extended to any animal in need. From the smallest orphaned squirrel to lions rescued from dire circumstances, our home, our sanctuary, and sometimes even our living room became a safe haven. Every animal entrusted to us became part of our story, and their care remains at the very heart of everything we do.

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But conservation is not only about today—it is about tomorrow. That is why we created our volunteer and student programs. By welcoming young people from across the globe, we share our knowledge, our experiences, and most importantly, our passion. These programs are not only educational but transformational. Students and volunteers leave with more than skills and knowledge—they leave as ambassadors for wildlife, carrying the message of conservation back into their own communities.

They also leave with something we consider just as precious: a new African family.

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Our legacy is one of love, resilience, and relentless commitment to the wild. Every cheetah reintroduced, every orphan saved, every life given a second chance brings us closer to our dream: a future where wildlife thrives, where species are not lost to history, and where humanity embraces its role as protector of our natural heritage.