OUR TEAM

Martin Spitholt

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Sonja van Meerbeek

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Rita Prota

SDGs Programme Manager

Mike Brewer

Animals Can’t Testify Podcast Host

“Not long ago I visited the Buffelsfontein game reserve and the Wildlife Forensic Academy (WFA). I had the opportunity to chat with some of the rangers following the training and with teachers of the WFA. I am still impressed about the stories they told me and how passionate they are in protecting the animals and plants in the wildlife parks despite the very dangerous conditions. This convinced me that we have to empower these wonderful people.   

If we really want to make an impact against wildlife poaching, protect biodiversity and empower the people living in and near wildlife areas, we have to involve them. One way to do that is providing them the knowledge and experience in forensic practices. Not only in South Africa, but worldwide rangers want to learn more about how to protect the beautiful natural habitats of the animals and plants that we love so much.”

“My passion is to facilitate public-private collaboration to achieve sustainable development goals. Only by working together we can fully utilise the power of the collective and tackle our global challenges.

I met Andro when scouting inspiring tech entrepreneurs for my TEDx show. His story resonated immensely and I knew right then that I wanted to help with the building of a forensic infrastructure worldwide! I am an avid nature and animal lover and want to contribute in as many ways as possible to preserve this beautiful life. The existence of wildlife is so important to all of us. As Mahatma Gandhi said: “the greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.””

Nalini Heinmüller

Project Manager and Communications

Alena Akimova

Project Assistant

Would you also like to join the team as a volunteer? Donate your time for a good cause by getting in touch at info@wildlifeforensic.com!

OUR SUPERVISORY BOARD

Mark Hoekstra

Financial & Forensic advisor

Martine van Zijll Langhout

Wildlife veterinarian

Research, conservation & education advisor

Sandra Hogeveen

Tax & treasury advisor

Our partners