Celebrating Women in Wildlife Conservation

A conversation with Kate Church, founder and managing director of African Wildlife Vets, and Dr Jennifer Lawrence, wildlife veterinarian.

Blogpost written by Mia Hordyk

Where it all Started

Seven years ago, 24-year-old Kate Church had a conversation with her mum that changed everything. After learning about Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s (EKZNW) budget constraints and the increasing need for more veterinary support, she gave up the comforts of city life and a budding teaching career to move to the bush and seek solutions to these growing problems. Together with Dr Dave Cooper, head EKZNW veterinarian at the time and now one of the organisation’s founding directors, Kate started African Wildlife Vets (AWV), a small non-profit that has since become a major player in wildlife conservation.  

Six years later, Jen joined the team. While away on a cheetah relocation project in the Kalahari, her phone rang unexpectedly. Kate was on the other end asking if she would like to join the organisation. She didn’t have to think twice about it – her response was an emphatic YES! Since joining AWV, Jen has been involved in a number of crucial operations, including snare removals, rhino dehorning, collaring, and treating sick or injured animals – all of which have humbled her and taught her that animals are perhaps our greatest teachers in life.    

An Interview with the Women Driving Our Mission 

Kate and Jen share their inspiring stories with us this women’s day. Join us as we delve deeper into their journeys and experiences as women in wildlife conservation. 

What drew you to wildlife conservation? Is it something you fell into, or is it something that you have always wanted to do?

KATE:

They say “it’s all about who you know” and in my case, it’s absolutely true. I entered the conservation industry because of my mum, who has worked in conservation for 26 years. She was originally in Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Threatened Plant Conservation Unit in Pietermaritzburg as a threatened plant scientist, but 9 years ago she moved to uMkhuze Game Reserve as the Park Ecologist at iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It was here, during visits to see her, that I first became exposed to the “behind the scenes” of true wildlife and biodiversity conservation. I couldn’t see myself anywhere else in the world. I knew that this was where I needed to be! I needed to do something to help protect and save our wildlife. This is my true passion.

JEN:

Nature has always been an elemental part of my life and I couldn’t imagine a world where wildlife and nature no longer exist. Being able to play a small part in conserving wildlife and nature is something I have always wanted to do as I understand the importance it has on our lives and wellbeing.

Can you describe a memorable experience or achievement during your time with African Wildlife Vets that has had a lasting impact on you?

KATE:

Oh wow, where to start! African Wildlife Vets recently celebrated its 7th birthday, and to me, this is an achievement in itself. As the organisation has grown and continues to grow, I grow with it. I am constantly learning new things in every aspect of what I do – whether it’s from donors, the people I work with or in the veterinary and conservation space. I don’t always get to partake in the operations that AWV supports, but every operation that I have been able to join has been memorable. No operation is the same. Some of my highlights in the past 7 years have included flying with lions, assisting with the care of rhino orphans and partaking in the recent Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park dehorning operation.

JEN:

I’ve had so many memorable and impactful experiences with AWV over the last year. From the outset it became clear that the animals were going to be my biggest teacher. Wild dogs have by far taught me the most and one experience stands out above them all. We had to dart a dog that had a severe snare wound. On that day I was reminded of what true compassion and caring is about. Despite the fact that she was unable to keep up with the pack and unable to hunt, they never left her behind, they brought her food and they continuously tended to her wounds. Dogs have the ability to test our patience and humble us in ways that remind us to stay grounded, and on that day I found new respect for them.

Can you think of any projects you’ve led or been involved in that you’re particularly proud of? We’d love to hear a little bit about it. 

KATE:

I like to think that every operation that AWV has contributed to, whether big or small, has made an impact on the conservation of biodiversity in some way. I’m constantly in awe of the wildlife vets I work with. I consider myself lucky to be a part of a team who not only share a deep passion for conservation, but are extremely skilled in their field.

JEN:

Over the last few months we have been involved in an intensive dehorning operation in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, which was previously severely impacted by poaching. It is true that you can never underestimate the power of a committed group of individuals who want to change the world. The enormity of the project and the urgency of getting it done didn’t stand in the way of us surpassing our own expectations. The teamwork and the team spirit definitely inspired us to take on this challenge with a sense of determination and tenacity. I am grateful and proud to have played a small role.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to pursue a career in wildlife conservation or similar fields?

KATE:

Someone once asked me “how did you know that starting AWV would work? You’ve taken a risk. What would you do if it didn’t?” I felt stumped by the question at the time, but my answer was:”It never crossed my mind that it wouldn’t.” I strongly believed, and still do, in the cause, and I didn’t have an option but to make it work. So, as clichéd as it may sound, find your gap in the industry and believe in yourself.

JEN:

Don’t ever lose sight of your passion. Even though at times you may be challenged for being a woman, know that your contribution and your commitment are just as valuable and just as necessary. Keep knocking on the door as the opportunities will find you and you them. Stay humble and compassionate and don’t change who you are.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of AWV and wildlife conservation in general?

KATE:

The more you give, the more you’re called on for help. African Wildlife Vets is a small fish in a massive pond of incredible organisations, each doing their bit to protect and save our wildlife. We look forward to growing our impact in the wildlife veterinary sector and fostering our relationships with our conservation partners. For, I truly believe that if we spend more time working together, we’ll achieve true conservation success.

JEN:

AWV has an ethos and commitment towards conservation and wildlife that can only get more impactful as we grow the awareness of what we do. I envision us continuing and growing our support for those organisations on the frontlines of conservation. I envision us continuing to inspire others to recognise the importance of conservation and why it matters to contribute.

A Final Word from Kate

This women’s day, I’d like to highlight the incredible women who are very much a part of the African Wildlife Vets journey and who not only keep me going, but also keep the wheels turning behind the scenes at AWV.

Nicky van Leeuwen, our accountant, has been with AWV right from the very beginning. Nicky’s dedication and unwavering support have been instrumental in our journey. She is always there when I need her, offering not just her expertise in managing our finances but also her wisdom and encouragement.

Meagan de Lange took on our social media and marketing nearly 4 years ago. Her enthusiasm for conservation has made her an asset to the AWV team. She just gets it, and her calm and collected nature helps me stay focused and grounded. I greatly value her input and perspective.

Every year on Women’s Day, I highlight the incredible contribution my mum makes to the protection of biodiversity. She is the ultimate “woman in conservation” and my inspiration! Her humble and selfless passion is, in my opinion, unmatched. Her life is dedicated to her children and to protecting biodiversity. I’m grateful to her not only for the role she plays in my life but also for her vital role in conservation. She has been instrumental in the development of AWV, encouraging me to pursue this dream from the start. To this day, she remains one of AWV’s greatest supporters.

As we celebrate Women’s Day and honour the dedicated women leading our cause, we encourage you to join us in making a difference. Your support helps us continue our vital work in wildlife conservation. So, if protecting our wildlife matters to you as much as it does to us, consider making a donation or spreading the word about our mission. Together, we can change the future of our planet.