Conservation short films
On the Edge of the Pride
The short documentary On the Edge of the Pride follows this collaring operation step by step, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the teamwork, precision, and responsibility involved in working with large predators. From locating the pride to safely immobilizing the lionesses and fitting the GPS collars, every stage of the operation is carefully coordinated by experienced rangers and veterinarians.
Throughout the entire procedure, the health and wellbeing of the lionesses are the top priority. While the animals are immobilized, the veterinary team performs a full health check, closely monitoring breathing, heart rate, and temperature. Blood samples are also taken to support ongoing research and health monitoring of the population.
By documenting this process, the film highlights how science, veterinary care, and field expertise come together to protect these lions and help reduce human–wildlife conflict along the park’s boundary.
Fingerprints of the Pride
Fingerprints of the Pride documents this fieldwork and the science behind it, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how lion populations are monitored in one of Africa’s largest protected areas. The film follows the survey team as they spend long days in the field, systematically searching for lions and carefully documenting each encounter. Through repeated sightings, detailed identification photography and patient data collection, brief moments with these powerful predators are transformed into valuable scientific information.
By combining close-up encounters with lions and the vast landscapes of northern Kruger, the documentary highlights the dedication and careful methodology required to study and protect these animals, showing how modern wildlife science quietly works to safeguard one of Africa’s most iconic species.
Relocating cheetahs
In South Africa, many wildlife reserves are fenced to protect animals, but this can prevent species like cheetahs from moving freely between protected areas. To maintain genetic diversity and build a healthy, strong population, relocation is sometimes necessary.
I had the privilege of documenting the relocation of four cheetahs to Karingani Private Game Reserve in Mozambique with the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Two males, originally from Phinda Private Game Reserve and temporarily housed at Roam Private Game Reserve, and two females from Dinokeng Private Game Reserve, were carefully moved to their new home.
This incredible effort was only possible through collaboration between multiple conservation organizations, and capturing these moments showed me firsthand the dedication and teamwork required to protect these amazing big cats.
Puppies saving wildlife
The Livestock Guardian Dogs Project, run by the Endangered Wildlife Trust in the Waterberg Mountains in South Africa, is highly effective way to protect both livestock and wildlife.
From a young age, specially trained puppies are placed with herds, where they grow up alongside the animals they will guard. This early bond allows the dogs to develop a strong protective instinct, making them highly effective at deterring predators such as leopards, African wild dogs, and caracals.
By providing farmers with these loyal guardians, livestock losses are greatly reduced. At the same time, the project prevents retaliatory killings of carnivores, helping farmers and predators coexist in harmony. This initiative not only supports rural communities but also plays a vital role in conserving threatened carnivore species.
Why do we collar lions?
Collaring lions in Kruger National Park is essential to understand their movements, behavior and the challenges they face. The data collected guides conservation efforts to combat poaching, poisoning, and human-wildlife conflict, ensuring better protection for each pride. By monitoring these apex predators we not only protect individual lions, but also safeguard the balance of the entire ecosystem.
This important work is a collaboration between the EWT carnivore team, SANParks and Wildscapes veterinarians.
Cheetah health care
Cheetahs are incredibly fragile cats, and their health is the top priority during any immobilization. Working alongside veterinarian Dr. Tindall, the team carefully monitors each cheetah throughout the procedure, ensuring the animal remains safe at every stage.
This moment offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the precision, dedication, and deep care required to protect these remarkable cats.