Defenders of the Wild

Loss of life and limb to crocodiles is an all too common affair on the Cubango River in northern Namibia. Ivan takes to the ground to investigate catch and tag these man-eating crocs.

Ivan visits the San Antonio Zoo an international hub for scientific research and education and discovers how public outreach is shaping the modern conservation landscape.

Mountain lions are an enigmatic species making them a challenge to study. Ivan finds himself waist deep in snow in Central Utah with a team of researchers attempting to collar these iconic cats.

Elephants are eating crops and threatening the livelihoods of a community in rural Mozambique. The only solution: capturing the offending animals and moving them to a secure location.

Southern ground hornbills are a fascinating species yet increasingly under threat. Ivan teams up with top scientists in the field to participate in the hands-on conservation of the species.

The use of traditional medicine in Africa is an ancient practice with deep cultural roots. Ivan investigates modern beliefs around the tradition and its reliance on wild animal parts for remedies.

Australia's K'gari Island is home to a stronghold of pure dingo genetics. As these opportunists find themselves in conflict with humans Ivan joins a dedicated team to find sustainable solutions.

In Utah landowners scientists and houndsmen are working together to ensure the health of black bear populations. Ivan joins the team and gets his hands dirty amidst the rugged terrain.

Tasmanian devils are unique hunters that have become highly threatened in their native habitat due to an aggressive facial tumor disease. Ivan visits a breeding project bringing hope to the species.

Australia is home to one of the most recognized species on the planet: the koala. As these marsupials are threatened by human impact Ivan learns about protecting them in their natural habitat.

The San Antonio Zoo has a deep involvement in hands-on conservation. Ivan learns how zoos can support the conservation of animals in the wild and bolster the populations of endangered species.