We have the privilege of speaking with Dominique Goncalves, a true trailblazer in the world of elephant research and human-wildlife conflict resolution. Dominique has dedicated her career to understanding the intricate behavior and ecology of these magnificent creatures, with a particular focus on how elephants and humans can coexist harmoniously.

Her work is based at the remarkable Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique, a place that has undergone a miraculous regeneration from the ashes of war and devastation. What was once a decimated wilderness has been restored to its former glory, teeming with life and biodiversity, thanks to an incredible community-driven conservation effort.

Dominique's research provides invaluable insights into elephant dynamics, their complex social structures, and the challenges they face in an ever-shrinking habitat. By understanding their needs and behaviors, she is helping to develop strategies to mitigate human-elephant conflicts, which have become increasingly common as human populations encroach on traditional elephant ranges.

But Gorongosa's success story goes beyond just wildlife preservation. It is a testament to the power of involving local communities and providing them with education, employment, and a sense of ownership over their natural heritage. The park's various programs, including those focused on empowering young women, have been instrumental in fostering a new generation of environmental stewards.

In our conversation, Dominique will share her fascinating experiences studying elephant behavior up close, the obstacles she has faced in her work, and the innovative solutions being implemented to ensure a harmonious coexistence between humans and these majestic creatures.

We'll also explore the incredible journey of Gorongosa National Park, from its darkest days to its current status as a beacon of hope for conservation and community-based initiatives.

Get ready to be inspired by the remarkable story of Dominique Goncalves and the incredible revival of Gorongosa, a true testament to the power of perseverance, knowledge, and community engagement in protecting our planet's natural wonders.

It's not just a podcast; it's an exploration of passion, purpose, and the wild wonders that make our world extraordinary. Tune in, be inspired, and let the adventure begin!

Here's the replay episode you've been waiting for – Dr. Chloe Buiting on "What Are You Doing Here?"

It's not just a podcast; it's an exploration of passion, purpose, and the wild wonders that make our world extraordinary. Tune in, be inspired, and let the adventure begin!

An Australian wildlife veterinarian who doesn't just treat animals; she's a guardian of the wild, a conservation crusader, and a published author.

Dr. Chloe has been the driving force behind Loop Abroad's outreach initiatives since 2019, and Chloe isn't just changing lives at Loop Abroad; she's also a consultant for Fauna & Flora, an international conservation powerhouse. And if that's not thrilling enough, Chloe is also an author ! Her first book, "The Jungle Doctor," was published in 2021, and now it's undergoing several language translations with 100% of the author's proceeds soaring into the hands of global conservation organizations. Every page turns into a commitment to our planet.

When Chloe isn't joining her fellow Vet's de-horning Rhino in Africa, she, along with her wildlife-vet husband Jan, and their daughter Matilda, call Kangaroo Island home. Surfing, snorkeling, and caring for orphaned kangaroo and koala joeys make up their extraordinary everyday life.

You can be transported into the heart of her adventures on Instagram as @jungle_doctor and explore the wild wonders she shares on her website www.jungledoctor.org.

" It is not enough to rescue these animals from illegal trafficking. They must be given the opportunity to recover properly. They must be given a real chance at survival, not just at a rescue station, but back in the wild, where they can contribute to genetic diversity and the continuation of their species in these areas. ~ Joey, founder, Jungle Rescue Reform"

Joey Solimine, is a veterinary nurse, wildlife conservationist, and the founder of the Jungle Rescue Reform, Joey studied Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary Medicine at Rutgers University and is currently studying Wildlife Conservation Biology through Unity College of Maine.She travels to wildlife rehabilitation centers across Central and South America, predominantly in the Amazon region, where she helps rehabilitate, medically care for, research and eventually release wildlife victims of illegal pet trade. She has been traveling to and working in the jungle doing research on ethical wildlife rehabilitation practices, controversies, and successful rehabilitation, with a focus on primate behavior.Her goal is to help build on what we know about rehabilitating wildlife that were once held as pets or used as tourist attractions, especially primates.

Her organization " Jungle Rescue Reform " aims to help bring funding and support to wildlife rescue centers operating in remote parts of the world, with a focus on the Amazon rainforest, they also aim to advocate for locals who run these sanctuaries, and to bridge the gaps that exist between the experts and the professionals; the science and the first hand experience of those native to those jungle areas.Visit 👉🏾Jungle Rescue Reform www.junglerescuereform.org & find Joey ⁠@joey.of.the.jungle⁠

Music : 

Joystick | shiny new kicks

John Bartmann | african moon