Damien Mander has just arrived in his hometown of Mornington after being overseas. No, it wasn’t for a relaxing holiday. He’s been advocating for those who cannot speak.

Damien’s the founder of the not-for-profit International Anti-Poaching Foundation, an organisation dedicated to protecting some of the planet’s most endangered species. It’s a mission the former Padua College student has devoted his life to since returning from a dozen tours of duty in Iraq and struggling to rediscover his place in society.

“For a lot of guys the war doesn't really start until the bullets stop and you must figure out how you reintegrate back into society,” Damien says. “There's no job for a sniper (advertised) in the local newspaper when you get back home. I'd heard about anti-poaching and decided to come over for some adventure in Africa. The adventure was destroyed when I saw what was happening to animals, and the brave warriors who had given up everything in their lives to protect them.”

At that moment, he had an epiphany. Damien realised there was more to life than looking for the next adventure and that the important things in life are not things, they are actions. Subsequently, he liquidated a property portfolio and started the IAPF.

With a structured approach to conservation and employing significant tactics and technology to defend wildlife from poachers within protected areas, the IAPF has formed the first and last line of defence for Africa’s wildlife. The foundation also works alongside partners that focus on community development and engagement, research, biodiversity management and wildlife rescue, not only fighting wildlife crime but protecting community assets, creating jobs, promoting training and education and reducing habitat destruction. 

One of the IAPF’s actions that had the greatest impact was helping secure the Kruger National Park’s border with Mozambique, which led to a decrease in rhino poaching. In Zimbabwe, IAPF-supported rangers have maintained 100 per cent protection of the rhino population that they have safeguarded for more than seven years.

The IAPF has recently deployed its first all-female anti-poaching unit in Zimbabwe, and our help is urgently needed to make sure all the rangers have uniforms, boots, training and communication equipment. To support those who risk their lives every day to protect endangered species, visit iapf.org