Flying has always been my happy place. Up there, I’m completely focused, no phone, no distractions. Just peace, silence, and miraculous sunrises.
But for some time now, I’ve wanted to do more with my flying. I started in 2001 purely out of passion, but today I use my plane to help fight poaching.
Author: Kevin Richardson
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Flying for a Cause
I dedicate around 1.5 hours every week to patrols in my Savannah plane. Flying low at around 200 feet, I scan areas vehicles can’t reach, flying North–South or East–West in repeating patterns. From above, I can check poaching hotspots and even rediscover animals thought lost, like a rhino whose collar had failed.
Flying has become more than an indulgence. It’s now my way of contributing something valuable.
Why Poaching Makes Me Speak Out
This year I’ve become much more vocal because of the sharp rise in snaring. Snare poaching is one of the most brutal threats to wildlife. It’s indiscriminate, it causes panic and pain, and even when the animal survives, it is often left maimed with horrific wounds.
I will never forget one night in Greater Kruger. My team and I were trying to collar lions when a lioness suddenly appeared with a snare tight around her neck. It was as if she was asking us for help. That moment broke my heart and it reminded me why this work is so important.
Why My Plane Now Says “Anti-Poaching”
You may have seen photos of my plane on social media, it now carries the words “Anti-Poaching.”
I wanted to make my purpose clear. Landowners see it and know exactly why I’m flying. Poachers see it and think twice. And the public sees it and understands the mission.
The reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive, which reassures me that this bold step was the right one.
Staying Hopeful
Yes, I feel anger when I see the suffering caused by snares. But anger alone doesn’t save animals. What saves them is removing snares, funding anti-poaching teams, and scaling up the work.
Through the Kevin Richardson Foundation, we release funds directly to anti-poaching teams and helicopters that cover vast areas. This immediate support really makes a difference on the ground.
How You Can Help
Anger alone doesn’t save animals. What makes a difference is removing snares, funding anti-poaching teams, and scaling up the work.
Here’s how you can be part of this fight:
- Spread awareness — share the stories and content I publish to help more people understand the reality of poaching.
- Support directly — donations to the Kevin Richardson Foundation fund anti-poaching teams, equipment, and helicopters that cover vast areas and respond quickly to threats.
- Consider Membership — by joining Lion Whisperer TV, you help sustain this work. In return, I share exclusive videos and behind-the-scenes updates, like the recent members-only video where I spoke candidly about my feelings on poaching.
