Summary:
– LightHawk Conservation Pilots have been instrumental in species recovery programs, including transporting endangered wolves.
– The organization relies on a network of volunteer pilots who donate their time, equipment, and fuel for conservation efforts.
– Diego L. Gil-Agudelo brings his expertise in conservation and natural resources to LightHawk, while Brooke George has a wildlife biology and species management background.
Imagine witnessing a spectacle that seems to defy the laws of nature. Picture a majestic creature soaring through the sky, its powerful wings effortlessly carrying it through the air. Now, add a touch of magic to this scene by envisioning endangered wolves being transported to the wild, their journey made possible by the dedication of a group of extraordinary individuals. This is the incredible story behind the Speaker Series LightHawk Conservation Pilots – Flying Wolves. This event recently took place with the collaboration of the Endangered Wolf Center, featuring Diego L. Gil-Agudelo and Brooke George from LightHawk Conservation Pilots.
LightHawk has played a crucial role in various species recovery programs across the United States for over a decade. From black-footed ferrets to condors and whooping cranes, they have become a reliable and invaluable partner in facilitating the recovery of these endangered species. However, their work with Mexican wolves is a remarkable example of their commitment to conservation.
Over the years, LightHawk has flown more than 125 Mexican wolves nationwide. These flights have served various purposes, from transporting adult wolves between breeding facilities to releasing wolf pups at designated sites. LightHawk’s efforts have also extended beyond the U.S. borders, as they have played a vital role in genetic diversity conservation by transporting wolves across the Mexican border.
The success of LightHawk is underpinned by a remarkable network of approximately 300 volunteer pilots spread across the country. These selfless individuals generously donate their time, airplanes, and fuel, all in the name of conservation. Their unwavering commitment enables LightHawk to undertake these crucial flights and make a significant difference in the recovery of endangered animals. Together, they form a powerful force for good, uniting their passion for aviation with their love for wildlife.
Diego L. Gil-Agudelo, one of the speakers at the event, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to LightHawk. With a background in conservation biology and coral reef ecology, Diego has spent over two decades dedicated to conserving natural resources. He has worked extensively with government bodies, academia, and local communities in developing conservation strategies and providing guidance to minimize the impacts of offshore oil and gas exploration. In 2017, Diego joined Texas A&M University at Galveston as the Director of Research Operations, where he now applies his knowledge and passion for the environment to support researchers and shape the Blue Economy strategy.
The other esteemed speaker at the Speaker Series, Brooke George has dedicated her career to wildlife conservation. After graduating with a degree in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University, Brooke has been involved in species management projects across various regions in the United States, from coastal Florida to Western Washington. She is fond of developing protocols for species monitoring surveys and coordinating efforts with conservation partners in wildlife health investigations and habitat restoration. Among her many highlights, Brooke has worked alongside pilots to capture Rocky Mountain elk and conducted aerial surveys in the Cascade Range of Washington. Her unwavering dedication to protecting and preserving wildlife shines through in her work.
The Speaker Series LightHawk Conservation Pilots – Flying Wolves was made possible by the generous support of Virgil and Sandra VanTrease, event sponsors who share a deep passion for wildlife conservation. Their contribution allowed for an evening of learning, inspiration, and appreciation for the incredible work being done by LightHawk and its team of dedicated individuals.
In conclusion, the Speaker Series LightHawk Conservation Pilots – Flying Wolves offered a captivating insight into the journey of a lifetime: transporting endangered wolves to the wild. LightHawk’s invaluable contribution to species recovery programs, particularly with Mexican wolves, is a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication. With the support of their remarkable network of volunteer pilots and the expertise of individuals like Diego L. Gil-Agudelo and Brooke George, LightHawk continues to make a lasting impact on the conservation of natural resources. Let their unwavering commitment to wildlife inspire us and join them in their mission to protect and preserve our planet’s most endangered species.
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Source Description
The Endangered Wolf Center welcomed Diego L. Gil-Agudelo and Brooke George of LightHawk Conservation Pilots to discuss the journey of a lifetime – transporting endangered wolves to the wild!
For over 10 years, LightHawk has been a key part of diverse species recovery programs throughout the U.S. From black-footed ferrets to condors and whooping cranes, LightHawk has become a reliable partner in helping to facilitate the recovery of these species.
Throughout the years, LightHawk has flown more than 125 Mexican wolves across the country, including adults between breeding facilities, pups to release sites, and across the Mexican border, helping to increase endangered animals’ genetic diversity.
LightHawk relies on its network of about 300 volunteer pilots distributed across the U.S., willing to donate their time, equipment (airplanes), and fuel for the cause of conservation.
About Our Speakers:
Diego L. Gil-Agudelo
Diego has worked in conservation biology for over two decades. He started as a coral reef ecologist, studying coral disease outbreaks and bleaching events in different areas in the Caribbean. Then, his interests expanded to other ecosystems, extensively working with government, academia, and local communities to develop conservation strategies for natural resources. In 2010, after the Deep-Water Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, Diego developed a program to study and provide guidance to minimize the impacts of offshore oil and gas exploration. In 2017, Diego joined Texas A&M University at Galveston as the Director of Research Operations, providing his expertise to researchers and leading the development of the Blue Economy strategy.
Now at LightHawk, Diego brings his expertise in the conservation of natural resources, his passion for the environment, and his experience creating conservation programs to increase the organization’s impact on the conservation of natural resources in the U.S. and beyond.
Brooke George
Brooke George has worked in the field of wildlife conservation since graduating with a degree in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University in 2005. She has managed species with agencies and universities from coastal Florida to Western Washington. During her role as a biologist, Brooke especially enjoyed working on developing protocols for species monitoring surveys and coordinating projects with conservation partners in wildlife health investigations and habitat restoration efforts. Highlights of her career so far involve working with pilots to capture Rocky Mountain elk and conducting aerial surveys in the Cascade Range of Washington.
We are grateful to our event sponsors, Virgil and Sandra Vantrease.
