Our Team

My main interest is how to take sound scientific evidence and use that to formulate on-the-ground conservation action, that considers socio-economic realities, cultural sensitivities and conservation biology. I have been privileged to work on conservation projects in both Namibia and South Africa: black rhino, wild dog, cheetah, high value plant species, community-based natural resource management and food security for communities living in national parks. I joined the project in 2010 but ground-hornbills have always been a part of my life as my parents, Alan and Meg Kemp, did much of the early research on the species in the Kruger National Park, and so my childhood was filled with extremely early, but breath-taking, mornings out looking for groups, and helping to locate nests. There I developed my love of the wild. Now as a professional conservation biologist I feel that this flagship species is an excellent candidate for testing conservation tools, and connecting people throughout South Africa through a common conservation interest, and growing love for this icon of our savannahs.

My love of the wilderness was influenced by my upbringing in the stunning rural mountains of the Limpopo Province. My uncle gave me a little additional encouragement to appreciate the natural world when he made sure I watched nature documentaries on TV as a teenager instead of the soap operas and dramas I preferred. My ultimate motivation came on career day in high school, when an individual gave a presentation about a career in nature conservation. I got hooked on the field after that. I then went to study nature conservation, and my interest was mostly on the Socio-ecological aspects. The idea of building bridges to connect nature, people and development, a holistic approach to conservation.
While doing my experience learning at Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, I developed a fascination for Southern Ground-Hornbills. Their loud booming calls, which could be mistaken for lions roaring, made me wonder what kind of bird could have such a magnificent voice. That sparked my interest in wanting to understand the ground hornbills and making a contribution to this species' conservation.

I am driven by the need to understand and urgently develop conservation strategies that are socio-economically and ecologically sound and applicable to the socio-political context in which they are being implemented. I studied a multidisciplinary BSc in Economics and Zoology and a Masters in Conservation Leadership and Futures Thinking, broadening my understanding to include social as well as scientific factors influencing and driving conservation in Africa. My work and interests are wide-ranging, from landscape conservation through Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation in Zimbabwe, to rural livelihoods' development and now to species specific work with the Southern Ground-hornbill, where I am specifically interested in their regional conservation and conservation outside protected areas.

Growing up around animals and spending time on a small holding. I knew I enjoyed being outside and with animals. Spending time there caring and helping to rear the calves, sheep, a baby foal and chickens. As I got older, I traveled a bit after school, finding my way to study conservation and gaining a Bachelors in Conservation. I've worked in Senegal, West Africa, were I was working on a reserve, with local communities and local nature conservation. Also working in junction with the Derby Eland breeding project, funded by Prague zoo on the reserve. Doing their monitoring and reporting on the species on the reserve. I found myself back in SA where I've spent the last, almost 9 years in the zoo world caring for multiple species of birds, mammals and reptiles. In the rat race of the concrete jungle I felt like there must be more to do. I found myself drawn to the Southern ground hornbill project, with the feeling that this can be where, I could be making a difference in conservation.

I am a dedicated wildlife conservationist with a deep passion for protecting animals and their natural habitats. Growing up near Kruger National Park, I developed a profound appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and recognized the urgent need to safeguard wildlife.

Motivated by a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to ending animal cruelty, I pursued a career in nature conservation. After earning a Diploma in Nature Conservation, I have devoted my professional life to educating others about wildlife and advocating for the protection of endangered species.

Currently, I am focused on the conservation of the Southern Ground Hornbill, a species of great ecological significance. My goal is to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience and value these incredible birds. Through education and community outreach, I work tirelessly to promote peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife, striving to make a lasting impact on conservation efforts.

I love to use my mind and hands to do good things at home. Knowledge of working with my hands started at an early age in the village, if anything was broken we’d try to fix before we replace the broken one. Before I joined Mabula Ground Hornbill Project, I was a part-time helper for about 6 years. The opportunity I got at the project improved my skill level, and I still need to achieve more skills with the project.

From a young age, my heart danced to a different beat. While other kids played with dolls, I was rescuing stray animals and caring for our chickens. My mother could share endless stories of how I’d bring home every stray I met, each time needing her gentle persuasion to leave them behind. Despite the challenges, she never stifled my passion but encouraged it with unwavering support.

Driven by this mission, I pursued a BSc in Molecular and Life Sciences, an Honors in Zoology, and a Master’s in Wildlife Management Engineering, with the goal of focusing on the endangered Southern Ground-Hornbill in a future PhD.

Now, I stand on the threshold of my dream, working as a research intern with the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project. Each day, I approach my work with boundless enthusiasm, eager to make a difference. The chance to contribute to the conservation of this iconic species is both an honor and a responsibility I embrace with heartfelt humility.

Pluto is also the first recipient of the Alf Rewin Scholarship, through the Alf Rewin Conservation Fund.

Since I can remember, I’ve always had a passion for animals and a desire to understand the natural world. My family have always encouraged me to pursue this passion, especially my stepdad, who taught me how to use a camera, encouraged me to watch nature documentaries instead of cartoons, would take my family to the bush every opportunity we had and shared my joy in birding.
After school, I volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation center while I studied my BSc in Zoology and Microbiology, and my MSc in Wildlife Management, studying and working with various species of bats and birds.
My MSc research was conducted in the Waterberg Mountain Catchment, which is where I fell in love with the area and knew I wanted to stay and help protect this beautiful region. It was here that I came across the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project and realized this was a perfect opportunity to play my part in conservation and research, and what better species to work with than the fascinating Southern Ground Hornbills.

I grew up rescuing abandoned dogs and birds targeted by the black market. Although I didn’t have much power to make a big difference at the time, I decided to become a field guide. This helped me better understand and explain the importance of protecting all endangered birds and mammals from the threat of extinction. It is a conservation success story that I am committed to safeguarding for future generations—both in my community and across Southern Africa.

Isabel Human was born and raised in the Free State, South Africa, and matriculated from C&N Hoër Meisieskool Oranje in 1986. In 1987, she served at the South African Army Women’s College in George before earning her Bachelor of Social Science from the University of the Orange Free State in 1991, majoring in Psychology and Sociology.

After taking time off for motherhood, Isabel rejoined the University of the Free State (UFS) in 2004, working with the representative trade union, UVPERSU, and later in 2006 becoming a Professional Officer in the Department of Zoology and Entomology. She earned a Magister in Governance and Transformation and completed a PhD in 2018, focusing on the Anthropocene and Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the Okavango Panhandle, Botswana.

Isabel joined BirdLife South Africa in 2017, overseeing Human Resources and governance matters. Since 2022, she has been a part-time lecturer in Gender and the Environment at the UFS Centre for Gender and Africa Studies.

Prof Katja Koeppel graduate from Glasgow University in 2000. She came to South Africa in 2002 and completed her MSc in wildlife in 2004 from the University of Pretoria on probiotics in cheetah. After working in private practice, she joined the Johannesburg Zoo as veterinarian and later head veterinarian until 2015. She received her diploma from the European College of Zoological Medicine in Zoo Health Management in 2015. She started as senior lecturer and then associate Professor at the University of Pretoria and completed her PhD on oral bait rabies vaccine in black-backed jackals in 2021. She is passionate about conservation and the veterinary advisor for the Mabula Southern Ground-Hornbill Project. She has published several manuscripts on hornbill medicine to improve knowledge and veterinary care for those amazing birds.