About Us
The African Pangolin Working Group
Since 27 June 2011
The African Pangolin Working Group (APWG) was established on 27 June 2011, following an inaugural meeting by a group of scientists and conservationists who all had one passion in common – understanding and protecting pangolins in Africa. By fostering strong partnerships and a deep sense of teamwork, the Group continues to build impactful, lasting programmes that give Africa’s pangolins the best possible chance at survival.
With deep expertise and a boots-on-the-ground approach, the APWG rescues and rehabilitates pangolins, combats wildlife crime, conducts critical research, and works directly with communities to change hearts and minds.
Co-chairpersons
ALEXIS KRIEL
Alexis is the APWG’s Co-Chairperson, Executive Director, and Treasurer. She comes from a media background as a journalist and filmmaker. Alexis started working with pangolins in 2014 with the rehabilitation of pangolin pups in the Central African Republic. She brings […]
NICCI WRIGHT
Nicci is the APWG’s Co-Chairperson and Executive Director. She brings many years of experience to her role in governing the APWG in the fields of pangolin rehabilitation, behaviour, husbandry, and the release of pangolins that have been confiscated from the […]
Board Members
AMANDA IRVING
Amanda has a background in wildlife TV, producing programmes for the SABC weekly programme 50/50, along with commissions for National Geographic, Animal Planet and Discovery HD. In 2011, Amanda joined her family in their wine production company, Painted Wolf Wines, […]
DR KELSEY SKINNER
Kelsey promotes wildlife rehabilitation and conservation through veterinary intervention and education. Kelsey has specialised in pangolin veterinary care in South Africa and Vietnam, working hands on with Temminck’s, Sunda and Chinese pangolins, while also actively consulting for Indian, White-bellied and […]
DR SEAN HEIGHTON
Sean’s role involves building on the APWG’s Science and Research portfolio for contributing to evidence-based decision making and management for pangolin conservation. Sean is a passionate young scientist and conservationist, whose greatest desire is to use groundbreaking research techniques for […]
PIET THERON
Piet has more than 26 years’ experience working on a wide range of natural resource management and social development projects in southern Africa. His key skills and expertise are in setting up effective partnerships between governments, the private sector, and […]
The Team
JASMINE GOULD
Jasmine is a Fundraising Strategy Consultant with over a decade of experience in wildlife conservation and nonprofit leadership. At APWG, she develops fundraising strategies to support pangolin conservation and habitat protection. Jasmine has worked across Southeast Asia with grassroots conservation […]
LORI BENTLEY
Lori studied Fine Art at the Witwaterand Technikon School of Art and Design (now part of UJ). After graduating, Lori worked for the City of Joburg, Grey Advertising, and Wits University in South Africa, and Frost Design in the UK. […]
SARAH KEMPEN
Sarah is involved in marketing at the APWG, bringing over a decade of experience in wildlife rehabilitation and a strong background in nonprofit marketing and social media. With more than seven years of hands-on experience in pangolin rehabilitation, Sarah’s passion […]
Ambassador
GARETH THOMAS
Gareth was born in Johannesburg in 1982, and spent much of his childhood exploring the wilderness in Zimbabwe and nature in the Natal Midlands. For him, school felt confining, so he left early to pursue super-bike racing, and working as […]
Honorary Life Members
NICCI WRIGHT
Nicci Wright, as a Founding member of the APWG has been granted Honorary Life Membership in recognition of her dedication to the mission of pangolin conservation, and her loyalty and contribution to the establishment, growth and continuation of the APWG.Following […]
PROF RAYMOND JANSEN
Ray Jansen, as the Founder and past Chairman of the APWG is the first person to be granted Honorary Life Membership of the APWG in recognition of his dedication to the mission of pangolin conservation since 2009 and his tireless […]