Legends of the Wild, A Field And Stream Production
Episode 5: Cheetah Relocation, Conservation Grit, and Rewriting Hunting’s Public Narrative
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Host: Sam Soholt
Guest: Robbie Kroger, Founder of Origins Foundation

Introduction and Guest Background

In the fifth episode of Legends of the Wild, host Sam Soholt welcomes Robbie Kroger, a passionate conservationist and the driving force behind the Origins Foundation (formerly Blood Origins). The conversation begins with Robbie sharing his initial skepticism about being featured on the podcast but expressing gratitude for the opportunity to discuss his impactful work.

[00:30] Robbie Kroger: "I actually, when I saw the title Legends of the Wild, I was like, oh, doesn't seem like me."

Robbie recounts his early days at ATA in 2018, where he fervently promoted his conservation initiatives despite limited resources and recognition. His dedication over the past seven years has propelled his foundation into a significant player in global conservation efforts.

Evolution of Blood Origins to Origins Foundation

Robbie delves into the transformation of his organization from Blood Origins to the Origins Foundation. Initially focused solely on storytelling about hunters, Robbie expanded his mission to encompass broader conservation and education goals.

[10:33] Robbie Kroger: "Our mission is to educate the uninformed and misinformed about the truth. Sustainable use of wildlife, not just hunting."

This rebranding reflects a strategic shift to address misconceptions about hunting and its role in conservation, aiming to educate a wider audience through diverse content, including feature-length documentaries and various conservation projects.

Cheetah Relocation Project: Challenges and Successes

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Robbie's ambitious cheetah relocation project in Zululand, South Africa. The initiative aims to expand cheetah populations and enhance genetic diversity by relocating cheetahs to historic habitats in Mozambique.

Robbie highlights the logistical hurdles faced during the project:

[22:22] Robbie Kroger: "The cheetah project is the biggest thing we've ever undertaken monetarily. It's a five-year project costing up to $750,000."

Despite challenges like transportation difficulties and unexpected setbacks, Robbie's team achieved remarkable success, losing only one cheetah out of many relocated—a stark contrast to the anticipated 40% mortality rate.

[29:59] Robbie Kroger: "We have only lost one cheetah, which is less than four and a half percent."

His innovative approach embraces the natural behavior of cheetahs, allowing them to roam freely in expansive areas without constant monitoring, thereby fostering true range expansion rather than mere relocation.

The Role of Hunters in Conservation Efforts

Robbie passionately argues that hunters play a pivotal role in conservation. He emphasizes that hunters are often the primary funders of conservation projects, leveraging their resources and dedication to support wildlife preservation.

[50:47] Robbie Kroger: "We're building the documentary out right now that hopefully we can get it in the hands of something big like Netflix."

He reassures that his foundation never engages in unethical practices like hunting cheetahs but instead focuses on sustainable conservation efforts funded entirely by the hunting community.

Marketing and Changing the Narrative

A critical theme discussed is the importance of reshaping the public perception of hunting. Robbie outlines his foundation's strategic use of marketing and SEO to counter negative stereotypes associated with hunting.

[60:22] Robbie Kroger: "We're working on how to change what Google shows people about trophy hunting. It's just marketing, guys, SEO stuff."

By promoting positive images and educational content, Robbie aims to dominate the narrative around hunting, showcasing its benefits for wildlife management, community support, and ecosystem sustainability.

Global Conservation Commonalities

Robbie shares insights from his global interactions, identifying a universal challenge: combating misinformation about hunting and its conservation benefits.

[53:28] Robbie Kroger: "Everywhere in the world, the hunting community faces the same fight stemming from a misinformed, uneducated public about what hunting actually does."

He underscores the necessity of tailored narratives in different regions, such as emphasizing food sustainability in Australia and New Zealand, where managing invasive species is crucial.

Upcoming Projects and Future Plans

Looking ahead, Robbie outlines several ambitious projects aimed at diverse conservation challenges:

• Wild Horse Management in Arizona: Documenting efforts to control and sustain wild horse populations.
• Wolf Ballot Initiative in Colorado: Highlighting the implications of reintroducing wolves into local ecosystems.
• Savon Bambi in France: Showcasing collaborative efforts to protect baby roe deer from agricultural threats.
• Rhino Horn Trade in Namibia: Preparing a comprehensive hub of information to influence international policies by 2027.

[70:42] Robbie Kroger: "We're getting involved with rhinos pretty hot and heavy because sustainable use of wildlife is crucial."

Supporting Origins Foundation

Robbie concludes by inviting listeners to support the Origins Foundation through donations, emphasizing the impact even small contributions can make. He highlights various ways to contribute, including individual donations and corporate partnerships, offering incentives like giveaways and exclusive content.

[72:11] Robbie Kroger: "We need your support to continue to live, to keep the lights on, to compete, continue to do what we do."

Listeners are encouraged to visit the Origins Foundation website, engage with their content, and participate in their conservation initiatives to foster a more informed and supportive community.

Notable Quotes

• Robbie Kroger on Mission Rebranding:
  “Our mission is to educate the uninformed and misinformed about the truth. Sustainable use of wildlife, not just hunting.”
  [10:33]

• Robbie Kroger on Marketing Strategy:
  “We're working on how to change what Google shows people about trophy hunting. It's just marketing, guys, SEO stuff.”
  [60:22]

• Robbie Kroger on Conservation Role:
  “We're building the documentary out right now that hopefully we can get it in the hands of something big like Netflix.”
  [50:47]

• Robbie Kroger on Global Challenges:
  “Everywhere in the world, the hunting community faces the same fight stemming from a misinformed, uneducated public about what hunting actually does.”
  [53:28]

Conclusion

Episode 5 of Legends of the Wild offers a deep dive into Robbie Kroger's relentless pursuit of conservation through innovative projects and strategic narrative control. His insights highlight the indispensable role of hunters in wildlife preservation and the importance of educating the public to foster a sustainable coexistence with nature. Through the Origins Foundation, Robbie exemplifies how passion, coupled with strategic action, can drive meaningful change in the conservation landscape.

Follow Origins Foundation:

• Website: originsfoundation.org (Upcoming rebranding)
• Email: email@originsfoundation.org
• Support: Donations via website, Corporate Conservation Club memberships