Robin's Nest Podcast Summary Episode Title: Championing Ocean Conservation: A Conversation with Wolfgang and Christoph Kiessling
Release Date: December 2, 2024
Host: Dr. Robin Ganzert
Guests: Wolfgang Keesling, Founder of Laura Park; Christoph Kiesling, Vice President and President of the Laura Park Foundation

Introduction

In this inspiring episode of Robin's Nest, hosted by Dr. Robin Ganzert, listeners are introduced to two stalwarts of animal conservation: Wolfgang Keesling, the visionary founder of Laura Park, and his son Christoph Kiesling, the current president of the Laura Park Foundation. Together, they have elevated Laura Park into a global leader in wildlife conservation, with a profound impact on species preservation and habitat restoration.

Journey of Laura Park and the Keesling Family

Wolfgang Keesling begins by sharing the humble beginnings of Laura Park, emphasizing his initial challenges and growth over 53 years:

• Start from Scratch: "[I] started very small... with 25 labors and 150 birds. Today we are 10 times bigger with 1,300 people and 4,500 parrots." [02:32]
• Visionary Beginnings: Encouraged by his father, who doubted his financial sustainability but believed in his potential to benefit nature, Wolfgang embarked on a mission that would redefine animal conservation.

Christoph Kiesling discusses his upbringing and role in expanding the foundation's global reach:

• Inherited Passion: "If you grow up at Laura Park... I learned about the in-field projects and how to help animals in the wild." [08:44]
• Global Impact: Over 30 years, the foundation has spearheaded 86 projects across 40 countries, dedicated to long-term species preservation and habitat protection. [09:10]

Species Preservation and the Red List

The conversation delves into the Red List—a comprehensive inventory by the IUCN assessing the conservation status of species:

• Downgrading Species: Christoph explains, "We have downgraded 12 species on the Red List from 'Critically Endangered' to 'Endangered'." [10:38]
• Impactful Work: This signifies a positive trend in wildlife populations, showcasing the foundation's effectiveness in real-world conservation. [12:05]

Notable Quote:

"It's a victory for nature, it's a victory for biodiversity, and it's definitely a victory for all the people which are working to save species." – Christoph Kiesling [12:08]

Rewilding Initiatives

A significant portion of the episode explores Rewilding, the process of restoring species to their natural habitats:

• Macaw Rewilding Success: Wolfgang recounts breeding over 40 Lear Macaws, with successful reintroductions in Brazil's Katinga region, resulting in 12 free-flying birds. [13:22-15:16]
• Challenges in Rewilding Larger Species: The discussion highlights why certain animals, like gorillas and killer whales, are unsuitable for rewilding due to their dependence on human care and complex survival skills. [15:16-19:21]

Notable Quote:

"You cannot rewild a gorilla... he is used to his life in captivity... his brain is not prepared for that." – Wolfgang Keesling [15:34]

International Kiesling Prize for Species Conservation

In honor of their unwavering dedication, the International Kiesling Prize for Species Conservation was established:

• Recognition of Excellence: Celebrating its third year, the prize acknowledges top conservationists who demonstrate impactful field and academic work. Winners include Dr. John Paul Rodriguez, Professor Theo Pagel, and Arnaud Depiez. [19:28-22:54]
• Wolfgang's Humble Reaction: Despite being named after him, Wolfgang humbly expresses his gratitude, underscoring the family's focus on the cause over personal accolades. [20:29-20:54]

Notable Quote:

"I try always to stay devout. I don't try to be bigger than I am... it's an honor I never would have expected to have." – Wolfgang Keesling [20:29]

The Sixth Mass Extinction and Human Impact

Christoph Kiesling passionately addresses the ongoing sixth mass extinction, attributing it to human expansion and habitat destruction:

• Urbanization and Population Growth: "The land is just 30% of the surface... our population growth demands more space, leading to habitat loss and species extinction." [23:35]
• Conservation Centers as Sanctuaries: Emphasizing the dual approach of habitat protection and establishing conservation centers to safeguard endangered species. [25:19]

Notable Quote:

"These animals deserve... the conservation center guarantees the existence of these species. They deserve it." – Christoph Kiesling [25:19]

Personal Reflections and Legacy

The episode concludes with heartfelt reflections from both Wolfgang and Christoph:

• Family Commitment: Christoph shares anecdotes illustrating the family's dedication to conservation, including his daughter's early engagement with nature. [25:38-26:43]
• Gratitude and Motivation: Both express deep gratitude towards Dr. Robin and reaffirm their commitment to advancing animal welfare and conservation efforts. [27:19-27:33]

Notable Quote:

"Let's do it." – Robin, Wolfgang, and Christoph collectively [26:44-26:49]

Conclusion

This episode of Robin's Nest offers a profound glimpse into the lifelong dedication of the Keesling family to animal conservation. Through their groundbreaking work at Laura Park and the Laura Park Foundation, Wolfgang and Christoph demonstrate how passion, perseverance, and strategic action can lead to meaningful and lasting impacts on global biodiversity. Their stories serve as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring conservationists and animal lovers alike.

Key Takeaways:

• Sustained Effort Matters: Long-term commitment is crucial in conservation, as evidenced by the foundation's multi-decade projects.
• Strategic Rewilding: Successful rewilding requires meticulous planning, species-specific strategies, and substantial resources.
• Recognition Fuels Change: Awards like the International Kiesling Prize highlight and encourage exceptional conservation efforts globally.
• Family Legacy: The Keesling family's intergenerational dedication underscores the importance of nurturing passion for conservation from a young age.

For those passionate about animal welfare and conservation, this episode not only informs but also inspires actionable change towards building a more humane and sustainable world.