18

Summer 2026

Issue 18 is here! 

For some, a life in conservation is the result of a lifelong dream, yet for others, their destiny sometimes seems to come to them, rather than the other way around. In this issue, we uncover the unexpected stories of how these conservationists arrived at where they are now. 

• Sonam Tashi Lama used to play with deceased wildlife, but is now protecting those same species – the red panda. 
• Dr. Laurie Marker didn’t arrive in Namibia intending to save cheetahs, but she couldn’t close her eyes to what was happening locally. It altered the course of her life. 
• From sharks to flamingos, María Fernanda Puerto Carrillo wasn’t focused on just one species when she started her research, but somehow the elusive jaguar captivated her enough to dedicate her life to it. 

Sonam, Laurie and María all have their own stories about their journey into conservation, yet one thing binds them together: their passion for their work. It doesn’t matter how harsh the field conditions might be or how long it might take to successfully collaborate with the local communities. They thrive because they believe in the work they do. 

You can read their full stories now in issue 18.