Pour yourself a fresh cup and join Mike Veale for an inspiring episode of Coffee and Conservation, featuring Karen Odendaal, Chief Operating Officer of Zululand Conservation Trust (ZCT) and Managing Director of Manyoni Private Game Reserve. With a conservation career spanning nearly two decades, Karen has been at the forefront of rhino protection, pangolin rehabilitation, and community-based conservation efforts in KwaZulu-Natal.

In this episode, Karen shares the story behind founding the Zululand Rhino Orphanage, her leadership role in Manyoni’s range expansion projects, and her passion for connecting conservation with local communities.

Mike and Karen also discuss the impactful partnership between ZCT, Zululand Rhino Orphanage, and Global Conservation Force (GCF)—from pioneering K9 tracking for live pangolins and launching Manyoni’s in-house K9 anti-poaching unit, to GCF’s hands-on support in rhino orphan care, staff training, and ranger security preparedness.

Together, these efforts are creating a stronger, more adaptive future for wildlife conservation in South Africa.