#231 Robbie Kroger - The Origins Foundation
Watch the episode here
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Robbie Kroger - founder of The Orgins Foundation (formerly Blood Origins), a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and promoting the heritage of hunting. With a Ph.D. in biology and a passion for the outdoors, Kroger has focused his career on educating people about the importance of hunting as a conservation tool. As an award-winning filmmaker and director, Kroger uses storytelling to shed light on the deep connections between hunters and nature, often sharing the untold stories of conservation efforts worldwide. Through Blood Origins, he highlights the positive impacts hunters have on ecosystems, dispelling misconceptions about the hunting community. His work is a testament to the value of responsible stewardship of the environment and wildlife preservation. Kroger’s passion for wildlife and ethical hunting has earned him recognition as a key advocate for bridging the gap between hunters and non-hunters, fostering understanding and collaboration for global conservation efforts. Robbie Kroger joins Bobby Marshall in Studio to discuss Conservation, Wildlife, Biology, Politics, Advocacy, Hunting, Tradition, Outdoor life & much more. Please subscribe or like us on social media platforms for updates on shows, events, and episode drops.
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In a recent episode of The Mountain Side Podcast, host Bobby Marshall sat down with Robbie Kroger, founder and creator of the Origins Foundation, formerly known as Blood Origins. This engaging conversation dived into the complexities and triumphs of wildlife conservation across the globe, highlighting the vital importance of sustainable hunting practices.
Welcome Back to Colorado The podcast kicks off with a warm welcome to Robbie Kroger, who recently returned to Colorado for another visit. He participated as a keynote speaker at an event hosted by the United Houndsman Association. During the event, Robbie discussed his work with Blood Origins, now the Origins Foundation, which focuses on raising conservation awareness on a global scale, educating people around the world about hunting, and offering insights into remote places.
The Origins Foundation: A Broader Mission Robbie Kroger explains the transformation from Blood Origins to the Origins Foundation. The name change reflects a broader mission to convey the truth around sustainable wildlife use. The organization has expanded globally with affiliates, including Wild Origins India, Canada, and several other countries. These affiliates are part of a network striving to educate and raise awareness about sustainable wildlife management worldwide.
Stories from India The conversation shifts to Robbie's experiences in India, engaging with local tribes like the Padres, who have historically been hunters but are now struggling due to changes in forestry policies. Robbie shares tales of meeting villagers who had never seen a white person before and the challenges these communities face as they adapt to life without hunting, which was integral to their culture.
Challenges and Triumphs Throughout the discussion, Robbie highlights the unfortunate consequences faced by communities and wildlife due to hunting bans. He emphasizes the need for sustainable models that allow both wildlife and human populations to thrive together. This includes addressing human-wildlife conflicts, such as those involving predators like tigers in India, which have significant impacts on local villagers.
The Importance of Sustainable Hunting Robbie stresses the significance of maintaining sustainable hunting practices, not only in Africa but globally. He shares stories of efforts in places like Botswana, where ecotourism and hunting co-exist to the benefit of local communities and wildlife conservation. By applying sustainable methods, communities can manage wildlife populations, decrease human-wildlife conflicts, and provide economic opportunities.
Facing Modern Challenges In the podcast, they also tackle current controversies, including legislative efforts that impact wildlife conservation, such as the introduction of wolves in Colorado. Robbie discusses the necessity of balancing conservation with community needs and avoiding decisions driven solely by ballot initiatives without scientific backing.
The Future of the Origins Foundation Looking ahead, the Origins Foundation aims to expand its reach, create more educational content, and engage with a broader audience to support wildlife conservation. Whether through documentaries or grassroots efforts, Robbie and his team are dedicated to shaping a narrative that promotes the sustainable use of wildlife resources and highlights the importance of conservation.
Get Involved If you're inspired by the work of the Origins Foundation and want to contribute, consider supporting their projects and initiatives. Your support helps fund critical documentary projects like "Wolves in Denver," which sheds light on the impacts of ballot-driven wildlife management decisions. Join the journey of conservation with Robbie Kroger and the Origins Foundation by visiting their revamped website and exploring the wealth of stories and educational content they offer. Together, we can support global conservation efforts and ensure a sustainable future for wildlife and communities alike. --- By turning this insightful conversation into actionable knowledge, we can all contribute to a world where both humans and wildlife thrive. Tune in to the full episode for an in-depth look at these important issues and to hear more of Robbie Kroger's experiences and expertise.