Advisory Board

Dave & Linda Bennett (Founders)

Long-time conservationists and social entrepreneurs, Dave and Linda Bennett have spent over three decades working across Africa on sustainable conservation design systems, eco-innovation, and community upliftment. Their belief in grassroots empowerment and science-led strategies laid the foundation for Kakori. Dave’s career spans leadership roles across Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia, culminating as Group COO for Wilderness Safaris, Africa’s leading ecotourism company. Linda has been fundamental in driving community engagement, supporting women and families, and working directly on humanitarian issues including the animal welfare in rural communities. Together, they embody Kakori’s vision — uniting biodiversity protection with human well-being.

Kakori Conservation is backed by a world-class advisory board bringing global credibility, decades of expertise, and strategic guidance to our mission. Meet the team;

Prof Andrew Loverage

Professor Andrew Loveridge is a leading authority on lion conservation and predator ecology in Africa. Based at Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), he has directed one of the world’s longest-running lion research programs in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. His work has shaped international understanding of lion population dynamics, human-wildlife conflict, and the impact of trophy hunting. Andrew has published extensively, co-edited Biology and Conservation of Wild Felids, and currently co-leads Panthera’s global Lion Program, influencing conservation strategies across Africa. A member of multiple IUCN specialist groups and recipient of the SATIB Trust Award, he brings unparalleled expertise in science-based carnivore conservation, with deep roots in southern Africa and strong global networks that align with Kakori’s mission.

Dr Julian Fennessy

Dr. Julian Fennessy is Co-Founder and Director of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), the only NGO dedicated solely to giraffe conservation. With more than 25 years of field experience across Africa, Julian is globally recognized for pioneering research on giraffe ecology, taxonomy, and conservation. His PhD work in Namibia redefined understanding of desert-dwelling giraffe, and he has since led continent-wide surveys that revealed giraffe populations were far lower than previously believed — a turning point for global conservation action. As former Co-Chair of the IUCN Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group, he has influenced policy and conservation strategies at the highest levels. With over 100 scientific publications and a proven ability to bridge rigorous science with community-based conservation, Julian brings both credibility and innovation to Kakori’s work in biodiversity corridors and species restoration.

Peter Blinston

Peter Blinston is Executive Director of Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) in Zimbabwe, one of the most successful models of community-based wildlife conservation in Africa. Since 1997, he has built PDC into a world-renowned program that protects endangered painted dogs while delivering tangible benefits to local communities. Under his leadership, PDC has established anti-poaching patrols, children’s bush camps, health clinics, and income-generating projects such as the arts and crafts centre that transforms snare wire into sustainable livelihoods. Peter co-authored Painted Wolves: A Wild Dog’s Life and has featured in major conservation documentaries, including the BBC’s Dynasties. His ability to combine grassroots engagement with international advocacy has made him a respected voice in conservation circles. At Kakori, he contributes unparalleled experience in linking wildlife protection with community empowerment, ensuring that conservation success translates into local well-being.

Herve Fritz

Professor Hervé Fritz is a senior researcher with France’s CNRS and Nelson Mandela University, South Africa, where he leads cutting-edge research on African savanna ecology. With more than 300 scientific publications, he is recognized internationally for advancing understanding of predator-prey dynamics, biodiversity conservation, invasive species management, and climate change impacts on ecosystems. Hervé has directed major multi-national research collaborations and supervised numerous PhDs, bridging academic excellence with practical field conservation. His work has directly influenced management strategies in key African landscapes, including Hwange National Park. Known for integrating community ecology with applied conservation, he is deeply engaged in mentoring the next generation of African scientists. At Kakori, Hervé provides scientific leadership and credibility, ensuring that conservation actions are rooted in robust research while addressing real-world challenges across the Greater Hwange Landscape.