For Immediate Release
April 8, 2024
Whitefish, Montana - Tom Opre, director of the acclaimed 'Killing the Shepherd' documentary series and founder of the Shepherds of Wildlife Society, was recently honored by the Mzuri Wildlife Foundation at their annual Big Event Gala in Monterey, California. Opre received the Award of Appreciation for his outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation and support of the Mzuri Foundation.
Cyndi Flannigan, President of the Mzuri Foundation, commented, “It is our complete honor and grateful gratitude to present Tom with this award. Mzuri continues to thank the efforts of the Shepherds of Wildlife Society for the synergistic mission of watching over the conservation of wildlife and all its habitats. We are proud of his contributions and look forward to our continued partnership.”
Since 1969, the Mzuri Wildlife Foundation has promoted wildlife conservation and outdoor sports education worldwide. Through unique grants and partnerships, the organization has helped to fund many anti-poaching efforts, support numerous education programs for women and children, and ensure additional research and habitat projects succeed in supporting rebounding wildlife populations. Their efforts have ensured wildlife conservation worldwide, and Shepherds of Wildlife Society is pleased to partner with them on their efforts.
Historically, Mzuri has supported the Shepherds of Wildlife Society’s initial film in the “Killing the Shepherd” series released in 2021. The organization then continued its support of the upcoming movie in the series, “The Last Keeper,” scheduled for release in Spring 2024. Both films have documented the plights of rural communities working to conserve wildlife populations while also ensuring their human rights to provide for their families.
Opre commented, “Working alongside partner organizations such as Mzuri is a great honor. This group understands the necessity of on-the-ground efforts to connect with rural communities and their plights for wildlife conservation. The success of these communities in pursuing their human rights is delicately interwoven with the successful management of local wildlife resources, and together, Mzuri and Shepherds of Wildlife Society will continue in their missions to help the public understand and support these communities.”
Both films have been highly regarded in their efforts to support rural conservation efforts. This recent podcast with author and former politician Andy Wightman highlights more about the conservation issues explored in the upcoming “The Last Keeper.” To learn more about the film or the Shepherds of Wildlife Society, please visit www.shepherdsofwildlife.org.
To learn more about Mzuri Wildlife Foundation, please visit https://mzuri.org/.
###
