The extinction of species has reached an unprecedented level this decade.
Climate change and deforestation are having a major impact on overall biodiversity- leaving many species struggling to survive. Complicating this already precarious position, illegal poaching continues to happen on a mass scale.
For some of nature's most iconic species like tigers, rhinos, and elephants, poaching continues to be the greatest threat to their survival. Wildlife rangers are the first line of defense...the 'Thin Green Line'. Risking their lives daily to protect our planet's remaining wild places and the creatures that inhabit them.
To The Cause
Conservation
Sustainable natural conservation is the goal. We believe it is attained through strong partnerships, both globally and locally. We aim to make sure that wildlife conservation remains a high priority in the world of wildlife. It is important to the ecosystem, and also important to everyone involved in it.
Training
Our medic training is built on industry-leading best practices and standards necessary to operate safely and effectively in frontlines of Wildlife conservation.
How Can I
Make The Right Move
Our work focuses on two key areas which are essential to tackling the mounting issues that critically endangered species face:
Providing innovative training and support for wildlife rangers and community upliftment programs.
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“Between 1970 and 2016, there has been a 68% fall on average worldwide in monitored populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.”
– 2020 Global Living Planet Index
Our Story
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Executive Director & Founder
Kevin Garrad is the CEO & lead ranger advisor running International operations
Born and raised in Hertfordshire, England, Kevin moved to the United States at sixteen-years-old where he obtained citizenship through his service with the U.S. Army. After serving eight tours of duty over eighteen years, including ten years as a ‘Green Beret’ in the U.S. Special Forces, Kevin retired due to his combat injuries and decided to devote his time to his childhood passion, wildlife conservation.
In 2016, with almost two decades of experience training foreign militaries and indigenous personnel in some of the world’s most dangerous and remote places, Kevin began training wildlife rangers on the frontlines of conservation in Africa. Next, he moved to Southeast Asia to support rainforest reforestation, Asian elephant rescue, and wildlife conservation projects. He also used this time to get closer to Asia’s illegal wildlife markets due to their role as global hubs for the illicit trade.
Kevin currently resides in the Kruger park region of South Africa, overseeing various Wild Responses projects – where he advises in wildlife ranger capacity building– and immerses himself in personal training through courses on conservation, non-profit management, and tactical skill progression.
President and Director
Aaron Cestaro is the program manager overseeing Wild Response's global conservation initiatives
Aaron was born and raised on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He developed a passion for seashore habitats and coastal species at a young age and throughout his travels maintained a high value and appreciation of protected areas. His desire to support efforts greater than himself led to him joining the US Army as a Senior Medical advisor in Civil Affairs. In this role he traveled to several countries in Africa and Asia; growing a deeper appreciation of the value of both inclusive partnerships and responsible burden sharing. He learned unique skills attached to special operations where he fell in love with training medical, veterinary, and public health partners around the world. Aaron obtained his Bachelors of science while in the Army before being medically retired. Aaron’s pride comes from the ability to adapt in a diverse atmosphere and develop programs that are acceptable, appropriate, and effective to stakeholders of conservation efforts. His love of the wild places left in the world and animal welfare helps to drive Wild Response’s mission.
Director & Co-Founder
Jeff Mazziotta is a specialist in effective field training and VP of Asia Conservation
Born in Houston, Texas, Jeff served in Iraq with the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer. After finishing his service, Jeff went on to become a technical trainer and later program coordinator; conducting, and overseeing landmine familiarization and clearance training courses for the U.S. Army.
Wanting to amplify his impact, Jeff transitioned from the military world to the non-profit sector, becoming a Technical Field Manager for Mines Advisory Group. Working in Angola, Jeff was in charge of field operations of around 100 local staff in Lucusse, Moxico Province; including three clearance teams, a rapid response EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) team, and support staff including medics, drivers, and other personnel. During this time, he was able to empower local staff, working together to successfully clear hundreds of thousands of square meters to turn dangerous minefields into safe usable land for people and animal use.
Jeff graduated from Temple University with a degree in Political Science, and a focus on Foreign Policy analysis. He has presented on US foreign policy decisions at global academic conferences and continues to research how weapons proliferation affects conservation areas and impacts the lives of people in post conflict nations. Jeff’s goal is to empower local communities to make positive changes in their lives, whether it is through clearing remnants of war that impact both human and animal lives, providing high level training for rangers, or pushing for sustainable conservation policy on a national level.
Assistant Executive Director
Nicole Quattrucci is our Global Health Initiatives
PA-C, MPAS
Nicole was born and raised in central Massachusetts. After a year of college she joined the US Army as a combat medic to help pursue a more altruistic life. She served over 15 years before retiring from the MA National Guard (est) 2022. She advanced her medical career as a Physician Assistant in various roles as an officer within the Army and at a busy inner city Level 1 Trauma Center as an Emergency Room provider. Nicole is a self proclaimed forever student currently enrolled in a PhD program for Global Health and Emergency Management. Additionally has a Master degree in Physician Assistant Studies, Bachelors in Health Science, Bachelors in Psychology, and an Associates degree. Her passion to help and be a part of something bigger than herself has continuously been her drive. Her belief to create a larger positive ripple effect for the greater good starts with education. These passions ultimately connected her to Wild Response’s mission. Along with conservation efforts and education she has a special place in her heart for invisible injuries of trauma; Women, income, and racial disparities; Holistic healing with animals, nature, and art.