WILDLIFE RESTORATION FOUNDATION

Programs

1. North american bison summit: the north american bison summit (nabs) coordinates a cross-border, multi-sectoral initiative bringing together conservationists, tribes, first nations, and family ranchers across canada, mexico, and the united states. The program's mission is to conserve north america's bison populations, restore vital grassland ecosystems, and protect traditional ranching livelihoods from development pressures. Through collaborative networking, nabs develops shared models and tools to advance whole-herd health, genetic variability, and disease mitigation. Additionally, the summit actively supports tribal food sovereignty and buffalo culture revitalization, while promoting the ecological and climate-resilience benefits of managed grazers.

   $102,307 spentof which $6,561 as grants
   56% of program spending

2. Imofolozi project: the defending a south african wilderness from wildlife crime project, or "the imfolozi project," is a collaborative initiative led by the Wildlife Restoration Foundation (wrf) and the wilderness leadership school (wls) to protect wildlife in hluhluwe-imfolozi provincial park (hip) in south africa and yellowstone national park (ynp) in the us. The project aims to combat sophisticated poaching threats in these iconic parks, which are home to critical populations of endangered species.hip, located in kwazulu-natal province, harbors about half of south africa's wild rhinos (1,500-1,800), while ynp is crucial for conserving bison, grizzly bears, and wolves. However, provincial parks' capacity to fight poaching has diminished due to budget constraints, staff reductions, and pandemic-related challenges. The project leverages wls guides' advanced outdoor skills to supplement anti-poaching efforts. These guides have transitioned into anti-poaching unit assistants, enhancing the effectiveness of ezemvelo kzn wildlife (ekznw) anti-poaching units (apus). Wls has also established rhino and bio-monitoring patrols (rbmps) and community trails to improve surveillance and engage…

   $40,608 spentof which $39,920 as grants
   22% of program spending

3. I am bear safe: iabs is a uniquely effective methodology gaining the buy-in and trust of small businesses in the gateway communities of yellowstone and glacier national parks to deliver bear safety instruction to tourists and local recreationists at key points of intervention. Compelling customizable tools convey a town signature stewardship effort that is recognizable across 14 park gateways through the participation of 420 businesses and vacation rentals, 14 chambers, 4-5 airports, 3 zoos, 2 tribes, and 2 national parks. Through a "bear quiz" reinforcing signage messaging, anyone can become a park bear steward.

   $23,493 spent
   13% of program spending

4. Park experience program: the park experience program, also known as the "yellowstone experience" is a growing resource opportunity for our organization. This experience is a repeatable methodology and educational opportunity to take a group of passionate and interested donors on an exclusive tour of yellowstone and the surrounding towns and natural and cultural experiences. All accommodations are provided, as well as transportation and unique dining and wildlife viewing. Wrf's project and conservation missions are highlighted as a part of the wildlife excursions, so our donors are able to see our work in action!

   $10,996 spent
   6% of program spending

5. Zoo-park partnership for america's keystone wildlife: wrf's zpps have demonstrated measurable outcomes, including increased survival rates for endangered species, enhanced genetic monitoring, reduced disease transmission, and improved human-wildlife coexistence. The partnerships not only benefit wildlife populations within parks but also extend conservation messaging and stewardship opportunities to millions of zoo visitors annually.

   $3,867 spent
   2% of program spending

The 5 programs described on its FY2025 Form 990-EZ. Program spending in total: $181,271.