Isaac Maina is a career conservationist who has worked in wildlife conservation and animal welfare throughout his adult life. Maina began his career as an elephant keeper at The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, later joining their de-snaring team.
Isaac was among the individuals who pioneered the first formal de-snaring patrol in Kenya in 1998. He has led over eighty de-snaring operations that have helped lift over 30,000 snares and apprehend more than 70 poachers. He served as a Kenya Wildlife Service Honorary Warden for ten years. Additional accolades include the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Hero Award in 2008.
Though working with Amara since the organization’s start, Maina officially joined the team full time in 2016. In his role as Project Manager, he handles all grant proposals and assists Lori Bergemann with long term project goals and planning.
Maina is a professionally trained project manager and an educator. He has vast knowledge of conservation management, animal welfare and community development programs for non-governmental organizations. Additional skills and experience include monitoring and evaluation, training and curriculum development, community development, and disaster management. Maina holds a Bachelor of Science in Technology Education from Moi University and a Master’s degree in Project Management from University of Nairobi.
