Duality is the Reality of Leadership in Conservation

Leadership in wildlife conservation is not for the faint of heart. It is a path paved with unwavering passion, relentless effort, and the constant balancing act of public perception. One day, I am being praised for the work I do—the rescues, the advocacy, the impact. The next, I am met with resistance, skepticism, or outright opposition. I have come to understand that being a leader in this field means walking a fine line—between being admired and being challenged, between gratitude and criticism, between unwavering support and harsh, ignorant opposition.

There are days when I feel an overwhelming sense of purpose. When someone reaches out to thank me for saving an animal, for inspiring them to take action, or for simply educating them on how they can coexist with wildlife, it fuels my drive to keep going. But there are also days when the weight of leadership feels heavy. When someone questions the validity of our work, dismisses our efforts, or actively opposes what we stand for, it takes a toll. Hearing praise and criticism in the same breath can be exhausting.

This duality creates a strange contradiction—sometimes being called a hero and a villain in the same day. I’ve learned that the duality of leadership comes from people’s personal experiences, biases, and fears. Some see wildlife as something to be saved, others see it as a nuisance. Some view conservation as a moral duty, others see it as a roadblock to economic development. Some admire our dedication, others resent our persistence. And because conservation is often about challenging the way people think and live, it naturally creates opposition. Change is uncomfortable, and not everyone is ready to accept that the world cannot continue treating wildlife and the environment as an afterthought. Leadership in this space is more than just running a nonprofit, rescuing animals, or advocating for better policies—it’s about standing strong in the face of resistance.

But I won’t lie—it wears on me.

And yet, duality is the reality of leadership. It is not just about being liked or admired—it is about staying true to the mission, even when it is difficult, even when people don’t understand, and even when it feels lonely. When the weight of leadership becomes too heavy, I remind myself why I started. Because at the end of the day, the work matters more than the noise.

If you are fighting for something bigger than yourself—whether it’s conservation, animal welfare, social justice, or any cause that challenges the status quo—you will face opposition. But you must keep going. Not for validation. Not for applause. But because what you are doing is right. So to those who support NCWC, who believe in our mission and stand with us—thank you. Your support is what allows us to keep saving lives and making a difference. And to those who don’t understand what we do or why we do it—I hope, one day, you will. Thankfully, Nature doesn’t need the approval of any humans. She just needs protectors, and to be understood.