About Wild North

Exploring the connection between worlds

Founded in 2010 by a group of passionate wildlife biologists and conservationists, Wild North has grown from a small research initiative into a leading organization in the study and preservation of diverse ecosystems, from tropical wetlands to arctic landscapes.

Crocodile in natural habitat

Our Story

Wild North began with an unusual premise: what could we learn by studying ecosystems at the extreme ends of our planet? Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, having spent decades researching crocodilians in tropical regions, and Dr. Michael Hansen, an expert in arctic wildlife ecology, came together with a revolutionary idea – to establish an organization that would bridge these seemingly disparate worlds.

Their early expeditions revealed fascinating parallels between how species adapt to extreme environments, whether scorching tropics or freezing tundra. They discovered that the resilience mechanisms of wildlife in these contrasting ecosystems could provide crucial insights into biodiversity conservation worldwide.

In 2012, after securing their first major research grant, Wild North established its headquarters and visitor center, allowing the public to engage with their discoveries. Since then, our team has expanded to include specialists from various scientific disciplines, education experts, and conservation advocates.

Today, Wild North operates multiple research stations across the globe, from the mangrove swamps of Southeast Asia to the pristine wilderness of the Arctic Circle. Our work has been featured in National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, and numerous scientific journals, cementing our reputation as pioneers in cross-ecosystem research and conservation.

Our Mission & Values

Mission

Wild North is dedicated to advancing our understanding of extreme ecosystems through innovative research, fostering appreciation through immersive education, and promoting conservation through community engagement. We aim to reveal the hidden connections between diverse environments and inspire a new generation of environmental stewards.

Researchers in the field

Core Values

  • Scientific Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of scientific research and transparency in all our work.
  • Biodiversity: We celebrate and protect the rich diversity of life on our planet as essential for ecological resilience.
  • Education: We believe that knowledge is the foundation of conservation and strive to make science accessible to all.
  • Collaboration: We foster partnerships with local communities, governments, and organizations to maximize our impact.
  • Innovation: We embrace new technologies and methodologies to advance our understanding of complex ecosystems.
  • Sustainability: We practice and promote sustainable approaches in both field research and everyday operations.
Northern lights over tundra

Meet Our Team

The passionate experts behind Wild North's mission

Dr. Elizabeth Morgan - Founder & Lead Crocodilian Researcher

Dr. Elizabeth Morgan

Founder & Lead Crocodilian Researcher

With over 25 years of experience studying crocodilians across five continents, Dr. Morgan has published groundbreaking research on crocodile cognition and social behavior. Her work has challenged conventional understanding of reptilian intelligence and established new conservation protocols worldwide.

Dr. Michael Hansen - Co-Founder & Arctic Ecology Director

Dr. Michael Hansen

Co-Founder & Arctic Ecology Director

Dr. Hansen specializes in arctic wildlife adaptation and ecosystem resilience. His pioneering work on climate change impacts in northern territories has influenced international conservation policy. He leads our annual Arctic expeditions and manages our northern research stations.

Dr. Maya Chen - Education Program Director

Dr. Maya Chen

Education Program Director

Combining her background in environmental education and developmental psychology, Dr. Chen has revolutionized our outreach programs. She developed our award-winning curriculum that now reaches over 50,000 students annually and trains hundreds of educators in experiential science teaching.

Carlos Mendez - Conservation Technology Specialist

Carlos Mendez

Conservation Technology Specialist

Carlos leads our technology initiatives, developing innovative tools for wildlife monitoring and habitat assessment. His custom-designed tracking devices and environmental sensors have transformed how we collect data in remote locations, from underwater crocodile habitats to arctic permafrost.

Our Achievements

Milestones in our journey of discovery and conservation

1

Research Breakthroughs

  • Discovered previously unknown communication patterns in saltwater crocodiles
  • Mapped genetic adaptations in arctic mammals that could inform human medical advances
  • Documented the first evidence of tool use in certain crocodilian species
  • Published over 150 peer-reviewed papers in leading scientific journals
  • Developed new methodologies for non-invasive wildlife monitoring
2

Conservation Impact

  • Established 5 protected habitats across 3 continents
  • Successfully reintroduced 3 endangered crocodilian species to their native ranges
  • Reduced human-wildlife conflict by 65% in targeted communities
  • Created sustainable eco-tourism opportunities supporting local economies
  • Trained over 300 local rangers and conservation officers
3

Education & Outreach

  • Developed K-12 curriculum now used in over 500 schools worldwide
  • Hosted more than 100,000 visitors at our research centers
  • Produced award-winning documentary series "Extremes: From Tropics to Tundra"
  • Trained over 2,000 teachers in experiential environmental education
  • Established scholarship program supporting 50+ students annually
4

Recognition & Awards

  • National Geographic Explorer Grant (2022)
  • Wildlife Conservation Award for Innovative Research (2021)
  • UNESCO Science Education Excellence Medal (2020)
  • Arctic Research Outstanding Contribution Award (2019)
  • Environmental Filmmaker of the Year for our documentary series (2018)

What People Say

"Working with Wild North on our school's environmental curriculum transformed how our students engage with science. Their innovative teaching materials and hands-on workshops sparked genuine curiosity and helped our students connect with nature in meaningful ways. The data-driven approach combined with storytelling expertise makes complex ecological concepts accessible and exciting for learners of all ages."

Portrait of Sarah Lawson

Sarah Lawson

Principal, Greenfield Academy

"As a wildlife filmmaker with over two decades of experience, I've collaborated with many research organizations, but Wild North stands apart. Their deep scientific knowledge combined with their ability to identify and access extraordinary wildlife moments makes them invaluable partners. Their commitment to both rigorous research and effective storytelling has elevated our documentary projects and helped us share these incredible ecosystems with global audiences."

Portrait of David Kingston

David Kingston

Director, Natural World Productions

"The conservation partnership between our indigenous community and Wild North has been truly collaborative and respectful. Unlike many organizations that come with predetermined agendas, Wild North researchers took the time to understand our traditional knowledge and integrate it with their scientific approaches. Together, we've developed sustainable management practices for our local crocodile population that honor our cultural heritage while ensuring the species' future. This balanced approach has created both ecological benefits and economic opportunities for our people."

Portrait of Mateo Ramirez

Mateo Ramirez

Community Leader, Laguna Verde Conservation Cooperative

Join Our Mission

Whether you're interested in participating in our research expeditions, supporting our conservation efforts, or bringing our educational programs to your community, we'd love to hear from you.