When it comes to the conservation of our natural world, the time for action is now.
Dr Chloe Buiting is on a mission to help people, wildlife and the planet thrive. As a wildlife veterinarian, conservationist, published author and director of Fauna & Flora – the world’s oldest international conservation organisation – no two days are the same. Chloe’s time is divided between working on the frontline of wildlife conservation around the world, including dehorning rhinos in South Africa to save them from poachers, and working with Sir David Attenborough to conserve wild species and spaces. In addition to this, she is also an Official Advocate for Kensington Palace’s prestigious Earthshot Prize, and is the youngest person to hold an Australian public Board position, which she does as a director of Zoos Victoria.
As a veterinarian, Chloe has been fortunate to work on the frontline of wildlife conservation around the world and has seen the extent of our current biodiversity crisis first-hand, along with the far-ranging implications it has for us all. Her work sees her combating rhino poaching in Southern Africa, treating great apes in West Africa, training with the world-famous, all-female anti-poaching group the “Black Mambas” in Greater Kruger National Park, and fitting elephants with prosthetic legs after stepping on landmines in Asia.
Outside of clinical veterinary work, Chloe relishes her role with Fauna & Flora. Under Vice President Sir David Attenborough, she works to conserve wild species and spaces by working with local communities on capacity building, empowering them to take the conservation of their local ecosystems into their own hands. She is passionate about the role wildlife conservation has in mitigating the climate crisis and is cognisant the dependence of rural communities on the health of the natural world.
Chloe is also passionate about science communication and enjoyed sharing her work in her book ‘The Jungle Doctor’ published in May 2021. 100% of the authors' proceeds have been donated to a selection of conservation initiatives worldwide, and the book has now undergone its first translation as of 2023. Additionally, Chloe has amassed a following of over 400,000 people on social media. Her work has been featured in many media outlets worldwide and she starred on a Times Square Billboard Campaign in April 2024. She regularly features as a guest on the ABC, as well as the NY Times, news.com.au, and Today Show.
Chloe’s passion for wildlife conservation undoubtedly originated from her childhood on Australia’s beautiful Lord Howe Island. She feels fortunate to work in these diverse capacities in the conservation and sustainability spheres and enjoys connecting with like-minded people.
Talking Points
The Power of Purpose-Driven Conservation: Protecting Wildlife, Protecting Our Future
This presentation explores how purpose-driven conservation efforts are transforming wildlife protection and mitigating the biodiversity crisis. Drawing on frontline experiences, including rhino dehorning and anti-poaching efforts, it illustrates how dedicated actions create ripples of change, impacting ecosystems and communities globally.The Power of Purpose-Driven Conservation: Protecting Wildlife, Protecting Our Future
Who this is for: Ideal for corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments, sustainability managers, and executive teams looking to align business practices with environmental responsibility.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategies for impactful, purpose-driven conservation that businesses can support or replicate.
- Insights into the positive social and environmental returns of biodiversity-focused initiatives.
- Tangible steps to integrate conservation efforts into company-wide sustainability goals.
From the Field to the Boardroom: Lessons in Leadership from Conservation
In this talk, Chloe reveals how hands-on wildlife conservation provides powerful insights into adaptive leadership, resilience, and decision-making under pressure. By connecting conservation challenges with business dynamics, she showcases the transferable skills that conservation work brings to leadership.From the Field to the Boardroom: Lessons in Leadership from Conservation
Who this is for: Relevant for leadership teams, HR managers, and executives aiming to build adaptive, resilient leaders in a fast-changing world.
Key Takeaways:
- Leadership lessons on resilience and problem-solving from real-world conservation scenarios.
- Practical strategies for fostering purpose and adaptability within teams.
- Frameworks for making impactful, values-driven decisions in complex situations.
Nature’s Climate Solution: How Conservation Mitigates the Climate Crisis
Wildlife conservation is not only about saving species but also building climate resilience. This presentation explores how conservation plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation. With tangible links between climate change, biodiversity loss, and our everyday lives, I’ll share how safeguarding ecosystems, which sequester carbon and support biodiversity, is one of our most effective climate tools. From forests to oceans, nature-based solutions are powerful complements to technology and renewable energy. This session aims to inspire action to protect our existing natural resources and highlights why our greatest climate solution might be closer than we think. I discuss specific conservation projects that have had measurable climate impacts and outline how protecting nature contributes to a resilient planet.Nature’s Climate Solution: How Conservation Mitigates the Climate Crisis
Who this is for: Relevant for climate policy teams, CSR departments, organisations prioritising sustainable practices, and the general public interested in actionable climate solutions.
Key Takeaways:
- A holistic view of conservation’s role in climate resilience.
- Case studies showing how protecting biodiversity supports climate goals.
- Actionable insights for integrating conservation into climate strategies.
Inspiring Future Generations: Women in STEM and the Path to Conservation Leadership
As a woman in wildlife conservation, a veterinarian, and a mother to a young daughter, Chloe is passionate about inspiring the next generation of women to pursue careers in STEM. This talk shares her journey—from veterinary school to the frontlines of conservation—highlighting the importance of female representation, perseverance, and leadership in science. Through personal stories and lessons learned, Chloe aims to inspire young women and girls to see themselves as changemakers in fields traditionally dominated by men.Inspiring Future Generations: Women in STEM and the Path to Conservation Leadership
Who this is for: Schools, universities, STEM-focused organisations, women’s networks, diversity and inclusion groups, conferences, and general audiences interested in supporting women and girls in science.
Key Takeaways:
- Encouragement and strategies for young women to pursue careers in STEM, particularly in conservation.
- Insights on overcoming challenges in male-dominated fields, building resilience, and leading with authenticity.
- Inspiration from real-world examples of women making a difference, underscoring how gender diversity drives innovation in conservation and beyond.
Communicating Conservation: Engaging and Inspiring the Next Generation
This session emphasizes the importance of engaging storytelling and science communication in conservation, using social media and outreach as tools to inspire younger audiences. It covers techniques for reaching broad audiences with accessible, compelling conservation stories.Communicating Conservation: Engaging and Inspiring the Next Generation
Who this is for: Perfect for education departments, outreach teams, marketing professionals, and anyone involved in environmental education or engagement.
Key Takeaways:
- Effective storytelling techniques to convey conservation messages that resonate with young audiences.
- Practical tools for leveraging digital platforms to broaden conservation awareness.
- Strategies to inspire and empower the next generation to engage with conservation efforts actively.
Lessons from Wildlife: How Animals Reflect Our Humanity
This talk explores the profound lessons we can learn from animals, delving into empathy, resilience, and connection as seen in the natural world. Through personal stories of working with diverse species, I reveal the traits animals mirror back to us and how they challenge our understanding of what it means to be human.Lessons from Wildlife: How Animals Reflect Our Humanity
Who this is for: Ideal for leadership teams, HR professionals, and those in social services or community engagement roles seeking fresh insights on empathy and resilience.
Key Takeaways:
- Insight into how animal behaviour highlights essential human qualities.
- Practical ways to incorporate empathy and resilience into team dynamics.
- Inspiration to cultivate compassion and connection in both personal and professional life.
On the Frontlines: Battling Rhino Poaching in Real Time
This presentation offers a gripping look at the fight against rhino poaching, sharing firsthand accounts of dehorning operations and other efforts that have removed millions of dollars of rhino horn from black-market circulation. I discuss the extreme challenges of protecting these animals and the teamwork required to tackle an urgent, ongoing crisis.On the Frontlines: Battling Rhino Poaching in Real Time
Who this is for: Relevant for CSR departments, environmental organizations, and executive audiences interested in high-impact action and conservation challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- An understanding of the complexities and scale of wildlife crime.
- Insight into the critical role of teamwork and on-the-ground action in conservation.
- Motivation to support and engage with wildlife protection efforts.
Guardians of Biodiversity: Why Preventing Extinction Matters
There is an argument that extinction is part of evolution and that saving species need not be a conservation priority. But this thinking shows a lack of understanding of evolution and the natural world, particularly with the abundance of human-driven threats it is currently facing. This talk addresses the vital importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecological balance and human well-being. Highlighting species protection projects worldwide, I explain how biodiversity impacts everything from food security to climate resilience, making a compelling case for conservation as essential to a sustainable future.Guardians of Biodiversity: Why Preventing Extinction Matters
Who this is for: Tailored for environmental policy teams, sustainability managers, professional groups, schools/universities, government and anyone interested in the connections between conservation and sustainable development.
Key Takeaways:
- A clear understanding of biodiversity’s direct impact on ecosystems and human welfare.
- Practical steps businesses and individuals can take to support biodiversity.
- A broadened perspective on why protecting species ensures a healthier, balanced world
From an Island to the Frontline: A Global Journey in Wildlife Conservation
This presentation invites audiences to journey with me from my formative years on Australia’s Lord Howe Island to the heart of conservation efforts across Africa, Asia, and beyond. Through vivid stories from the field, I’ll share firsthand accounts of saving endangered species, pioneering medical treatments for elephants, using bees to reduce human-wildlife conflict in Kenya, and experimenting with 3D-printed coral reefs to revitalize marine ecosystems. This talk illustrates the innovation and resilience required to protect our planet’s most vulnerable species.From an Island to the Frontline: A Global Journey in Wildlife Conservation
Who this is for: Suited for school and university groups, NGOs, conservation and science conferences, and general public audiences interested in global conservation.
Key Takeaways:
- An inspiring look into the daily life of a wildlife conservationist, and lessons learned in choosing to be led by your passion and purpose in life
- Insight into how conservation challenges vary by region and species.
- Examples of successful and inspiring conservation solutions that can be adapted globally.
- A deeper appreciation for novel, cross-disciplinary approaches in wildlife conservation.
- An understanding of how conservation connects communities across continents in shared goals.
Video
The Frontline of Conservation with Wildlife Veterinarian Chloe BUITING ., DVM | FIGS Scrubs
Wildlife veterinarian Chloe B., DVM’s office is on the frontline of conservation. Her patients are the most vulnerable species on the planet. Her purpose is to restore and protect their endangered habitats.DR CHLOE BUITING: Attending Trinity College, Melbourne, quite literally changed my life
Chloe Buiting is a wildlife veterinarian and conservationist who is committed to stopping rhino poaching. She attended Trinity College from 2010 until 2012 and says attending the college gave her the confidence to apply for veterinary school, and gave her a community for life.Meet the vet who dehorns rhinos to fight the poaching crisis | SWNS
A veterinarian is helping save Africa’s endangered rhinos by removing their horns to deter poachers. Dr. Chloe Buiting, 31, is a part of a team in South Africa working to combat the poaching crisis that has seen the rhino population devastated. The country, which is home to 93% of the continent’s white rhinos and 39% of its critically endangered black rhinos, has been the epicenter of the crisis. Since 2008, the poaching numbers have skyrocketed with 13 rhinos killed in 2007, 83 in 2008 and over 1,200 in 2014.
