about

About Us

About Us!

what we are

Ce qui nous rassemble chez Défense: Wildlife Conservation Projects c'est avant tout la passion animale et du vivant dans son ensemble. Nous aimons partager nos expériences, les faire connaître et participer à la protection des espèces les plus vulnérables. Beaucoup, enfants, ont rêvé d'être vétérinaire, policier, pompier, enseignant... c'est ce que certains d'entre nous sommes devenus professionnellement. Nous avons entrepris de joindre nos compétences, chacun à son niveau, afin d'apporter notre aide à ces espèces fascinantes et de continuer à les observer dans leurs milieux naturels et ainsi les léguer aux prochaines générations.

Sébastien Goutenègre. Président et fondateur.

Interview in English of the President of the association by an American media at the sea turtle protection center of Le Méridien Bora Bora.

Pedagogical assignments.

Education and public awareness being one of our priorities, we offer educational activities and workshops with schools, as well as one-off events such as the day of the golden lion tamarin organized with the National Museum of Natural History. We are among some active members of the teachers' association, who teach their classes about biology and raise awareness about the poaching of endangered species, as well as the loss of their habitats.

Who are we ?

We love our job and it shows. The animal passion being in our DNA and strong of an experience of more than 25 years in the animal sector andin situ, we know this environment from the inside. We are ready to meet any challenge and we are 100% involved in all the projects we undertake. We are all from different backgrounds and backgrounds. What brings us together: the involvement in wildlife and conservation. Our priority objective remains the well-being and safeguarding of endangered species in their natural environments, with respect for communities and local populations.

Strategies and plans

Each animal species is unique. That's why we customize each of our plans to suit their specific needs. Minor strategy or global effort… Whatever the objective, we listen to the requests of our partners in the field and prepare a species-specific plan. Our partners and networks are the basis of the success of conservation because it is above all a collective work. We are members of several networks such as the Groupe Tortue Marine France (GTMF) managed by the heritage service of the National Museum of Natural History, a member of the Callitrichidae group of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), we collaborate with the National Plan of Actions in favor of the Egyptian vulture, member of the Group of specialists of flamingos for the IUCN, member of the ReefCheck network in Polynesia.

Award-winning expertise

We have won the trust of many partners and institutions, however we do not rest on our laurels. We are fully invested in each project.

A team of experts

Conservation projects remain in expert hands. Animal caretakers, veterinarians, teachers... You will collaborate with experienced professionals.

We will see to it.

Engagement guarantee

Each in his area of expertise, we get involved to carry out our mission. We want to be transparent and are also here to answer all your questions.

Partner Institutions

6

Sites

6 pays

personal

10 members

Years of expertise

25

Discover our team!

Jacques Fretey. Godfather

It is the French reference on the protection and conservation of sea turtles. Renowned herpetologist, expert member for the IUCN and referent for the Ministry of Ecology, he has conducted studies on the leatherback turtle in Guyana since the 1970s. He is coordinator of the marine turtle conservation program in South Africa. 'West and established a research station.
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Sebastien Goutenegre. Expert marine fauna

Founder and President of the association. Active since 2005 for the protection of sea turtles in Polynesia, he managed a care center in Bora Bora, raised and released nearly 500 turtles, collaborated with Diren and the US government. Since 2016, he has been an animal caretaker at the Museum and works in particular on birds and tamarins.
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Patrick Miller. Secretary / logistics

Co-founder and secretary of the association. He brings us his expertise in logistics and statistics. In particular, he oversees our legal actions. He participates in the implementation of educational workshops for schoolchildren. He is an active member of the Red Cross as a driver/rescuer and trainer.
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Jose Rubio. Treasurer/accountant

The money, it's him!!! José is the treasurer of the association. He has expertise in accounting and trustee management for over 35 years. Balance sheets and other fund management have no more secrets for him! His seriousness and his professionalism are unwavering.
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Dr. Pierre Huberdeau. Wildlife veterinarian

Pierre is the association's veterinarian. After veterinary studies in Lyon and a wildlife clinic under the tutelage of Dr Norin Chai, he joined the veterinary team of the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes. It helps to research and save many endangered species.
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Audrey Maille. Scientific caution in primato

Audrey is a lecturer at the Museum. Specialized in the ethology of primates, she conducts research in Africa and is the author of several scientific publications. It coordinates teaching in primatology with the Sorbonne University alliance and the Museum. We collaborate on the study of lion tamarins and the proboscis monkey.
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Aurelie Magnier. Ornithology expert

Bird expert with 25 years of breeding experience. She has been practicing conservation for 15 years with experience caring for and breeding over 450 species! In 2006, she joined the teams of the Museum where she raised 39 species. It participates in the breeding of Egyptian vultures and flamingos. She practices medical training.
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