ABOUT US
Cpt. Pete Bethune
Founder Earthrace Conservation,
World-Record Holder
New Zealander and former captain of the trimaran Earthrace/Ady Gil, Pete Bethune has spent the past 20 years on the frontlines of conservation - following an earlier career in the oil industry.
Known from Sea Shepherd’s Whale Wars and his own TV series The Operatives, he has led high-risk conservation campaigns ranging from anti-whaling missions in Antarctica to wildlife enforcement operations across Asia, Africa, and Central and South America.
Driven by action and resilience - underscored by a near-fatal snake bite in Costa Rica and a stabbing in Brazil - his mission is clear: protect wildlife and stop environmental crime.
He achieved significant successes in the fight against wildlife crime, but there is still more we need to do!
“We’re proud to work alongside the governments of Costa Rica and Panama, who trust us to help protect their biodiversity. Our impact is only possible thanks to our support of our partners and volunteers every day!”
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Sebastian Berger
CEO
German entrepreneur, conservationist, ranger, recon & artdealer -
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Pia Haneklau
HEAD OF VOLUNTEERS & CONTENT
Communications & PR expert & conservationist based in Germany. First contact for future volunteers, media requests and Social Media channels. -
![Malinois dog infront of a Schiebel UAV drone with logo "Earthrace Conservation"]()
APPA
ANTI-POACHING & TRACKING DOG
6 year old Malinor, sponsored from NGO “Animals Save Animals” from Texas. Appa supports on marine & jungle patrols. He lives on the ship, loves coconuts, and is our most beloved crew member! -
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MODOC CREW
CORE OF OUR WORK
Dedicated volunteers live on our ex-navy vessel Modoc, contributing to every aspect of our operations - from marine & jungle patrols, small boat operations, clean-ups, scientific expeditions or logistics.
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![Grey ship, former navy vessel called Modoc, now conservation vessel in costa rica]()
M/Y MODOC
BASE OF OPERATIONS
45m, 880 ton, former US-Navy vessel which now serves our conservation ship. The ship features a full workshop, 10-ton crane, heli/UAV landing pad, and can operate offshore for 30 days without resupply.
