Dr. Deo is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. His first job was in a small animal clinic, but his dream was to work in conservation. After volunteering with RWCA, Dr Deo worked as a Field Veterinarian and is now the Crane Project Manager. He takes the lead on the Grey Crowned Crane monitoring and medical interventions, but also enjoys share his veterinary experience in all of RWCA’s projects. Dr. Deo completed his Bachelor degree in Veterinary Medicine from University of Rwanda and has a Master’s degree in Public Health at Mount Kenya University. When not at work, Deo likes to joke with friends, watch nature documentary films and football. As a proud husband and father, he also enjoys being with his gorgeous daughter Kayla.

Jean Ferus has worked with RWCA since 2014 and has devoted huge amounts of time and energy to help establish some of the key project activities including the quarantine, reintroduction facilities and post release monitoring. He has a Masters in Biodiversity Conservation and Natural Resource Management and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Aquatic Resource Management. Ferus likes nature, and is a football fan and supports Manchester United. His dream is to see people and wildlife living in harmony.

Cecile is in charge of all activities undertaken by RWCA to restore and protect important wildlife habitats and to mitigate the effect of climate change in Rwanda. She manages the indigenous tree nursery and takes a lead on the tree planting events. Cecile has a Bachelor of Science in Biology, botany and conservation from the University of Rwanda and a Master’s in Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation from Queen Mary University of London. She participated in a field trip to Madagascar and conducted a research project with the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. She likes adventure and has committed herself to environmental conservation.

Emmanuel is passionate about nature. He worked as a Field Assistant with the International Crane Foundation (ICF) from 2016 and was in charge of monitoring and protecting crane habitats at Akanyaru wetlands. He joined RWCA in 2020 and is responsible for crane monitoring at Nyabarongo wetlands and community education and engagement to increase the knowledge of local communities around the need to protect cranes and their habitat. Emmanuel is a great team player, enjoys football and supports Manchester United.

Jemma has lived in Rwanda for over ten years and supported RWCA behind the scenes since its inception. As a clinical psychologist by profession, Jemma is interested in the relationship between people and nature and passionate about the importance of involving communities in conservation solutions. She works with RWCA to develop new grant proposals, keep reporting and communications up to date as well as developing some of RWCA’s monitoring and evaluation techniques.

Christian is responsible for managing Umusambi Village as well as developing RWCA’s other social enterprise activities. He is a committed environmental entrepreneur and loves problem solving, innovation and seeing projects through from inception to completion. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Global Challenges, focusing on Wildlife Conservation, from the African Leadership University as well as a Bachelors in Clinical Medicine from Kampala International University. Before joining RWCA Christian founded a conservation enterprise manufacturing natural beauty products. He is a big fan of soul music.