Mzuri Wildlife Foundation was founded in 1969 to protect the world's wildlife. Mzuri awards grants to little-known, grassroots organizations and programs that often would not exist without our support.
We fund organizations working at the community level to combat poaching, improve habitat, and protect wildlife populations from disease, human conflict and other threats.
We invest in programs that connect people to the natural world through hunting, fishing and other outdoor sports and educational activities. Our goal is to cultivate future generations who will enjoy, appreciate and safeguard the world's wildlife and wild lands.
Welcome to the Mzuri Wildlife Foundation’s Big Event Gala, now reimagined as part of our captivating “Weekend of Conservation in Monterey County.” Your continued support and engagement have been instrumental in driving our mission forward, and we are honored to share this meaningful journey with you.
This year, we are thrilled to spotlight two distinguished speakers: Craig Boddington, who will join us at the reception on Friday night at the iconic Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Sue Tidwell, who will inspire us with her insights during the Gala on Saturday evening. Both will share fresh perspectives and invaluable updates on wildlife conservation, leaving you motivated and enlightened. Adding to the excitement, we are proud to present the Steven E. Nelson Sportsman of the Year Award to the Dr. Katalin Kádár Lynn, PhD during Saturday’s event.
Rooted in the Swahili meaning of "good," Mzuri remains the cornerstone of our mission. Since 1969, we have passionately championed hunting, wildlife conservation, and the shooting sports, impacting countless lives through programs that emphasize the transformative power of education in preserving global wildlife.
This unforgettable weekend invites you to witness the breathtaking beauty of wildlife and immerse yourself in the vital strides being made in conservation. Together, we shape a brighter future for generations to come—a future where wildlife thrives, and the natural world remains a source of wonder and hope.
We deeply appreciate your unwavering dedication and support for events like this. You are the heart of our mission, fueling progress and ensuring that the legacy of conservation continues to grow.
With profound gratitude,
Cyndi Flannigan President, Mzuri Wildlife Foundation
GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT
Since our founding in 1969, half of the world's wildlife has disappeared. Partnering with grassroots organizations around the world, we are working to reverse this trend.
BHEJANE TRUST
The Bejane Trust is dedicated to protecting wildlife in Zimbabwe’s National Parks. Through a formal partnership with Zimbabwe Parks Authority, Bejane assists the country’s parks and wildlife management team with anti-poaching efforts, water enhancements, habitat restoration projects, wildlife research and other conservation activities.
FRIENDS OF INTI WARA YASSI
Communidad Inti Wara Yassi combats the illegal wildlife trade and the destruction of the environment in Bolivia. CIWY achieves this by direct action, educational programs and research project. A granted program strengthens CIWY’s ability to protect its two wildlife sanctuaries from poachers, loggers and wildlife.
iTHEMBA TRUST
iThemba Trust provides outdoor education programs for impoverished youth from rural South Africa. Recent grants support the Back2Nature program for the schools 50 students. Children explore the natural world and learn about the outdoors and wildlife habitats. Grant funds also fund scholarship funds for iThemba’s Outdoor Adventure Camps and Explorers Program which provide students with outdoor skills and an appreciation of nature. The positive connections that the children form with the outdoor world help cultivate future generations who value and will safeguard nature and their habitats.
KIDS OUTDOOR SPORTS CAMP
Kids Outdoor Sports Camp (KOSC) is dedicated to building youth outdoor sporting skills by engaging them in a variety of outdoor sports and activities, including fishing, archery and hands on conservation projects. Campers build a strong connection to the outdoors and gain a great respect for wildlife conservation.
TRUTH IN NATURE
Truth in Nature is an outdoor ministry that exists to reach, inspire, support and engage your men from fatherless and single parent homes. Their goal is to help boys understand their purpose as Christian men and to break the fatherless cycle in local communities across the nation. Mzuri’s grant covered the cost of two 4-day events for 175 fatherless boys from 14 states. These boys honed their skills in rifle range, sporting clays, 3D archery, fishing and canoeing.
VICTORIA FALLS WILDLIFE TRUST
Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust advances environmental conservation in South Africa through wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and research and community outreach and education. Recent grant funds are supporting their Lion Conservation program in Northwest Zimbabwe. The project minimizes negative impacts of wildlife crime on the lion population by removing wildlife snares from animals and reducing malicious toxic poisoning.
WATER FOR WILDLIFE
Water for Wildlife works to protect and improve the water resources for wildlife that live in the drier states of the Western United States. Supplemental water resources installed by Water for Wildlife benefit a wide range of animal species including Elk, Deer, Sheep, Fox Bear, Mountain Lion and a variety of birds.
EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION
We fund programs that connect people to the outdoor world and cultivate future generations who will treasure and protect wildlife and wild lands.
In South Africa, SANCCOB is widely respected for its seabird conservation efforts, particularly its work with distressed African penguins. Beyond rescue operations, SANCCOB is recognized globally for its expertise in preparedness and response, research, disease surveillance, and the management of disease outbreaks, supporting other conservation organizations in these critical ares.
In Namibia, Working Dogs for Conservation (WD4C) plays a crucial role in wildlife protection by training K9 teams to intercept illicit wildlife products, detect firearms and ammunition, track poachers, and safeguard at-risk animals across six countries on three continents. These highly trained dogs also assist in preventing, mapping, and eradicating invasive species by identifying early colonizers, locating infestations, and ensuring eradication efforts are thorough. Additionally, WD4C helps locate and protect rare, threatened, and endangered species while supporting ecological monitoring by tracking species distribution, population sizes, and habitat needs—essential information for conservation efforts.
In Bolivia, Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY) is dedicated to ending wildlife poaching, trafficking, and illegal sales. The organization rescues animals from these harmful practices, rehabilitates them, and relocates them to environments similar to their natural habitats. With funding from the Mzuri Wildlife Foundation, CIWY has strengthened protections for its two animal sanctuaries and the surrounding wilderness, safeguarding them from poachers, loggers, and wildfires.
In Zimbabwe, the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust is committed to sustaining carnivore populations in the northwestern region through various conservation efforts. These include collaring animals for tracking and research, preventing disease outbreaks, investigating illegal wildlife crimes, assisting anti-poaching operations with DNA sample collection, and collaborating with stakeholders to document population identification through photographic evidence.
In Costa Rica, the Tapir Vet Project focuses on mitigating human-tapir conflicts, promoting tapir-friendly farming practices, and enhancing community engagement and education among local villagers. By working closely with farmers and local communities, the project ensures better coexistence between humans and these endangered animals, ultimately contributing to their long-term survival.
HONOREE
Dr. Katalin Kádár Lynn, PhD
Recipient of The Steven E. Nelson Award
The Mzuri Wildlife Foundation is delighted to be awarding Dr. Katalin Kádár Lynn with the Steven E. Nelson Sportsman of the year award at our 2025 Gala. Dr. Katalin Kádár Lynn has had a long-standing involvement with the Mzuri Wildlife. She served on the foundation's board for two decades and played a pivotal role as the principal fundraising chair. Her commitment to the foundation reflects her passion for wildlife preservation and conservation efforts globally. Additionally, her late husband, Douglas G. Lynn, was a former president of the Mzuri Hunting Club and the Mzuri Wildlife Foundation, further solidifying her deep connection to the organization and its mission.
Her leadership and contributions to Mzuri were essential in advancing the foundation's goals of conservation and environmental stewardship, particularly in promoting responsible hunting practices and preserving wildlife. Through her active participation, she demonstrated a strong commitment to balancing her personal passion for hunting with a broader dedication to wildlife conservation. .
GUEST SPEAKER
Sue Tidwell
Author
Sue Tidwell is the multi-award-winning author of her debut title Cries of the Savanna. Tidwell’s thirst for travel and adventure took her to the wilds of Tanzania as a reluctant sidekick on a big game hunting safari, where her boots-on-the-ground experiences opened her eyes to the reality of the wondrous…but also harsh, unforgiving, and complex land. Africa has a way of seeping into the blood, capturing the soul, and stealing the heart of anyone who steps upon its soil. Sue was no different. She returned to the states a changed person, full of passion to preserve Africa’s wildlife and bring awareness to the struggles of rural Africans. It is with this emotion and deep sense of urgency that she wrote Cries of the Savanna. An adventure. An awakening. A journey to understanding African Wildlife conservation.
When not at the keyboard, Sue can be found atop a paddleboard, enjoying the antics of her grandchildren, or engaged in the latest outdoor excursion with her husband.
March 29, 2025
The InterContinental The Clement Monterey 750 Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940
510.831.4500
EVENING PROGRAM
Event Emcee
Cyndi Flannigan, President of the Mzuri Wildlife Foundation Board
5:00pm Cocktails and Silent Auction
6:00pm Silent Auction Closes Dinner
President’s Welcome
Keynote Speaker, Sue Tidwell 7:30 Live Auction
Award Presentations 9:00
Close of Event
Afterglow Drinks
GALA SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSOR
M. Kevin and Karen Destruel
Sandra S. Froman
Cyndi Flannigan
DIAMOND SPONSOR
Ken and Jennifer Wood
SILVER SPONSORS
Dr. Katalin Kádár Lynn, PhD
George and Sandra Sammut
Hammond and Suzanne Edwards
Steve Rudolph
Dana Roberts
Cathie Nelson
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. KOSC
HONORABLE MENTION
John Kamps ~ Kamps Family Foundation
$25,000.00 donation to Mzuri Wildlife Foundation
LA1 WILD HOG HUNT FOR TWO 3 Days 2 Nights in Monterey
County, California
Generously donated by Oak Stone Outfitters
You and your guest will spend three days and two nights hunting wild hogs on 80,000 acres, all-inclusive of lodging and meals. We use the spot and stalk methods, as well as ground blinds for archery hunts, to ensure a diverse and exciting approach. These ranches are an appealing feeding ground for the local wild hog population during the peak hunting season from May to July. Our engaging pig hunts are typically scheduled for two days on either weekdays or weekends, and additional dates and pigs may be included upon request.
What’s included: Opportunity for one animal per hunter, transportation while in the field, drinks and snacks in the field, cleaning and skinning of game, two nights' meals, and lodging.
Package good for 2025 & 2026.
LA2
SPAIN HUNT FOR TWO SOUTHEASTERN IBEX 2 Southeastern Ibex for two Hunters
Generously donated by Corju Hunting
Corju Hunting offers a hunt for two Southeastern ibex for two hunters. One hunter will hunt a trophy up to 63" and the other hunter a management ibex.
Our private/free-range hunting areas in Spain are known for their high trophy quality. This is a fully guided hunt (one guide). Number of non-hunters: Winner’s choice! Up to two observers for $250 pp. Option of adding other species. No CITES required. Arrival and departure point: Madrid, Spain
Included: Up to three nights of meals and accommodations, local land transportation to/from Madrid and the hunting area, and hunter/s may use our rifles.
Excluded: Hunting licenses are $300 per hunter, firearm permits are $250 per hunter, and tags are $950 per hunter. VAT tax is 21% on hunt donation value and upgrades. UPGRADES: to trophy over 63"+ (+6,500 USD); from management to trophy up to 63"(+6,500 USD); from management to trophy 63"+ (+13,000 USD).
Valid 2025 or 2026. This hunt cannot be combined with another hunt from a different outfitter in Spain.
LA3
DAKOTA SHY ESTATE, NAPA VALLEY
3 Night stay for up to four couples
Generously donated by Dakota Shy Winery
Three nights stay for four couples at the Dakota Shy Estate and Winery in the heart of Napa Valley. This package includes a VIP private tour and wine tasting.
Dakota Shy is a small, family-owned winery that crafts world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Nestled on a picturesque estate located in the heart of Napa Valley, the winery produces wines in very small quantities that are available by allocation only.
No holiday weekends. Sep/Oct are blackout months.
We eagerly await your scheduled visit to Dakota Shy.
LA4
OHIO WHITETAIL HUNT
3 Days 4 Nights for two Hunters
Generously donated by Briarwood Sporting Club
Embark on a thrilling whitetail hunt for two hunters at the prestigious Briarwood Sporting Club in Bellefontaine, Ohio. This exclusive donation includes a generous $5,600 credit towards a three day, four night estate hunt experience for two Northeastern Whitetail Deer. The base hunt package is for a deer scoring up to 170”.
Applying this donation will leave a balance of $7,000/hunter due upon completion of the hunt. This donation can be upgraded to a higher scoring and/or multiple deer per the current price list.
Included are daily fees for two hunters (a $3,600 value) and a $1,000 trophy fee credit per hunter toward the harvest of two trophy whitetails. Daily fees include lakefront lodging, an on-site chef for private meals, beverages/liquor, a guide, transportation of trophies to a local meat processor/taxidermist, and fishing opportunities. Schedule per available dates from mid-September to mid-December 2025 or 2026.
The following services are not included but are available for a fee to the winning bidder: pick up/drop off via private jet into your local airport, taxidermy, meat processing, and shipping.
LA5 PHEASANT HUNT
3 Days 2 Nights for four at The Signature Lodge, South Dakota
Generously donated by Cheyenne Ridge Outfitters
Your all-inclusive South Dakota pheasant hunting trip is greatly enhanced with a stay at The Signature Lodge by Cheyenne Ridge Outfitters. The Lodge now has two Beretta Tridents, meeting Beretta’s stringent standards for excellence in the guest experience. Other possible add-ons are trophy Walleye fishing, breaking clays, or a round of golf at the private Sutton Bay Golf Club. You will be impressed with our skilled staff as they meet your every need.
Gather around the bar or the comfortable seating area in front of the fireplace, where you and your companions relax and recount the day’s adventures.
Available for the 2026/2027 season. The winner will do an automatic 20% gratuity of item value for guides/staff per hunter. SD Licenses are purchased online
LA6
UPLAND WINGSHOOTING
2 Days 3 Nights for four At Highland Hills Ranch, Oregon
Generously donated by Highland Hills Ranch
Enjoy two full days and three nights of upland wing shooting for four guests at Highland Hills Ranch in Oregon. Proprietors Dr. Dennis & Mindi Macnab will be onsite and ready to host you and your guests for an exceptional upland wing-shooting experience. Your days will be spent hunting four species of upland birds (pheasant, chukar, Hungarian Partridge, and quail) on the expansive 3,000-acre ranch. There is no daily limit on the number of birds! Additional hunters are welcome at the published rates, and non-hunters at 50% of the rates.
The all-inclusive package includes luxury double occupancy accommodations, sporting clays on arrival day, meals, all beverages, ammunition, a personal guide with professionally trained dogs, and game processing and packaging.
Donations must be used between September 2025 and March 31st, 2026. This hunt does not include transportation to/from the ranch or gratuities.
LA7 THE KODIAK LODGE
3 Days 4 Nights for two at The Kodiak Lodge, Alaska
Generously donated by Kodiak Lodge
Join us for the Alaska fishing adventure of a lifetime at the Kodiak Lodge in Larsen Bay. Our expert guides have almost 40 years of combined experience in these waters— a premier Alaska fishing lodge on Kodiak Island in the remote village of Larsen Bay. More than a destination, Kodiak Lodge is an outdoor haven for salmon, halibut, and yellow eye fishing, bear viewing, whale watching, and wildlife photography. The season runs 1st week of June through 2nd week of September.
Book your fantastic adventure from June to mid-September in 2025 or 2026. The package for two guests is all-inclusive except for your $70 license fee and all alcoholic beverages, which you may bring from home or shop at a nearby liquor store. You can choose between flying into Anchorage and catching a private charter to the lodge or flying into Kodiak and taking Island Air to the island.
LA8 A WEEK IN BUDAPEST
7 Days for two guest
Generously donated by Katalin Kádár Lynn
A Week In Budapest!
Discover enchanting Budapest in a seven day stay in a city rich in royal architecture, world-class dining, and captivating history.
You will be staying at the five-star Hilton Budapest, high above Castle Hill in the most exclusive district of the city. Your accommodation will be in a luxurious one-bedroom suite with panoramic views of the Danube River and the entire city. Enjoy the club lounge of the hotel and all the amenities! Your hotel is adjacent to museums, a wide range of restaurants, and the important historic center of government for Hungary including the Royal Palace now a museum, and Saint Matthias church site of the coronation of Hungary’s monarchs. All within walking distance of your hotel!
Included perks: a car service to and from Franz Liszt international airport, and three half days of exploring the city with a private English-speaking tour guide. Enhance your experience with two delightful dinners and tickets to an opera or concert of your choice. Enjoy your week of opulence and cultural enrichment in the heart of Budapest!
Dates: By mutual agreement in 2025.
LA9 SPRING TURKEY HUNT
3 Days for two In New Mexico
Generously donated by NRA Whittington Center
Experience the thrill of a lifetime with this exclusive three day Spring Turkey hunt for either one youth, 13-17 and an adult, or two adults. Take advantage of the extended two bird limit for both guests, allowing you to share unforgettable moments in the spring wilderness.
Dates: Spring 2026 (season dates as determined by NMGF typically April 15 – May 15). Hunters are responsible for obtaining their New Mexico CIN #; we must purchase a tag. Youth hunters are responsible for providing valid Hunter Education documentation.
LA10
GUNS AND GRAPES
San Francisco Bay Area, The Martinez Gun Club
Generously donated by Blake Fahmie
All-inclusive clay target shooting experience in the San Francisco Bay Area at the Martinez Gun Club for six people with instruction by your host and National Champion, Blake Fahmie.
After the shoot, enjoy a wonderful dinner and delicious Napa Valley AXR wines at the clubhouse (Wednesday evenings only).
Included: Beginner to advanced instruction by Blake Fahmie, private trap field at Martinez Gun Club, shotgun rentals or bring your own, ammunition, clay targets, ear/protection.
BE A PART OF MZURI WILDLIFE FOUNDATION’S GOOD WORKS
The Foundation learns about promising projects and stelllar programs through the people who are enjoying the places, activities and wiildlife that Mzuri Wildlife Foundation works to preserve.
How you can help:
- Visit a Mzuri Wildlife Foundation grantee
- Get involved in the Foundation’s grant making process
- Encourage your friends and people you meet to explore the work that the Mzuri Wildlife Foundation accomplishes
Give generously tonight!
To explore these opportunities contact us at info@mzuri.org
Event Committee
George Sammut
Peter Codding
Cyndi Flannigan
Sharon McMicking
Ken Wood
Dan Sozzi
Board of Directors
Cyndi Flannigan, President
Ken Wood, Vice President
Peter Codding, 2nd Vice President
Sharon McMicking, Secretary
M. Kevin Destruel, Treasurer
George Sammut
Dan Sozzi
Executive Director
Amanda Nelson
"Hunting teaches us patience, respect for life, and a deeper understanding of the natural world."
Eva Shockey
"What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal."
Albert Pine
"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world."
John Muir
"It is not enough to understand the natural world; the point is to defend and preserve it."
Edward Abbey
"Without hunters and anglers, there would be no funding for conservation. We are the original stewards of the land."
Steven Rinell
"The wildlife and its habitat cannot speak, so we must and we will."
Theodore Roosevelt
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
