IRF Board of Directors

Dr. Evan Blumer has worked for more than 25 years to integrate wildlife, habitat and energy conservation strategies with new, sustainable development models. For the majority of his career, Dr. Blumer has worked as a Wildlife Veterinarian and Conservation Biologist. With extensive “field experience” in more than 15 countries, and a pioneering role in the development of large-scale “Conservation Centers”, Blumer has endeavored to bridge the gap between traditional zoological facilities and free-ranging populations of the planet’s most threatened wildlife species.

From 2002 – 2010, Dr. Blumer led (as Executive Director) the growth and advancement of the Wilds, one of the largest and most innovative Conservation, Science and Education Centers in the world. In addition to his work with wildlife and habitat conservation, Blumer’s efforts at the Wilds also resulted in the development of new models for the integration of alternative energy and land-use strategies.

In 2010 Blumer joined partners New Harvest Ventures and Agile Energy to announce the development of the Turning Point Solar project, one of the largest (50megawatt) solar-photovoltaic facilities in North America. He now works on numerous international sustainable development projects, including a broad array of advanced and transitional energy strategies.

Dr. Blumer has extensive experience with rhino conservation, and has filled various roles with the IRF since its inception.  Blumer has also played leadership roles with the Rhino Advisor Group of the AZA, serving as Research Advisor, Chair of the Rhino Research Council and as Chair of the RAG. Blumer also serves as a member of the IUCN – African Rhino Specialist Group, and serves on the Strategic Committee of the IUCN – Conservation Breeding Specialist Group.