Craig Sholley

Craig Sholley is a prominent figure in wildlife conservation, particularly known for his expertise in mountain gorilla conservation. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President at the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF).12

Career Highlights

AWF Involvement: Craig Sholley has a long-standing relationship with AWF:

• He became a full-time employee of AWF in 2001.2
• Prior to his full-time role, he served as a Senior Associate and on AWF's Board of Trustees.3
• He has been with the organization for over two decades, playing a crucial role in its conservation efforts.

Mountain Gorilla Conservation: Sholley is recognized as a mountain gorilla expert and has been instrumental in AWF's conservation efforts:

• He has been involved in innovative mountain gorilla conservation programs for over 40 years.4
• His work has contributed significantly to the rebound of the mountain gorilla population, which has grown from a few hundred to over 1,000 today.1

Other Roles: Beyond his work at AWF, Sholley has held other important positions in the conservation field:

• He has served on the Board of the Ecotourism Society.3
• His career in wildlife conservation spans several decades, starting with a 60-day stint in the national parks of Kenya and Tanzania.5

Expertise and Impact

Craig Sholley's expertise extends beyond mountain gorillas to broader African wildlife conservation. He has been a key figure in developing and implementing conservation strategies that balance the needs of wildlife with those of local communities. His work has helped demonstrate that conservation can support economic development and improve the lives of citizens.1

Sholley's long-term commitment to conservation and his role at AWF have positioned him as a respected voice in the field. His experiences and insights continue to shape AWF's approach to wildlife protection and community engagement across Africa.