Kurdt Greenwood: Conservation Survivalist
Kurdt Greenwood delivers high-energy conservation keynotes that blend wildlife science, survival expertise, and real-world fieldwork into powerful calls for planet-focused action.
Quick Facts:
- Naturalist, conservationist, survival expert, and animal behavior specialist
- Extensive fieldwork across Africa, South America, and remote ecosystems
- Background in environmental studies with deep expertise in ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity
- Worked with international wildlife organizations and endangered species programs
- Formats:
- Keynote Speaker | Wildlife Conservation Speaker | Environmental Speaker
- Audiences:
- Environmental organizations, corporate sustainability teams, universities, youth programs, outdoor and adventure groups, and events focused on conservation and resilience.
- Outcomes:
- Clear understanding of global conservation challenges and the science driving modern solutions.
- Practical steps individuals and organizations can take to support biodiversity and ecosystem health.
- Renewed appreciation for the natural world through firsthand stories and actionable environmental insights.
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- **US Fee range: $5,001 - $10,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Calm and Confident
Kurdt takes you into his world of adventure, exploration and wildlife. Facing some of the most dangerous animals in the most hostile environments on the planet. Pushing the human-animal boundaries to a level previously thought impossible. From putting two of Africa’s most deadly cobras to sleep with a gentle touch, to swimming with great white sharks and crocodiles.
His aim is to push human-animal interaction he plans to do a “Living With” series where he survives for a month in the wild with 5 top apex predators, living off the land, and spending every day with one of the 5 species including hyenas, komodo dragons, Nile crocodiles, grizzly bears and lions.
He aims to demonstrate that even the most deadly animals on the planet are deeply misunderstood and if approached with the right knowledge, skill, and energy, we can learn from them in an interactive way that does not have to be a death sentence. By showcasing the different sides of these feared animals he hopes to inspire people to protect them for future generations.
Kurdt takes you into the heart of an African lion pride. Analysing their social behaviours and structures after spending over a year with them every day with countless stories of how being confident and calm helped him integrate with the pride. He shares the remarkable lessons he learned about both the lions, and in the process lessons he learned about himself.
Kurdt talks about what it takes to pull off these feats with some of the world’s most dangerous animals. He shares his experiences of how he survived an attack by a 3000 pound black rhino, to being chased by a huge male hippo. There is never a dull moment when it comes to his tales of the extreme animal encounters he has experienced over the last 15 years.
He breaks down the importance of how remaining calm and confident is key in working with these animals, and how practicing these two factors are not only necessary in the wild, but also in everyday life – whether at home or in the workplace.
Kurdt explains how to achieve the highest level of calm and confidence when face-to-face with danger and ultimate fear. From physical exercise, to daily meditation, Kurdt shares how he sharpens body and mind to eliminate distractions and focus on the task at hand.
Calm and confident is the story of one man’s remarkable journey going deep into the wild, facing his fears with the world’s most dangerous animals in the most unforgiving landscapes, learning along the way how important it is for survival to stay calm and confident no matter the situation.
Kurdt truly believes that by cultivating a calm approach, and by forging confidence in one’s self, any human can thrive in any environment and achieve the unthinkable. Kurdt inspires his audience to get out there, explore, soak up as much experience as they can, and in the process discover what they’re really made of.
Key takeaways
- Learning how to stay calm even in the eye of the storm to achieve new levels of success.
- How to push yourself beyond your comfort zone to achieve mental fortitude.
- How confidence can help you overcome unpredictable challenges.
- Facing your fears will help with inner-growth, opening new avenues, and teach a new way to see the world.
Exploring the remarkable connection we have with all animals if we approach with the right mindset.
Ideal Audience :
Anyone with a love for nature, adventure and storytelling who wants to face down their fears and come out more confident and calm with a deep respect for nature and oneself
Only Knowledge Can Abolish Fear
Kurdt has put himself in countless death-defying situations most humans would never dare to enter into, in the name of discovery and learning. Sharing stories of his immense adventures in the wild, Kurdt describes handling the most deadly wild snakes on the planet in hostile locations accompanied by terrified film crews on set of his internationally acclaimed TV show Deadliest Snakes of South Africa.
Kurdt recalls how patience and mental fortitude were of the utmost importance from his experiences tracking cheetahs, swimming with killer whales and sharks, and working with black rhinos deep in harsh African landscapes to document the intricate lives of beautiful creatures for National Geographic. Kurdt brings to life the struggles and lessons on living illuminated by his time building, and residing in, his Afro Montagne forest survivalist dwellings over 2020 lockdown, which became a news sensation.
From constant innovation and adaptation, mastering your environment and circumstance, and having a thirst for a life beyond the conventional – Kurdt is constantly reminded that the treasures of existence are a few feet beyond the boundaries of comfort.
Kurdt uses his vast observations of animal pack behaviour from his days spent raising lions to discuss the benefit of working in teams. Delving into pack mentality, Kurdt illustrates that you are only as strong as the team that supports you, and how packs in the wild work together in harmony for a common goal. Using his passion for fungi, he explores symbiotic relationships and the ever-evolving adaptability that occurs in nature, and how this can be applied to our personal and professional challenges.
Kurdt advises on the importance of conserving nature for future generations, and touches on how doing so can be profitable and rewarding for businesses in modern times.
He delves into the fear of the unknown, and facing your fears in the name of progress. Kurdt shares tips for fear/risk management in the self ,and how to build mental fortitude and self-reliance. His lifelong philosophy remains that fear can only be abolished with knowledge gained from lived experience and pushing oneself beyond your comfort zone.
Key Takeaways:
- Dynamics of working together in packs/teams for a common goal.
- Adaptability as the greatest survival and strengthening tactic in the modern world.
- Abolishing fear with knowledge and lived experience.
- Developing mental fortitude by pushing oneself beyond fear and self-imposed limitations. – Discovery of the inner-self through adventure and exploration in the one wild life you have been given.
- Stress management and relief in the natural world.
- Resurrecting a sense of childlike wonder and infinite curiosity, where all experience is internalized as information rather than a win/fail mentality.
Ideal Audience
Companies needing motivation and inspiration for their teams, who enjoy storytelling of great feats and tales of daring human endeavour.
Talent Short Bio
Kurdt Greenwood is a dynamic naturalist, conservationist, survival expert, and animal behavior specialist whose passion for the natural world drives everything he does. With extensive field experience across Africa, South America, and remote wilderness regions, he brings audiences a rare mixture of scientific depth, hands-on expertise, and gripping storytelling. His career sits at the crossroads of environmental science, wildlife behavior, and human resilience, making him a compelling guide for any organization seeking clarity on conservation, sustainability, and our collective responsibility to protect the planet.
Kurdt’s work spans endangered species recovery programs, international wildlife initiatives, and numerous conservation campaigns aimed at restoring ecosystems and strengthening biodiversity. With formal degrees in environmental studies and years spent studying ecosystem dynamics and human–animal interactions, he turns complex ecological concepts into accessible, engaging narratives that motivate action. His media experience and natural presence on stage make him an especially effective communicator for both technical and general audiences.
Videos
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Overview of Kurdt Greenwood's Speaking Engagements
Kurdt Greenwood is highly praised by event organizers and attendees alike for his captivating presentations on animal behavior and conservation. Reviewers consistently highlight his dynamic speaking style and ability to inspire and educate audiences. His vast knowledge and personal experiences with wildlife are considered unparalleled, making his talks not only informative but also deeply engaging. Many describe him as an extraordinary speaker, capable of leaving audiences motivated and equipped with valuable insights that can aid in various projects.
Strengths:
- Dynamic and engaging presentation style that captivates audiences.
- Unparalleled knowledge of animal behavior and conservation.
- Ability to inspire and motivate attendees, leaving a lasting impact.
- Personal anecdotes and a unique perspective on wildlife management.
Weaknesses:
- No significant weaknesses were mentioned in the reviews, indicating a consistently positive experience.
Overall, Kurdt Greenwood is highly recommended for anyone looking to entertain and educate an audience on wildlife and conservation topics.
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Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude travel and accommodation where required.