THE CONSERVATION COALITION (NPC)
The Conservation Coalition NPC (TCC), a registered non-profit company established in July 2025, emerged from the visionary work of Painteddog.tv - a South African digital video production company renowned for harnessing the art of storytelling to mobilize donor support for urgent conservation causes. Painteddog.tv’s evocative campaigns on platforms such as YouTube drew significant attention.
Recognizing the constraints of operating within a commercial structure, TCC was carved out as an independent Non-Profit Company (NPC), enabling tax-deductible contributions and facilitating a more focused and hands-on approach to conservation initiatives. Building on Painteddog.tv’s legacy, TCC is committed to sustaining and amplifying these successful projects, ensuring ongoing financial and logistical support. This includes steadfast backing for rhino horn trimming operations, enhanced collaboration in pangolin rehabilitation, expanded vulture rescue efforts, and enduring support for wild dog and cheetah conservation initiatives.
With its gaze set firmly on the horizon, TCC aspires to deepen its impact by launching and funding pioneering research projects in partnership with leading academic institutions and conservation scientists. The organization’s dedication extends further into the heart of South African wildlife protection - focusing on empowering local communities, especially those in rural areas, through meaningful avenues such as sustainable eco-tourism training, alternative livelihood development, and community-driven conservation schemes.
By nurturing authentic partnerships and a spirit of shared responsibility, The Conservation Coalition is determined to confront the underlying drivers of biodiversity loss, such as human-wildlife conflict, while equipping communities to become true guardians of their natural legacy.
DIRECTOR BIOS
Gareth, Brent, and Wium combine deep ecological knowledge, extensive African field experience, wildlife-media storytelling, and technological innovation to drive TCC’s mission forward.
Gareth Nuttall-Smith
Managing Director
Gareth holds a Master’s degree from Rhodes University (South Africa), where his research focussed on the ecological impact of reintroduced elephants in the Albany Thicket biome of the Eastern Cape.
He spent six years gaining hands-on reserve and conservation management experience at the renowned MalaMala Game Reserve. In September 2024, he joined Painteddog.tv as Conservation Manager and simultaneously began a PhD studying the movement ecology of free-roaming large carnivores in the proposed wildlife corridor linking Kruger National Park with the Blyde River Canyon.
His role has since evolved into Managing Director of TCC, where he channels his scientific expertise and field experience into broader, high-impact conservation initiatives.
Brent Leo-Smith
Director
Raised between Phinda Game Reserve (South Africa) and the Okavango Delta (Botswana), Brent developed an early and profound connection to Africa’s wilderness.
After briefly studying law, he returned to his true calling in conservation and wildlife guiding. He has worked extensively across southern and eastern Africa in guiding, lodge, and reserve management roles.
Brent co-founded Painteddog.tv after gaining prominence as a presenter on the groundbreaking #SafariLIVE series.
With TCC established as the dedicated conservation arm of Painteddog.tv, Brent’s vision of combining authentic storytelling with tangible on-the-ground impact in Africa’s wild areas is being realised.
