WARN Asia Executive Board 2023-2025
Edwin Wiek
A Dutch national, Edwin had lived in Thailand for over 10 years when he founded the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) in 2001. They currently house nearly 900 animals across more than 60 species. In addition to their rescue and rehabilitation efforts, WFFT also operates the PAT clinic, where they spay, neuter and vaccinate stray cats and dogs.
Hardi Baktiantoro
Hardi grew up in a small farming village in East Java, surrounded by wildlife. In 2007, he founded the Centre for Orangutan Protection (COP) to address the issues of deforestation and the resulting deaths of thousands of orangutans. In 2021, he took on the role of project manager for The Orangutan Project, furthering his work for orangutan conservation and habitat protection.
Heidi Quine
Heidi is the Vietnam Country Director of Animals Asia Foundation. With over ten years of experience in animal welfare and conservation in her native Australia, she joined Animals Asia in 2011. Heidi views it as a privilege to be part of a dedicated team working to end bear bile farming and promote the welfare of rescued bears.
Wong Siew Te
Wong was raised in northern peninsular Malaysia and has loved animals all his life. He began his career as a field biologist and research assistant, conducting wildlife surveys. In 2008, he founded the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) with the aim of providing care and rehabilitation for rescued sun bears, while also raising international awareness about this vulnerable species.
Tilo Nadler
Tilo was born in Germany, and is known for his extensive experience in scientific research and his pioneering conservation efforts in Southeast Asia. He founded the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC), and is the co-founder and current program director of the Three Monkeys Wildlife Conservancy in Vietnam, where he continues to advocate for the protection of endangered primate species.
Matt Hunt
Matt has dedicated over 25 years of his life to working with wild animals, primarily focusing on combating the illegal wildlife trade in Southeast Asia. As the current CEO of Free the Bears, he oversees projects and partnerships across six countries, where he develops bear sanctuaries, trains local teams, and promotes awareness about wildlife conservation.
Kalai Vanan Balakrishnan
Kalai’s passion for nature began when he was young, leading him to volunteer with ACRES’ outreach department. In 2011, he became a wildlife rescue officer, and he has since risen to the role of co-CEO at ACRES.