The Noble Mission of Tom Opre

Quoting below, "Tom Opre’s work is clearly deeply personal, rooted in his own experiences and his commitment to preserving the natural world."

NOTE: this article  was originally published to Country Squire Magazine. It was written by Jamie Foster.

In a world where the delicate balance between humanity and nature is increasingly under threat, few individuals have managed to bridge the gap between conservation, human rights, and storytelling as pragmatically or effectively as Tom Opre.

A film director, cinematographer, television producer, best-selling author, and passionate advocate, Opre has dedicated his life to shedding light on the interconnectedness of rural communities and their natural habitats. Through his groundbreaking films, literary works, and the founding of the Shepherds of Wildlife Society™, Opre has become a beacon of hope for those striving to protect both wildlife and the people who depend on it.

Tom Opre’s 2021 documentary, Killing the Shepherd, stands as a testament to his ability to weave together compelling narratives with urgent global issues. The film, which has been celebrated at over 40 film festivals worldwide, explores the devastating impact of poaching and illegal wildlife trade on rural communities, particularly in Africa. It highlights how the loss of wildlife not only threatens biodiversity but also undermines the livelihoods, safety, and cultural heritage of indigenous people.

What sets Killing the Shepherd apart is its ability to spark critical conversations about social justice, human rights, and conservation. By showcasing the intertwined fate of people and nature, Opre challenges viewers to rethink their relationship with the environment. The film’s influence extends far beyond the screen, having been screened at prestigious forums such as the US Capitol, Westminster, and the Cop19 CITES conference. These screenings have played a pivotal role in shaping policy and raising public awareness about the urgent need for conservation.

Opre’s literary companion to the film, Killing the Shepherd: Beyond the Film, further cements his status as a thought leader in the field. The book, which became a best-seller, delves deeper into the issues explored in the documentary, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities and the importance of sustainable conservation practices.

Opre’s latest documentary, The Last Keeper, proved to be another landmark contribution to the discourse on environmental and social justice. Set in the Scottish Highlands, the film examines the complex socio-environmental dynamics of land management, conservation ethics, and the struggles faced by those who live and work on the land. By challenging prevailing narratives and shedding light on the socio-economic battles of rural communities, The Last Keeper sought to inspire a more nuanced understanding of conservation and has received much acclaim. The film can now be seen in full here.

The Last Keeper has successfully ignited important conversations about the future of land use, wildlife preservation, and the rights of indigenous people. Opre’s ability to tell stories that resonate on both a local and global scale ensured that The Last Keeper left a lasting impact on audiences and policymakers alike.

Beyond his work in film and literature, Tom Opre’s commitment to conservation is perhaps most evident in his founding of the Shepherds of Wildlife Society™.This non-profit organisation was created to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: humanity’s growing disconnect from nature.

As urbanisation and population growth continue to encroach on wild spaces, the need to educate and inspire people to become stewards of the environment has never been more urgent.

The Shepherds of Wildlife Society™ seeks to bridge this gap by producing world-class educational materials, including dynamic videos, still photography, and mainstream documentary films. These resources aim to showcase the beauty and value of wildlife, emphasising our collective responsibility to protect it for future generations. By making nature tangible and relatable, the organisation hopes to inspire a cultural shift that prioritises conservation and sustainable practices.

One of the society’s core missions is to educate children and urban populations, many of whom have little direct experience with the natural world. Through its programmes, the Shepherds of Wildlife Society™ aims to instil a sense of wonder and responsibility in young people, encouraging them to become advocates for wildlife and habitat preservation.

The Shepherds of Wildlife Society™ envisions a world where humanity and nature exist in harmony. By reconnecting people with the natural world, the organisation hopes to create a future where wildlife is valued not just for its ecological importance but also for its intrinsic worth. This vision is rooted in the belief that education and motivation are key to driving meaningful change.

Through its educational initiatives, the society seeks to influence policymakers, business leaders, and educators to adopt practices that support habitat sustainability and wildlife management. By promoting the principles of active conservation and sustainable utilisation, the Shepherds of Wildlife Society™ aims to create a world where both people and wildlife can thrive.

Tom Opre’s work is clearly deeply personal, rooted in his own experiences and his commitment to preserving the natural world. Residing in Montana’s picturesque Flathead Valley with his wife, Olivia—a travel specialist and wildlife museum curator—Opre embodies the principles he advocates. Together, they stand at the forefront of a movement to protect the rights and resources of indigenous communities while promoting environmental stewardship.

Opre’s multifaceted career—spanning film, literature, and advocacy—reflects his belief in the power of storytelling to drive change. Whether through the lens of a camera, the pages of a book, or the programmes of a non-profit organization, he has consistently sought to inspire others to take action in support of conservation and human rights.

As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, the work of individuals like Tom Opre and organisations like the Shepherds of Wildlife Society™ has never been more important. The threats to wildlife and their habitats are immense, but so too are the opportunities to make a difference. By reconnecting with nature, educating future generations, and advocating for sustainable practices, maybe we can create a world where both people and wildlife can flourish.

Tom Opre’s legacy is one of hope, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the planet and its inhabitants. Through his films, books, and advocacy, he has shown us that the fight for conservation and human rights is not just about protecting the environment—it’s about preserving the very essence of what it means to be human.

There’s no time to waste, Dear Readers of Country Squire Magazine. Join Tom Opre and the Shepherds of Wildlife Society™ over at their website in their mission to reconnect humanity with nature and ensure a future where wildlife and wild places are cherished and protected for generations to come.