IAN BRELAND
Maintaining a home-base in Phoenix, Arizona; Ian is a Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning (RMSEL) graduate, freelance Conservation Videographer, Wildlife Photographer, and Expedition Guide. He has worked on a diverse range of projects concerning wildlife conservation; from Operation Milagro VIII in Mexico alongside Sea Shepherd Conservation Society & supporting anti-poaching operations in Indonesia, to appearing on BBC’s My Place on Planet Earth and filming with wildlife rewilding centers as well as newly established preserves & research stations in the Peruvian Amazon. He is a co-host of the short-form field herping show known as “Serpentine”, popular on CarbonTV. Today, Ian leads expeditions across the planet in search of rare, imperiled, and understudied reptile & amphibian species.
He also collaborates on a myriad of international conservation projects, applying technical skills, logistics management, and a background in Wilderness Medicine towards not only making adventure more accessible, but inspiring others to appreciate what we have while it’s still here- and fight to protect it.
You may contact Ian via:
Email: info@serpentineexpeditions.com
IG: @life.of.ian
Phone & Whatsapp: +17207080268
*we work with local & indigenous conservationists on the ground in every region, on a trip-by-trip basis. This page is exclusively presenting DIRECTORS*
MICHAEL RING
“Work is love made visible”
-Khalil Gibran
An avid conservationist and guide, Michael Ring's expertise lies in attention to hospitality and in providing clients with safe and mediated experiences with both cultural and natural heritage. Despite being born in the Sonoran Desert of the American Southwest, Michael's tenure as a wildlife guide began in the misty bamboo forests of China's Sichuan Basin; home to 80% of the world's wild giant pandas. Since then, Michael's goal has been to develop bespoke itineraries that prioritize benefiting local conservation efforts and experiencing the natural world.
Currently, Michael resides in Phoenix Arizona where he collaborates with film production houses, animal rehabilitation efforts and oversees tour partners. After first meeting Ian in 2021, the two began production of a 10 episode pilot series for the Serpentine naturalist show. Discovering their mutual love for wildlife storytelling and guiding, the two set their sights on developing their own network of local partners and organizing expeditions. After years of laborious work, Michael and Ian became the co-founders of their own naturalist brand.
Michael’s favorite animals are primates, hornbills, elephants and pit vipers. He has been learning Mandarin Chinese since he was 14 years old and was trained in ethnography at Northern Arizona University.
IG: @Wanderringmike
Email: Michaelringwork@gmail.com