Going Wild for Wildlife

The impact of Mike “The Real Tarzann” Holston extends far beyond social media. The popular wildlife conservationist, known for documenting his life on Instagram for nearly 13 million followers, recently turned one of his dreams into reality. In early 2023, he opened The Wyld Jungle, a 26-acre sanctuary in California. The sanctuary has become a safe haven for over 200 rescued animals, with a mission to “inspire conservation and education,” as stated on its website. From horses, chickens, and donkeys to alpacas, goats, and sheep, the sanctuary houses a diverse range of animals. And, despite facing scrutiny from PETA in 2024, the facility prides itself on becoming a home for animals, who are cared for by fellow animal lovers and conservationists, according to its website.

Kelvin “Brother Nature” Peña has remained a prominent animal enthusiast, maintaining a strong presence in the social media spotlight for nearly a decade. With almost 1 million followers on Instagram and 1.5 million on X, formerly Twitter, his influence extends far beyond social media. In 2023, Peña starred in the documentary Brother Nature Takes America, which follows him on a journey across the U.S. during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. As cameras capture his travels from Los Angeles to Miami, Peña explores famous cities and natural landmarks while also working to support communities in need throughout the global crisis. Though his social media activity has slowed, his impact and dedication to animal welfare will forever be etched in the hearts of many animal lovers.

Do snakes make you feel anxious? You're not alone, as about half of people report feeling uneasy around these cold-blooded creatures. In fact, snakes are considered one of the most feared animals, according to a study from the National Library of Medicine. However, meet Cameron "Crocodile Cam" Browning, a wildlife conservationist and reptile enthusiast. This rising social media star is among those transforming platforms like TikTok and Instagram into valuable educational tools. Come and learn about various reptiles in a variety of Browning’s classes. Everything from the Burmese python, praying mantis and desert king snakes are among the reptiles showcased for his growing following on his platforms.

Meet Christian Cave and the Caveman Wildlife Crew—the team behind captivating content that showcases snakes, spiders and a wide range of other fascinating creatures. Their engaging and educational videos have attracted nearly half a million followers, with some going viral on TikTok and reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers. Beyond social media, Cave also explores various methods to educate and inspire younger audiences. In 2024, he released Snakes (A Day in the Life): What Do Cobras, Pythons, and Anacondas Get Up to All Day?

to spark curiosity about wildlife in the next generation. Whether through his book, vlogs, photos, or videos, Cave is dedicated to educating people on the importance of preserving wildlife and natural habitats, offering insightful interactions across multiple platforms.