Raised on a farm in Malawi, Jes Gruner has worked in conservation for 13 years. He is of Swiss and Danish nationality but studied in the UK where he obtained a BSc in Applied Biology and Animal Science. After helping to set up a community game ranch in Malawi, Jes joined African Parks Majete in 2006, later moving to Akagera where he was initially appointed as Operations Manager and later, in 2012, became Park Manager. His primary goals for the park include working to restore and protect its wildlife, and continuing along the path towards self-sustainability.