Free online event | Thursday 5 February 2026
7.00pm GMT | 2.00pm EST | 11.00am PST
Join us for an extraordinary journey across three of the world’s most breathtaking ecosystems. Led by renowned naturalist and conservation travel expert Court Whelan, this webinar explores how iconic species - from Alaska’s powerful brown bears to Mexico’s delicate monarch butterflies and the Arctic the polar bear - embody adaptation and survival in a rapidly changing world. Through Court’s rich field experience and vivid storytelling, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the ecological significance of these animals and the unique pressures they face today.
The webinar will reveal how each species is shaped by its environment and, in turn, shapes the landscapes around it. From the salmon-rich rivers of Alaska that sustain entire bear populations, to the oyamel fir forests of central Mexico that serve as winter sanctuaries for millions of monarchs, to the wild Canadian tundra that polar bears call home, Court will illuminate the delicate balance that keeps these ecosystems thriving. His firsthand knowledge provides an intimate view of these habitats, highlighting the science, challenges, and conservation triumphs that define them.
At the heart of the program is the theme of resilience - how wildlife persists at the edge of possibility. Court will guide viewers through the astonishing migratory feats of monarch butterflies, the seasonal rhythms of Alaska’s bears, and the stealthy, the adaptations of flora and fauna to arid Arctic ecosystems. By weaving these stories together, the webinar offers a global perspective on interconnected conservation issues and inspires meaningful reflection on how we can help protect these remarkable creatures. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, traveller, or simply curious about the wild world, this session promises to be an engaging and inspiring exploration led by one of the most knowledgeable experts in the field.
Meet the expert
Court Whelan
Court is a distinguished conservation biologist and photographer. With a PhD in ecotourism and entomology from the University of Florida, Court has dedicated over two decades to guiding transformative travel experiences across all seven continents, from the monarch butterfly sanctuaries in Mexico to the polar bear habitats of Canada. His work seamlessly blends scientific expertise with storytelling, inspiring travellers to engage with nature through a conservation-focused lens.
Court says his guiding experiences allow him to “help people travel to and learn about extraordinary natural areas that make meaningful lifelong impressions for everyone involved.”
When he isn’t planning and leading nature safaris, you’ll find Court hiking and trail running in the Colorado backcountry, or more likely working on post-processing his photos from a recent expedition.
