Dragonwood Wildlife Conservancy has a rich history that spans over 60 years. Our journey began with a profound fascination for reptiles, nurtured from the earliest days of childhood. By age 13, our founder, Terry Laufeyson, was already venturing into the field, and by 17, he was exploring South America and the Caribbean, studying animals and laying the groundwork for a lifetime dedicated to conservation.

After his adventurous young adult days, Terry's passion for wildlife only grew stronger. He pursued formal education in zoology and environmental science, which further solidified his knowledge and expertise. Terry’s early fieldwork experiences were instrumental in shaping his career and guiding his future endeavors in conservation.

Terry joined several prestigious organizations, becoming a senior member of the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group, the Species Survival Commission (SSC), the Crocodilian DNA group, and the Philippine crocodile conservation initiative. His dedication and leadership in these groups earned him recognition as a leading expert in reptile and amphibian conservation.