The Team
Dr. Amol Khedgikar
Conservationist | Wildlife Rescue Specialist | Adventurer | Educator
Dr. Amol is a world-renowned wildlife expert who is also a trained wildlife veterinary surgeon and herpetologist who has devoted an entire lifetime to wildlife conservation. He started his career in wildlife animal rescue and rehabilitation by rescuing and rehabilitating countless wild animals and successfully reintroducing many of them back into the wild. An expert in handling snakes, crocodiles, and other wild animals, he has established a number of wild animal rescue centers all over the world after teaching his students to lead these centers on their own.
Apart from being a field wildlife veterinarian, he has worked as an alligator biologist (Florida) and a tiger ecologist (India) and has been leading field research teams on various types of wildlife species.
He is the founder and chief rescuer at Texas Wildlife Rescue Network, a volunteer wildlife rescue and rehab network which rescues injured and distressed wild animals in the DFW and surrounding area as a free to people service.
He formed "BushCraft India", a nonprofit organization to help with the grave problems caused by human-wildlife conflict in the deep jungles of India where critically endangered species inhabit along with humans. He acts as an expert advisor to many wildlife rescue/rehabilitation groups all over the world.
He is also an avid marksman and national-level Rifle shooting medalist, serving as the Volunteer Vice President and Coach of Team Shooting Stars, a nonprofit focused on developing Olympic shooting sports. In this role, he mentors youth and adults in Olympic-style shooting disciplines, with an emphasis on safety, discipline, leadership, and sportsmanship.
His work reflects a consistent focus on applied conservation, practical skills, and mentorship
Mayura Jahagirdar
Conservationist | Adventurer | Educator
Mayura is a multi-talented, purpose-driven Conservationist and Community Leader dedicated to building stronger communities through nature conservation, education, and meaningful human connection. She is committed to youth development and has pioneered several initiatives focused on experiential learning for personal and spiritual enrichment.
As President of Bushcrafts United States, she designs and leads transformative youth experiences that go far beyond traditional programs. One example is a three-week immersive journey blending horseback riding, cultural and historical exploration, guided tiger safaris with micro-internships, and service projects—fostering resilience, global awareness, and lasting connections with nature and community.
She serves as the Vice-President and Project Manager at Bushcraft India, a non-profit organization working at the intersection of human-wildlife conflict, wildlife conservation, and socio-economic development—helping create pathways that reduce rural-to-urban talent migration.
As Coordinator of the Texas Wildlife Rescue Network, a wildlife rescue and rehab network which rescues injured and distressed wild animals in the DFW and surrounding area as a free service to people, Mayura actively contributes to rescuing and rehabilitating urban wildlife, supporting efforts to create harmony between human and natural environments.
She is also the owner of Berries and Blooms Farm, an initiative focused on education and community building through non-traditional and sustainable farming practices, creating spaces for hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and connection with nature.
Her commitment to youth development is exemplified through Team Shooting Stars, a nonprofit Olympic shooting sports club. As the Club President and Coach, mentors youth and adults in Olympic-style and other shooting sports, emphasizing moral character, development of individual potential, good sportsmanship, and the pathway to Team USA Shooting. An avid shooter, she has competed at the national level herself, earning the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Silver Medal.
During her high school and college years, she was active in theater and acting, winning numerous accolades for lead, and supporting roles. At just 15, she became the youngest winner of the Quiz Queen contest, also dubbed Ms. Maharashtra, demonstrating early excellence in personality, performance, knowledge, and leadership.
An entrepreneur at heart, she is a co-founder of multiple IT startups and brings a strong background in corporate leadership, delivery, and transformation—blending vision with execution to build impactful initiatives.
Her journey reflects a lifelong commitment to creating lasting impact by connecting people, purpose, and the natural world.
Arjun Khedgikar
Conservationist | Adventurer | Youth Program Coordinator
Arjun serves as the Youth Program Coordinator for Bushcraft United States, leading programs that connect young people with wildlife, culture, history, and nature to build resilience and character. He also volunteers with the Texas Wildlife Rescue Network, supporting the rehabilitation of urban wildlife.
Arjun combines discipline, resilience, and commitment, excelling in sport and service while inspiring the next generation of young leaders