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wings of Survival: the expedition
In June 2025, ecologist Dr. Timm Döbert and endurance athlete Leanna Carriere will embark on a pioneering 30,000km self-powered expedition across the Americas. Following the westernmost migratory bird flyway, their journey aims to highlight the biodiversity crisis and inspire environmental conservation efforts.
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Leanna Carriere is an endurance athlete, personal trainer and entrepreneur. For nearly a decade, she competed internationally in women’s pole vault and is recognised as Canada’s first female decathlete. Since shifting to endurance sports, she has completed several Ironman events, the Mt. Everest Marathon and the Patagonman Xtreme triathlon. She is the co-founder of Edmonton-based chocolate company 7 Summits Snacks. Leanna has been featured in various podcasts, news articles, radio and TV. As a motivational speaker, she advocates for the deep connection between human and planetary health. She loves exploring the outdoors with her 6-year-old daughter Adalynn.
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Timm Döbert is an explorer with a PhD in global change ecology. He researches the human footprint on wildlife and wild spaces from tropical to temperate biomes. His life across continents culminated in a five-year immersion into Southeast Asia’s tropical forests. He communicates science through books, scientific journals, magazines, newspapers, podcasts, radio and more. An avid wildlife photographer, he has photographed over 700 animal species, many rare and threatened. Explorers Club membership and a meeting with Sir David Attenborough are personal highlights. His athletic resume includes several university rowing titles and completion of the Patagonman Xtreme triathlon.
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the journey
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A VITAL ENDEAVOUR
Dr. Timm Döbert and Leanna Carriere will embark on an unprecedented, self-powered 30,000km expedition that traces the spine of the Americas, following the path of the westernmost migratory bird flyway. This expedition—dubbed Wings of Survival—is more than a test of human endurance; it's a vital endeavour to amplify awareness about the escalating biodiversity crisis. Their exploration aims to contribute to environmental science and galvanize action toward nature conservation, making this expedition an intersection of adventure and purpose.
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Athlete climate academy
In this episode of Athlete Climate Academy, Huw speaks to Leanna Carriere about the importance of inspiring change now to better our planet. Bringing science, athletics and community together with her newest expedition Wings of Survival.
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Innovator Spotlight: Timm Döbert
Timm’s work bridges adventure, science and conservation through the art of storytelling, in hope for improved planetary stewardship.
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CBC RadioActive Segment
Radio Active with Jessica Ng, Min Dhariwal - May 12, 2023: Following bird migration with Wings Of Survival.
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Wingspan Magazine 2023 - Flyaway Heroes
What we do know is that migratory birds act as messengers and vital indicators for the health of our planet. Page 27.
