Jim developed a profound appreciation for nature and wildlife at a young age after his family visited the Catskill Game Farm in Catskill, NY. Jim was amazed by his up-close encounters with large game animals, and his experiences there sparked a lifelong passion for outdoor sports and wildlife management. Pursuing this interest led him to travel the world searching for large game animals in their natural habitats, where he developed a complex knowledge of various ecosystems and conservation practices. 

 

After traveling the world and building a successful company in Torrington, Connecticut, Jim realized that his love for the natural world was not translating into a meaningful career. In 1994, inspired by the urgent need for wildlife conservation, he purchased the property and completed the first step in creating the Action Wildlife Foundation. The organization’s mission is clear and ambitious: to protect animal habitats, promote environmental stewardship, and educate communities about the importance of conservation. Above all else, he wanted to recreate that first-time feeling of seeing large game and exotic animals up close and being able to interact with them. Jim's dedication to sharing the natural beauty he has seen in the world expands into the Natural History Museum, which he opened at the Action Wildlife Foundation in 2008. This 20’000 square foot building houses natural scenes between animals that Jim witnessed in his travels. 

 

Under Jim’s leadership, the Action Wildlife Foundation has initiated numerous projects, including habitat restoration, wildlife protection campaigns, and community outreach programs. Jim aims to foster a deeper connection between people and the natural world through partnerships with schools, summer camps, and other organizations. 

 

Jim is an avid sportsman who blends his love for outdoor activities with his conservation efforts. He engages in hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreational activities; Jim has consistently advocated for responsible practices that protect wildlife populations and their habitats. He believes that sportsmanship has a mutually beneficial relationship with conservation, promoting sustainable practices that ensure future generations can enjoy the natural world. 

 

Jim Mazarelli passed the torch of the Action Wildlife Foundation in 2022, but the foundation remains dedicated to expanding its reach and impact. His vision is to create a world where wildlife thrives, communities prioritize environmental health, and people of all ages can appreciate the natural beauty in the world lives on at the Action Wildlife Foundation. Jim’s aspirations to inspire young conservationists leave a lasting legacy of stewardship for this planet. 

 

Jim Mazzarelli’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, education, and community involvement in the fight for wildlife conservation and environmental sustentation.