ABOUT US

Nayana Rathmalgoda BSc Veterinary Bioscience

FOUNDER | CEO

Nayana Rathmalgoda is a artist, conservationist, and speaker known for integrating science and art to address the illegal wildlife trade. He is the founder and CEO of The Behaviour Change Renaissance, an initiative that uses behavioural science and artwork to reduce the demand for wildlife products like rhino horn.

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He holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Bioscience and began his studies in medicine before pivoting to veterinary science to focus on wildlife. His work is heavily informed by behavioural research, specifically targeting consumer psychology to disrupt the status associated with illegal luxury wildlife goods.

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Much of his work and advocacy is dedicated to the memory of his late service K9, Angel, who he credits with saving his life multiple times. Joined by his K9 Angel, he delivered a TED Talk exploring how oil paintings could change buyer behaviour and reduce rhino poaching. 

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His artwork has been displayed in prestigious venues like the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Wyoming. Notable works include the portrait of the late Sgt. Anton Mzimba, titled "Honor Him", commissioned by the director of the critically acclaimed film "Rhino Man", John Jurko II, to commemorate Sgt. Anton's posthumous IUCN WCPA International Ranger Award. "Honor Him" went on to be finalised in the 2023 Richeson75 International Art Competition for Portraiture.

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He has participated in high-level conservation events, including the World Wildlife Day 2026 Global celebration in New York and the World Social Marketing Conference in Alicante, Spain.

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He recently announced a collaboration with Dr Jan Breitsohl from the University of Glasgow to further develop evidence-based tools for shifting attitudes toward wildlife demand.

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Nayana was first introduced to the concept of behavioural change at 17 years old as a first year student of Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery. Whilst he transferred to Veterinary Medicine at the earliest opportunity via Mathematics, it was a concept that peaked his interest and stayed with him during his formative years. 

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By incorporating the learning systems of both Medicine and Veterinary Science, whilst including the analytical skills of Advanced Mathematics, Nayana brings a unique approach to addressing wicked problems with evidence-based solutions. As a gifted artist, Nayana left his position in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine after graduating his bachelors of Veterinary Bioscience as he identified a unique opportunity to address the root causes of wildlife decline.

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He first presented his original idea on the TED Stage alongside his late Service K9 Angel in South Dakota, and this initiative is dedicated to her loving memory.

The Behaviour Change Renaissance is the culmination of Nayana's unique learning experiences in the sciences combined with his gift of artistic talent, and represents many years of research honing his skills in the application of behavioural science.