In February 2026, Hamburg, Germany hosted the premiere of the documentary Expedition Artenschutz: Auf der Spur des Jaguars (“Expedition for Conservation: On the Trail of the Jaguar” in English), an independent production created with minimal resources which dives into Brazil’s biodiversity and the challenges of jaguar conservation. The event, held at the Botschaft der Wildtiere, a German institution dedicated to nature and conservation, brought together around 150 guests, making the Pantanal the true star of the evening.
The documentary follows conservationist and Onçafari ambassador Ben Mirgel on two expeditions to Brazil carried out in March and November 2025. During these trips, he closely documented the work of the Onçafari team, capturing footage of Brazil’s biodiversity, wildlife monitoring activities, and daily conservation field operations, while also sharing his personal experience on Brazilian soil.
For him, the journey held a deep personal meaning. “When I was a child, I used to read books about the Amazon and the Pantanal and dreamed of visiting these places. Having the opportunity to go there and see a jaguar in the wild was the fulfillment of a childhood dream. […] It was truly a very special moment.”
Credits: Jonas Penno
The second edition of the documentary series Expedition Artenschutz (Expedition for Conservation) takes Ben and his team from the location of the first episode, Sumatra, on a new journey. This time, they explore the ecosystems of the Pantanal and the Amazon aiming to gain a deeper understanding of Brazil’s biodiversity and especially the jaguar.
The expedition reveals breathtaking wildlife, including jaguars, anacondas, capybaras, caimans, and other species that cross the team’s path, while also highlighting how the climate crisis is affecting these vital ecosystems from the Pantanal to the Amazon. The episode presents stories of hope, resilience, and connection with nature that can be found even in threatened environments.
More than an adventure documentary, it captures Onçafari’s work on the big screen. “We were expecting an adventure, […] but it is really just Onçafari’s daily work portrayed in the film,” Ben shared. Throughout the documentary, audiences follow VHF telemetry monitoring, the rehabilitation center, the challenges faced during wildfires, and the integrated approach that combines science with hands-on field presence.
The screening in a packed theater in Germany expands the international reach of Oncafari’s message and strengthens Onçafari’s presence in Europe. As Ben emphasized, the goal was clear, to create new Onçafari supporters in Germany.
By highlighting Onçafari’s ongoing efforts, the film reinforces the value of conserving wildlife and Brazil’s biomes, inspires international engagement and shows that preserving nature also means preserving stories, memories, and human legacies.
