Bozeman, Mont. — The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) has named Aibat Muzbay of Kazakhstan as Central Asia Specialist for its International Programs. He will lead regional wild sheep and goat conservation efforts under Kurt Alt, WSF’s International Program Conservation Director.
“Aibat brings deep expertise in wildlife research, policy, and transboundary conservation,” said Alt. “He has been a key partner since 2018 in advancing sustainable management of wild sheep across Central Asia.”
Muzbay holds degrees in wildlife sciences and landscape ecology from Karaganda State University and the University of Greifswald. He serves as Executive Director of the Arlan Foundation, WSF’s Kazakhstan affiliate, and collaborates internationally on saiga and wild sheep conservation. He is fluent in Kazakh, Russian, English, and German.
In this role, he will support argali restoration in Kazakhstan and strengthen regional conservation frameworks and sustainable-use programs across Central Asia.
Muzbay commented, “I am honored to join the Conservation Team at the Wild Sheep Foundation. As a landscape ecologist, I am committed to advancing conservation-driven approaches and promoting sustainable wildlife use across Central Asia. I see this role, working closely with WSF International Programs Conservation Director Kurt Alt, as an opportunity to strengthen regional capacity in wildlife management, support collaboration among Central Asian countries, and bridge expertise between Central Asia and international partners. Through initiatives like WISPA-CA, we are building a strong network of local biologists, and I look forward to expanding this cooperation with colleagues in the United States and beyond.”
“Aibat’s ability to bring together governments, scientists, and conservation organizations makes him uniquely qualified to advance our mission,” said WSF President and CEO Gray N. Thornton.
Muzbay is Vice-Chair of the Wild Sheep Partnership for Central Asia (WISPA-CA), a regional network spanning five countries. He led its first successful WSF Grant-in-Aid project and continues coordinating multinational field efforts.
WSF recognized his leadership at the 2026 Sheep Show® with its Outstanding Achievement Award. He has also contributed to international conservation policy through Kazakhstan’s CITES work on saiga and has engaged with institutions such as the European Parliament and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“We’re excited to expand Aibat’s role within our conservation team,” added Corey Mason, WSF COO & Executive Vice President of Conservation. “His leadership will help drive restoration opportunities and sustainable funding for argali conservation across the region.”
About the Wild Sheep Foundation
The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF), based in Bozeman, Montana, is a leading international conservation organization dedicated to wild sheep and their habitats. Founded in 1977 by sportsmen and conservationists, WSF has invested more than $156 million in conservation efforts worldwide. Through initiatives focused on habitat enhancement, population restoration, scientific research, education, and advocacy, WSF works to fulfill its mission to “Put and Keep Wild Sheep on the Mountain®.” These efforts have helped restore North American bighorn sheep populations from historic lows of approximately 25,000 in the mid-20th century to more than 85,000 today.
WSF serves a global membership of more than 11,000 supporters and collaborates with partners across North America, Europe, and Asia to ensure a sustainable future for wild sheep. Learn more at www.wildsheepfoundation.org.
Tags: International, Conservation, Press Release