Paula Fitzsimmons

PJ Publications and Gifts (http://www.pjpublications.com)

Today’s Date: 1/10/07

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

I have had several, but one that particularly comes to mind is the first time I saw dolphins swimming in the ocean. It was early morning, and the sun was just coming up, and they were very close to shore. I was in awe of the magnificence of the ocean and the dolphins.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

I grew up in the city so there were not a whole lot of outdoorsy places, aside from forest preserves and public parks. I liked it when our family would take rides in the country.

Now? Not really a favorite; there are several.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Parrots.. because they are a link to our natural world; their beauty; their intuitiveness; their flying ability; their intelligence; their sociability.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

There are many, but I would say global warming is a big challenge now, and will continue to be in the future. It will have many repercussions on our environment, animals, and us. Great damage has already been done, and I believe it will take a lot of effort on the part of our government and business, to stop the damage we have done. Although we are being made aware of global warming and its effects, I'm not sure much is being done to remedy it. A second major challenge would be extinction of species, especially of birds.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Understand that we humans are a part of nature, not separate from it.