Grace Pam

A.P. Leventis Ornithologial Research Institute, Nigeria.

Today’s Date: 12-02-2007

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

when i was a little girl, i loved spending time outdoors watching ants go to and fro. i would imagine what they were up to and wonder what it would be like understanding their 'language'.

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

Yes. my favourite spot was just outside our home, anywhere i could find ants busy with the days work.

Now? Now, i spend some time watching birds. i guess i did not get any guidance with the ants and no mentor so i lost it along the way. Now as an ornithologist, i go for birds.

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

for me, i still think i am down with the ants. they amaze me with their high level of organization. with probably no leader, they go about their work diligently and orientate quite effectively.

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?

human population explosion which is the major reason why we need more of the things that make life more comfortable but also do damage to the environment.

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

take care of it as though it were the only thing you had as an inheritance for your dear children. actually, that’s what it is.