Peter Illyn

Founder and Executive Director, Restoring Eden (www.restoringeden.org)

Today’s Date: 24 November 2007

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

1,000 mile llama hike where I encountered a majestic herd of wild elk

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

Age 7-12 – woods a block away
Age 14-17 – swimming hole in Savannah River
Young adult – meadows around Mt. Adams Wilderness

Now? see above – young adult

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

Bison & Musk ox – for their ability to survive harsh winters
Wolves/dogs – their loyalty within a pack
Elephants – for their family units & reported grieving over loss

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?

1. Over consumption & a global economy based on unsustainable extraction industries
2. Global warming & destruction of habitats & biodiversity

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

Develop a relational theology – one where we
love – nature appreciation
serve – environmental stewardship
protect – environmental activism


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