Allie Almario

Vice President – Myths and Mountains (http://www.mythsandmountains.com/)

Today’s Date: 1 February 2008

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

So many - I worked at a zoo for 11 years and have spent the last 20 years traveling the world to all 7 continents and close to 70 countries specializing in eco-tourism. I would say my encounters in Africa (7 trips) and the Galapagos (12 trips) have made the most impact on me, particularly since I have been involved with combined tourism / conservation efforts in the Galapagos.

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

I grew up in NJ, so I'd have to say that I loved the ocean and the Pine Barrens, particularly a tiny little spot called Mt. Misery.

Now? Now I live in Lake Tahoe. It is mesmerizing.

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

As a former zoo employee (administration), I'd have to say I was particularly enamored of naked mole rats.

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?

If we don't educate humans about their impact on the environment, we won't be able to do a thing. Start with the children, start with populations in the most remote areas, start with those living in the big cities. They don't realize that what they do NOW in NYC actually impacts Antarctica.

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

Go travel the world. See what you are destroying. Learn how to be a better human and protect your earth.


"Myths and Mountains is a proud corporate sponsor of READ Global (www.readglobal.org). We contribute $50 from our company profit on behalf of each traveler to this organization. READ Global builds self-sustaining community centers with village libraries at the heart and its pilot site, READ Nepal, is the winner of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's 2006 Access to Learning Award."