Gareth Goldthorpe

Private Citizen (Malaysia)

Today’s Date: 10 April 2008

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

Working in Banff, Canada, me and a friend were driving along a quiet road towards a ski resort (out of season). As we came over the top of a small rise my friend slammed on the brakes as we saw, standing on its hind legs in the middle of the road, sniffing the air, a huge grizzly. Amazing! we both had cameras on the back seat but neither of us reached for them as we sat transfixed.

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

Growing up in semi-rural England, I have always had easy access to the countryside. However, I do remember with fondness a childhood trip to the Lake District in the north of the country

Now? Probably Banff NP, or possibly Kim Hy Nature Reserve in Vietnam

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

The wolf (European or north American). I guess I got drawn into the whole mythos surrounding the wolf from a young age and just got more into it the more I learned.

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?

Without a doubt, the biggest challenge facing us now and in the future is the unsustainable growth of our species. Almost all of the problems we cause can, I believe, be brought back to that basic denominator.

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

Don't be so arrogant to think we can survive in isolation.