Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!

Welcome!

Ever since I was a child, I have been very interested in nature and the environment. I have a B.S. degree in wildlife biology, and have worked as a zookeeper, wildlife biologist, and ecologist. I am conducting a brief survey of world leaders, government officials, religious leaders, corporate CEOs, environmental groups, wildlife experts, and others regarding nature and the environment. I am also very interested in religious views, customs, and beliefs from around the world, and the interactions between religion, culture, society, and the environment. This is something I am doing out of personal interest, and is not connected to any group or organization. I have been working on this project since the summer of 2006, and hope to eventually turn it into a book and/or documentary. I am hoping to make this into a global project, with responses from all segments of society. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions or comments. If you have not already done so, I hope that you will consider taking part in my project, and please spread the word to anyone you think might be interested! Thanks for stopping by!

TAKE THE SURVEY ONLINE HERE http://tinyurl.com/nx4ng7

July 15, 2009

Jennifer

Zoo teacher – Caldwell Zoo

Today’s Date: 8 July 2009

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

My mother used to take me to the zoos in every city we ever visited. These encounters all had an incredible impact on my life. We saw old-fashioned, poor, slightly scary zoos go through some great changes and improvements. Does anyone else remember the tiny concrete mountain lion exhibit at the Arizona Sonora desert museum? It was saddening. However if you have visited lately, you would see exhibits that flow in to the natural Sonoran habitat. I saw how zoos can change and how they can be more than menageries. I wanted a part in the revolution. Zoos still have a long way to go, but multi-species, naturalistic habitats are becoming mainstream. I now work as a zoo teacher using zoos as a background for educating people about the environment and the animals all around us.


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

My own backyard. When I lived in Southern New Jersey as a kid, my backyard was filled with wildlife. We often saw deer and fox. Occasionally, we would pick up a turtle and keep it in a baby pool for a few days for observation. The yard was like having one big sand box for a backyard. We would dig holes and "play pretend" for hours on end.

Now? The wooded trails behind a friend's horse barn. We ride out there for hours and see deer, fox, snakes, rabbits, and lots of birds. It's a very relaxing place.

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

My favorites are Hoofstock: specifically Okapi, Kudus, and Bongos. I'm an ex zookeeper as well, and I just seem to understand Hoofstock better than other species. Besides what is more inquisitive and graceful than a Kudu?


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?

Loss of habitats! Loss of Habitats!

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

I think we need to live by the golden rule in all aspects of our lives. Treat the natural world as you would want it to treat you!

1 comment:

  1. I do congratulate you for the good work you are doing, and you have tried to cover views from various continents, keep it up, i am proud of you Jeremy. I wish you all the best from Kenya, founder of Alfa network.

    ReplyDelete