Craig Pelke

Curator, Reptiles & Amphibians - Virginia Zoological Park

July 23, 2009

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

After visiting and working in zoos so long, seeing animals naturally in their wild environment has given me a greater appreciation for what they are. I still understand and appreciate the need for zoos, but animals look so much better in the wild.

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

As a child...Middle Inlet Township, Marinette Co., WI. Favorite as an adult...the Sonoran Desert.

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

Snakes...greatly misunderstood and appreciated. Incredible beauty and potential death.

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?

The effects of easily transported plant and wildlife to other regions of the world. Introduced, invasives, etc....whatever they want to calle them. Also, once we save the animals from going extinct in the wild, where do we go with them...there is not enough zoo space.

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

Respect it...do not abuse it. It is not infinite in its existence if we abuse it.