I look forward to welcoming the new and repeat campers to Safari Zoo Camp this year- our 12th season! It's going to be an exciting year again. My undying passion to educate has brought me to new heights. For nearly a year I've been focusing my energy on Wildlife Presentations that are offered through Zoo Camp (Wildlife Safari) and Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park (Night Safari). This has significantly increased my knowledge of our native and non-native species, endangered and otherwise, allowing me to share this wealth of knowledge with those seeking to play an active roll in protecting animals and their environment.

My trek into the jungles of Guyana in South America in 2005 served to revitalize my love and appreciation for wildlife. Seeing a tarantula in it's natural habitat is truly a thrill. My recent exursion to Thailand taught me much about the flora and fauna in that part of the world, discovering and enjoying new species previously unknown to me. My latest adventure to La Paz in Mexico allowed me to see the world through fresh eyes again, marveling at the world beneath the waves while snorkelling in the Sea of Cortez.

My respect for wild species and spaces extends beyond teaching about it and creating public awareness , but also, by being involved in environmental conservation, preservation and restoration efforts. My active support for the "Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation" and the "Endangered Species Fund of Canada" is testament to that.

During my tenure at McMaster University, my repeated and constant encouragement re-established the recycling program in the Hospitality Department. I volunteer my time and effort to be part of the Clean-Up Hamilton program, which predominately focuses on the maintenance of the many nature parks around the city that have become degraded through waste material. Though I myself don't litter, I've long ago realized, that if we're going to save plants and animals from going extinct, we need to take responsibility for our actions and those of others.

As far as we know, there is only one home for LIFE in outer-space... and that's right here on Earth. Let's all try to keep it clean and safe from harm!

Yours in Wildlife Conservation and Education,

Tekar
Assistant Director