Today we sit down with National Geographic Explorer and Wildlife Ecologist, Dr. Rae Wynn Grant. She dives deep into how she became a Wildlife Ecologist and how she was able to start working with National Geographic. She has spent her career exploring some of the wildest places on the planet, conducting research on animals like Lions, Tigers, Bears, oh and Lemurs. In this episode Dr. Rae Wynn Grant inspires us and educates us on how we can all contribute to conservation. Don't forget to check out her podcast, Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn Grant, where she tells stories of what working in wild places entails. You can listen on all podcasting platforms. We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon to gain access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Follow our socials Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To share a Trail Tale, suggest a story, access merch, and browse our book recommendations - head over to our website. Thank you so much to our partners, check them out! HelloFresh: Use our link and code NPAD65 for 65% off plus free shipping. Microdose: Use code NPAD to get free shipping and 30% off your first order.
A wildlife ecologist reflects on the long-term and challenging nature of their goals to make the environment better and healthier, and how being called a "successful ecologist" is a flattering yet rare compliment.
Ray encourages listeners to explore their interests and actively seek out opportunities to achieve their goals, emphasizing that it's not the organizations that find individuals, but rather the individuals who find them.
The speaker discusses how her journey to success was not fueled by an unwavering belief in herself, but rather a willingness to hold onto her dreams despite self-doubt. She also talks about her experiences navigating different environments and spaces.
The speaker shares personal experiences about how to overcome discouragement when pursuing a passion, highlighting the importance of not taking it personally and being able to pivot when faced with barriers.
The work of protecting and saving wild animals is not limited to national parks as many animals can be found outside those boundaries and shared landscapes with people. Responding to calls about animals outside parks is also a part of their work which can include sightings of bears or other animals in residential areas.
A Malagasy woman noticed a previously untouched rainforest in Madagascar, where scientists were not doing any research, and led a team to discover a significant population of ring-tailed lemurs that were reproducing and could be added to the wild lemur population count.
The speaker shares personal experiences about struggles with math and sciences whilst doing music subjects, challenges of conserving natural resources and humbling leadership encounters while working on conservation projects.
Wildlife conservation needs a diverse range of professionals, including writers, podcasters, artists, web designers, and fundraisers. There are many career opportunities available beyond collecting data on animals in the field.
The podcast provides transparent and relatable storytelling, bringing people together despite differences in status and accomplishments. Radical statements are made with appreciation to PBS Nature for allowing the platform to share such stories.