"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught." (Baba Dioum, 1968.) 

This is a quote I read many years ago in Jungle Jack: My Wild Life by Jack Hanna. I've always remembered it. As a wildlife educator, I live by this quote. Every time I have the opportunity to appear on television, the radio, print, or the web, I take my job as a wildlife spokesperson seriously. More than ever, animals need our help. Being an active voice for them has opened up many doors and opportunities I never even imagined. Like a few weeks ago on The Today Show. If you would have told me I would be educating the Former First Lady, Laura Bush, about African Penguin conservation, I wouldn't have believed you. I'm excited to go more in-depth with this experience, along with several other recent ones.