Hello my name is Derek Woodie
I am a biologist at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. I am the Lead Polar Bear Keeper, and have the great privilege to work with several Arctic marine mammals such as belugas, walrus, sea otters, and harbor seals. My love and fascination for the Arctic mammals has been a life-long passion. I previously cared for and trained various marine mammals at SeaWorld of Orlando for 10 years as a Senior Animal Care Specialist. My primary job, no matter where I am, is to provide top-notch animal husbandry for the individuals in my care. I have a BS in Marine Biology (and that is no BS) from the University on North Carolina at Wilmington.
I grew up in the foothills of North Carolina, and my parents (who I owe everything to) still reside there. My parents are awesome. They helped shape who I am and where I am going. I can't thank them enough.
I hope to gain a unique perspective about the natural environment and the animals that inhabit it. Most people never get the chance to visit this area of the world. This amazing place is the canary in the coal mine for global climate change. I know I will be able to inspire my friends and family from sharing this experience. The real challenge will be to share my experience with the guests that visit our park and strike a cord within them. I have 10 or maybe 15 minutes to inspire them to make a change to think globally.
What will the world look like in 5 years?
I believe many of the first world countries will be in the process of making dramatic changes to reduce our carbon footprints. I worry that developing nations that are following our route to successful development, with excessive wastes, may not be innovating cleaner and greener strategies. Currently one country creates more carbon than the sum of all the rest- and they don't seem to be slowing down. We need to make this a global initiative or the Bears and the Arctic are doomed!
|
