Q&A with Wildlife Madagascar’s 400TH member: Susan McClellan
Tell us a little about yourself and your passions.
I was born and raised in Richmond, VA and went to college in South Carolina. My passion for animals began when I worked in TV and Educational Films at National Geographic in Washington, D.C. where I was on a team that developed curriculum packages to accompany films. When we worked on a series on animal behavior, I was sent on assignment to San Diego and interviewed Benny Kirkbride, sea lion trainer at the San Diego Zoo. I was hooked on animals after that experience, and for years have been fortunate to be involved with dedicated people who care about animals and their environment.
What do you love most about your work?
I love how one thing leads to another and nothing about animals stands alone! When I first became involved in the San Diego Wildlife Alliance (San Diego Zoo at the time), I worked on the RITZ (Rendezvous In The Zoo) fundraiser and later joined the Zoo Foundation Board. I loved learning about the Zoo projects all over the world and became involved in the Teacher Training Workshops under Maggie Reinbold’s leadership. Teachers from around the world came to the Zoo’s Safari Park to learn about conservation, which they could take back to students in their communities. That experience led to my joining the Board of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where incredible work is being accomplished to save the mountain gorillas in Rwanda and the Grauer’s gorillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
For eight years, I worked with Jolie, my golden doodle therapy dog, through Helen Woodward Animal Center. For years we visited children at a temporary emergency shelter and children at a school for homeless youth. Seeing the positive effect of dogs on children was a powerful experience, which led me to be interested in the San Diego Zoo Kids channel. Under Debra Erickson’s leadership, closed-circuit programs were produced and provided to children’s hospitals, and they are now in almost 400 hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses in 14 countries. I learned first hand through my dog visits and the San Diego Zoo Kids channel that the impact of animals on children is enormous.
I am so energized by the dedicated people I meet who have made a difference in animal and plant conservation.
What subjects or people have you most enjoyed covering in your work?
I am intrigued by the number of women I have met who are at the forefront of conservation: Dr. Tara Stoinski, CEO of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund; Dr. Claudine Andre, who founded Lola y Bonobo, a bonobo sanctuary in the DRC; Dr. Maggie Reinbold of the SDZWA; Judith Harris, who is now deceased but was absolutely passionate about the San Diego Zoo and Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund; Georgeanne Irvine, with her important stories about zoo animals; and Debra Erickson, with her work with the San Diego Zoo Kids channel and Wildlife Madagascar!
What draws you to support wildlife and conservation?
Successful outcomes are big drivers. I have seen successes in wildlife conservation with the California Condor’s resurgence, the Frozen Zoo at the SDZWA, which holds such hope for endangered animals, and other inspiring stories. There are so many organizations doing great work. For example, WildAid is having an impact on wildlife traffickers of ivory, rhinos, sharks, and tigers. Their motto, “When the buying stops, the killing can too,” is effective and calls attention to Wildaid’s efforts worldwide.
Who or what inspires you?
Hope inspires me! I’ve met so many dedicated conservationists who are making such a big difference, not only in saving endangered animals but also the environment in which they live. I think people interested in conservation gravitate towards one another. My friend Patty Elkus has been on the Scripps Institute of Oceanography Board, Mission Blue, and the Explorer’s Club, and she is passionate about the ocean and “hope spots” in the ocean that need protection. This has led to her interest in plastics in the oceans, also a subject in which I am interested. People who care about safeguarding our planet are among those I admire most.
What are a couple of your most memorable travel experiences?
Trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda was a life-changing experience, and learning that the mountain gorilla is the only primate whose numbers are increasing is motivating! It was wonderful to see Rwandans taking such pride in gorillas’ wellbeing. Dedicated trackers protect 24 gorilla families in the Virunga Mountains every single day by removing snares and poachers.
I was fortunate to go on an African safari to see the “Big 5,” which showed the interconnectivity of life and how we must respect the animals and their environment.
Why did you become a member of Wildlife Madagascar? What about this organization is meaningful to you?
I’m so proud to be the 400th member, and congratulations to Debra and her extraordinary team for creating Wildlife Madagascar and giving supporters the opportunity to be involved! I was fortunate to see Debra’s successful work with the San Diego Zoo Kids channel, as she worked tirelessly to bring new children’s hospitals to the program, launch them, and maintain them. When I learned about Wildlife Madagascar, I wanted to join. It’s wonderful that in two short years, so much has been accomplished, including three sites, working with the communities, and protecting lemurs and other species in this biodiverse country. I’m looking forward to going to Madagascar and seeing the good work first hand.