About Rebecca

Remember Wildlife.org

About Rebecca

SHORT VERSION: Zoology Student, Volunteer Animal Keeper, Wildlife Conservationist and Fundraiser, Reptile Fanatic.

Want more? Read the long version. Did you still want more? really? Ok, e-mail questions to rebecca@rememberwildlife.com

LONG VERSION:
At the age of 32 my first career (actress) was winding down and I was stuck sitting on the couch watching t.v and dreading my upcoming knee surgery. All the shows I used to imagine myself on were boring and I became hooked on animal planet, especially The Crocodile Hunter, Croc Files, and Crocodile Hunter Diaries. I had grown up in Oregon like Terri and could identify with her love of wildlife. I had also raised orphan raccoons, opossums, and an occasional rabbit or bird. Now after years of following what I had thought was my passion I couldn't care less. (I need to point out that I have an amazing husband who encourages me to do anything I want to try.) I saw an episode where Steve had knee surgery on camera and it made me feel braver about my upcoming one. At this point, all this was still just entertaining for me. I knew Steve had just died and thought it was sad, but it didn't have a huge effect on me until the day before my surgery.

I was watching "Ellen" when Terri came on with Bindi for G'day USA to fulfill Steve's previous commitment. As I sat there mesmerized, my personal epiphany happened. I could help. I loved animals. Terri was right we all had to carry on Steve's work. I would start volunteering, go back to school, save the world! Then I got up to go to the bathroom and realized I still couldn't walk...oops. I could still do one thing, without telling anybody, I registered for a zoology class at the local community college. I had never been a good student so I thought I'll just try one class, if it works out then I'll tell people. It took me two days to tell my husband I'd just dumped one career path and was going back to school. He replied as always "Go for it babe!". So three days after knee surgery I was off to college crutches and all. I watched every episode I could get my hands on that Steve and Terri did, read their book, and studied hard. I was inspired to do for others not for myself and it felt great.

      Now I'm 36, and an almost straight A student (yeah I don't believe it either).  In August 2009 I transferred to California State University Long Beach to finish my zoology degree with an emphasis in herpetology (reptiles). I hope to graduate by fall 2012. I do my annual Steve Irwin Day fund-raising. Every year I'm starting earlier and aiming higher. I work, volunteering, at many places, with wild animals and while I love the cats (cheetahs and cougars are my favorites) my true loves are the reptiles.  In February 2008 I got a baby red-tailed boa I call Irwin who's official name is "Terri Irwin", who's now over 6 ft long and helps me educate children of all ages. One day I would love to work with crocodiles. I have drive, ambition and most of all inspiration.

    Wow I'm impressed you've read this far. I want to make something clear. Steve Irwin was my inspiration but it is Terri Irwin who is my hero. If I can do 1/4 of what she has I will feel like I've accomplished a lot. One day I hope to go to Australia Zoo, when I'm done paying for school, but until then I'll work hard, aim high, and think big. Our wildlife is worth it.  In 2008 I started doing so much I gave it a name and created Remember Wildlife. I've learned one person can truly make a difference.

Ok For those of you who have asked. Here is the list of animals I have worked with so far: Snakes (large variety), tortoises, turtles, lizards (large variety), cougars, African lions, serval cats, birds of prey (variety), parrots, cassowary, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, foxes (variety), coyotes, wolves (gray, white Alaskan tundra), African hoof-stock (large variety), pigs (variety), giraffes, chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas, zebras, gibbons (variety), monkeys (variety), koalas, kangaroos, wallaby's, echidnas (never saw just cleaned), sugar-gliders, skunks, tapirs, baby snow leopards, scorpions, spiders.........for now.       90% cleaning 10% working with the animals = 100% dedication and Love.

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