Board President Sue Wylie shares tidbits about her life with wildlife

 

Please share an early/childhood experience that was pivotal to your personal relationship to wildlife.

I have always preferred being outdoors and loved nature. My parents brought me camping every weekend May to October starting at the age of two weeks until I was a teen. My most memorable moment was when I was 8 years old seeing my dad jumping out of the car to capture an injured Canada goose that was running in one of the fields. He captured the bird, brought it to the car and plopped it on my mom’s knee (she was less than amused). We then found a facility to care for the bird.

How did you initially become involved with IWRC and why did you choose to become involved on a board level?

Eight years ago I came onto the board as its youngest member at that time. My goal as a board member was to represent new rehabilitators in the best way that I could. This gave the board a fresh perspective on what novice rehabilitators were facing and what services and programs were most needed from IWRC for those in the field.

Describe a specific area of interest or a particular passion within the scope of IWRC’s mission.

One of my main interests is focusing on animal welfare and the science behind rehabilitation to ensure that we are respecting the wildlife that we are caring for and that they are surviving once we release them. As Development chair, I have the opportunity to promote IWRC and sensitize people to the work that we do.

Describe a skill that you have that has been surprisingly useful to your work as a wildlife rehabilitator? (or as an IWRC board member?)

I actually love working with people. I enjoy coordinating projects, working in teams and encouraging others to get involved. It can be a lot of fun!

Describe a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.

For my career, I would say becoming President of IWRC has been my biggest accomplishment. It honestly has been an amazing experience that has allowed me to meet many great people as well as contribute to the rehabilitation community. As Executive Director of Le Nichoir, I’m also proud of the construction of our new wild bird conservation centre based in Quebec in 2016.

If you could choose, who would you have as a mentor?

That is a hard question because I have had many important mentors in my life, but I’d have to say, definitely David Attenborough. I just love his accent!

If you were to do something else professionally, what would it be?

I would either work with children with learning disabilities or in wildlife enforcement. These are two things that I hold close to my heart. Helping animals and people in need is very important to me.

If you could be a wild animal, which would you be?

A chimney swift.

What excites you so much that it keeps you awake the night before?

Waiting for chimney swifts to be brought to Le Nichoir in July. I literally dream about it!

Describe any companion animals that you share your home and life with.
I shared my home with Touli, a crested gecko.