Wildlife Rescue Centers & Illegal Pet Trade, Tracy O'Toole
Tracy O’Toole talks about the illegal international pet trade in Central America and what happens to birds, primates and other animals once they’re confiscated by wildlife law enforcement. She tells “The WildLife” host Laurel Neme about the challenges facing wildlife rescue centers and what’s required for successful rehabilitation and release of seized wildlife. Listen and hear how parrots rescued from the fate of being illegally shipped around the world must relearn to fly and hunt, why release sites are so important for success, and the psychological impact of the process on the animals. Ms. O’Toole currently serves as the Director of Wildlife Development Programs for the International Trade and Development Division of Humane Society International. She oversees programs to build capacity in Central America for enforcement of laws to stop wildlife trafficking and for establishment and running of wildlife rescue centers. She also works on public education and outreach programs to combat illegal wildlife trade throughout the region. Before joining the Humane Society, Ms. O’Toole worked extensively in the fields of international development and conservation for various donor organizations including the U.S. Agency for International Development and Europe Aid. She holds a master’s in International Business, a B.A. in International Relations, and is fluent in French, Portuguese and Spanish. (First aired on January 11, 2010.)
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Podcast Subjects:
Elephants Rhinos Orangutans and Palm Oil Other Primates Big Cats Bears Other Mammals Insects Birds Reptiles and Amphibians Marine Life Climate Change Poaching Poisons Wildlife Trade Wildlife Forensics Wildlife Research Working Dogs Wildlife and Health Wildlife Rehabilitation Economics and Wildlife Wildlife Law Enforcement Wildlife Filmmaking Journalism and Wildlife CITES Asia, Southeast Asia, and Middle East Latin America North American Wildlife Activism Veterinarian Stories Podcasts by Subject