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| Exploring in Beacon Hill Park September, 2014 |
It was the land. The exotic wildlife in the trees - silky lemurs, coiling venomous snakes and silverback gorillas. The broad, thick rivers of the Amazon and the dense jungles of Madagascar. Dr. Mireya Mayor, not allowed to join the Girl Guides because her mother felt it was too dangerous, went on to be an NFL cheerleader, went to law school and detoured to wildlife research and exploration. Always interested in animals, she told us of the menagerie of cats, dogs and other animals she had as a teenager. It was a natural progression to expanding that interest to research about animals, although it took time and daring. Even with all the cultural experiences I have had here in Victoria, Dr. Mayor gave me a trip that I, and most of the audience at the Royal Theatre this past Tuesday night, will possibly ever take. Scaling perpendicular cliffs to a three foot wide base camp where their group’s tents were secured by one spike in the cliff. Better to see that experience than participate. Traveling by boat on the Amazon. While researching lemurs in Madagascar never before researched, Dr. Mayor discovered the smallest known lemur that she was able to hold in the palm of her hand. Lemurs are very cute! Descriptions of gorilla culture and family life - both humorous and dangerous. Her presentation was accompanied by video clips of her explorations. It all excited and at the same time brought me peace while I watched and listened.
Microphones were opened to the audience for a twenty minute question and answer period following this very interesting presentation by Dr. Mayor who has been dubbed a ' female Indiana Jones' because of her adventures. This was as interesting and enjoyable as the presentation. Most of the questioners were children of, I suppose, about 10 years to 12 years old. They were articulate and curious about how to get involved in similar adventures and how Dr. Mayor developed her interest. Questions about climate change and how it affected her work. As Dr. Mayor had spoken of the poverty of the communities she had encountered. The question that arose from that was how her exploration and research was of benifit to them. She replied that they try to hire as many local people as possible, provide education about the wildlife around them for adults and children and support the conservation of the area.
For anyone interested in young people’s involvement they can go to the National Geographic website. Dr. Mayor did suggest that there are now grants for youth as well as grants for research or exploration involvement.
“But in life there are detours, and for a brief time
I headed not toward the wilds but in the opposite direction.”
~ Mireya Mayor, Pink boots and a Machete:
My Journey from NFL Cheerleader to National Geographic Explorer
Dr. Mireya Mayor has written a book entitled:
Pink Boots and a Machete: My Journey from NFL Cheerleader to National Geographic Explorer with the forward by Jane Goodall
Published by National Geographic
Copyright 2011
ISBM: 978-1-4262-0721-1 (hardback)
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