Author: brittneirae
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New Beginnings. Same Shoes.
The title for this post was a thought I had before beginning my usual morning journaling today. And 7 hours later I find it still quite fitting for all that I am about to share. This year has been full of so many wonderful opportunities to help both people and animals. A few of my […]
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Update: Animals In Ukraine
Yesterday, I received a WhatsApp message from Olga Chevganiuk – the cofounder of UAnimals. We were able to jump on a video call quick despite the time change to talk, cry, and to try and plan for how to continue helping animals on the ground in Ukraine. Through tears, Olga shared with me about a […]
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Sweat to Protect: Ukraine Animals
Man, has life been extremely busy! Teaching 18 units, coaching bootcamps, being on the board of a non profit, WSYC work, and training for Spartan races keeps me busy. I wish I had more time to write and update you all more regularly on the amazing things that are going on, but I will keep […]
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Spartan North American Championships and Soldiers for Wildlife
The past few months have been extremely busy to say the least. Teaching, training, being a wife, volunteering with non-profits and so much more have kept me on my toes! However, one of the most intensive parts of the past months has been my Spartan training schedule. In July of earlier this year, I was […]
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The Reality of Rescuing Captive Wildlife: Pat Craig
Even in 2021, exotic animals are still being kept as pets in many places around the world. Additionally, animals such as tigers, bears, and wolves are cruelly exploited for financial and personal gain by self-proclaimed “wildlife exhibits”, roadside zoos, circuses, and more. In fact, according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, there are more tigers […]
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Operation Big LIft
From my personal experience, there are few moments in life that can move you to tears of joy and sadness all at once. These rare moments in life have the supernatural ability to remind us just how beautiful and delicate our time here – and the impact we can have – truly is. And on […]
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Staying excited about environmentalism: Tessa Nguyen
This past week I had the pleasure of catching up with Tessa Nguyen, a wonderful student from my fall 2020 environmental science class. As an environmental science major, Tessa has a passion for conservation, reptiles, this planet, and for bringing awareness to the impact each of us has on the natural world. Currently, Tessa is […]
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Some thoughts on shoes.
Putting the shoes on and then walking in them are two very different things. And in a world where a million different opinions and perspectives tell us what our shoes should feel like, how they should look, when we should wear them, and for how long… Finding the right fit becomes even more complicated. For […]
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Power and Peace
Power is not making noise, living in fear, playing the victim, or seeking attention. Power lies in wisdom, perseverance, self-awareness, and strategic use of our gifts and energy.
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BrittFit Workout Gear Recommendations
Interested in joining the BrittFit Live family to sweat to protect wildlife? Here are some of the in home equipment that I recommend investing in. Enjoy! Thick resistance band for glute building – Lighter bands for cardio and toning – Ankle Weights – (make sure to select the right weight that you want.) Useful tool […]
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The Class That Should Be Taught
Today was unexpectedly difficult in some ways, but it reminded me of what I truly want aspiring stewards, conservationists, professors, and planet keepers to know. I have learned that there are a million different labels we could use to describe ourselves: environmentalists, conservationists, activists, and more. But I believe it is incredibly important that we […]
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When I Get up There
I can’t wait to ask God all about what he was thinking as he planned creation. Because every time I look outside, interact with wildlife, or think of the vastness and variety of life on this planet – I can’t help but feel amazed. We go about our busy days, focused on what needs to […]
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Professor Miller
If you would have told me a few years back that I would be a college professor, I probably would have laughed and thought you were insane. The thought of public speaking in front of 30 different students for around 8 hours each week used to make my brain experience a mini hurricane of its […]
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Rhino Lovin’
As a conservationist, I believe it is important that we take the time to learn about the experiences, passions, and interests of others regarding wildlife. In this way, we will be better able to open our perspectives on what experiences or events can trigger positive attitudes towards various conservation initiatives. And after recently starting a […]
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Masters Thesis
Please click the link below to view the results of my thesis with Edinburgh Napier University. Thank you for reading. MASTERS THESIS
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The Battle With Balloons
When you think of a balloon, what comes to mind? If you are like most, perhaps you think of a birthday gathering, graduation ceremony, or another exciting celebratory event. As a child, I used to look forward to coming downstairs on my birthday to find a room filled with a dozen brightly colored balloons – […]
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International Day of Women in Science
Today is International Day of Women in Science A day set aside by the United Nations Dept. of Economic and Social Affairs, UNESCO, and the Royal Academy of Science International (RASIT), among others to celebrate women in science. As a female conservation scientist, I thought it would be appropriate for me to share some personal […]
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Compassion Fatigue
Why Should You Care? Compassion Fatigue. It’s a real thing. A serious issue arising from a perceived inability to make a desired difference in an area you feel responsible for. Areas ranging from human rights topics, social movements, your career, or perhaps even within a personal relationship. For me, it happens to be stemming from […]
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Sea Turtle Safety
While attending an event for the Progression Foundation – I was lucky enough to win a beautiful photo of a Hawksbill sea turtle swimming around in the waters of Hawaii. Mounted on shiny metal, I now have the pleasure of admiring this beautiful photo and animal each night before bed. However, as I smile at […]
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The Steve Irwin Gala 2018
A quick recap at our time at the Steve Irwin Gala 2018 raising funds to support the Wildlife Warriors. A night of beautiful wildlife, amazing people, and honoring Steve’s legacy.
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The Hard Truth
If we are going to have animals in captivity for conservation education purposes (zoos, outreaches, parks etc), we better ensure that we have a deeper comprehension of how, why, and what impact the animals are having on audiences.
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The Final Cheetah Outreach Video
Check out the documentary of my time with the Cheetah Outreach. You an expect a lot of beautiful wildlife, interesting insights, and a better understanding of WSYC.
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Odd Day Feels
Today has been an odd day. Do you ever have those? You just wake up and there is a sense of undirected magnetism in the air.
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Through the WSYC Lens
Well, it has already been 6 months six our journey to the Cheetah Outreach, South Africa. I cannot believe how time flies! Upon returning home, Jake and I both were quite busy catching up with work, family, and setting goals for the months ahead. However, we are excited to share with you one of the […]
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The Space Between
How do you bridge the gap between what you want to do with your life and what you are currently doing? How do you bring yourself into the vision or dream you feel your life should be?.
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How to save a wild-life [Around the World]
![How to save a wild-life [Around the World]](https://whyshouldyoucareblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/iapf_bw-627x220.jpg?w=627)
It’s a numbing thought to consider that as we sit on our computers, watch our TVs, or scroll through our instagrams, wildlife across the world are literally fighting for their lives. And while we may not see the immediate causes of this fight – it is imperative that a global awareness for wildlife conservation is raised in order to conserve all remaining populations.
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The Fleeting Gift [Britt’s Thoughts]
![The Fleeting Gift [Britt’s Thoughts]](https://whyshouldyoucareblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/20800353_1620810617929533_2292760139490784116_n.jpg?w=750)
The other day while mindlessly watching TV, I happened to hear something said that quickly grabbed my attention… It was nothing extremely profound, yet it struck me as so. “Inspiration is fleeting” Yes, that is what I heard. Now let those words sink for a moment into your own mind. What do you feel? Any […]
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The National Wildlife Federation: Patriotism, Wildlife, and Conservation
Before reading on about the NWF, I want you to take just 30 seconds and think about all the different wildlife that call North America home. I am sure you could name at least five – maybe even ten different species. Now take another 30 seconds and think about the other species of wildlife that live across this planet’s continents. Perhaps you came up with a few more species off the top of your head… However, I think it is fair to assume that you weren’t able to recall all the names of the remaining 8.7 million plus species scientists currently estimate exist.
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The Fear in Finding [Britt’s Thoughts]
![The Fear in Finding [Britt’s Thoughts]](https://whyshouldyoucareblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/img_0800.jpg?w=1024)
Isn’t it a funny thing to think we are all in charge of our own lives, have the same freedom to do as we please, and yet we can become so timid when confronted with a non-tangible idea – like a simple passion for something you have. At least for me – that is often the case. The very things that excite me also scare me more than any thing else…
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Day 11 [Britt’s Thoughts]
![Day 11 [Britt’s Thoughts]](https://whyshouldyoucareblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/img_0560.jpg?w=1024)
Some things that I have learned and some photos for you to see of this South African adventure.
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Somewhere Over the Continent of Africa… [Britt’s thoughts]
![Somewhere Over the Continent of Africa… [Britt’s thoughts]](https://whyshouldyoucareblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/africa-e1497441226407.jpg?w=1024)
Thoughts while flying over the continent of Africa. 12 hours in a plane gives you a lot of time to think!
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The Compliment. [Britt’s thoughts]
![The Compliment. [Britt’s thoughts]](https://whyshouldyoucareblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/img_1137.jpg?w=1024)
“The struggle is real.” Ever heard this saying before? It seems to be a popular phrase quoted by many these days when facing hard times or just a long and tiring day at work… Recently though – I have found it interesting that despite going through days of my own where the struggle has felt all too real… I have been given more random compliments from friends and words of flattery than I have seemed to notice before. This post is not to point out these compliments, but to bring awareness to the fact that compliments can hold more than just kind words.
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The Journey to Mission:Wolf… [In the field]
![The Journey to Mission:Wolf… [In the field]](https://whyshouldyoucareblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/img_0050.jpg?w=1024)
Mission:Wolf – the beginning of the WSYC in the field” journey. Read about my time with Jake learning about wolf conservation and receiving the great news that Why Should You Care has gotten its first official research job!
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The Dream That Chooses You [Britt’s Thoughts]
![The Dream That Chooses You [Britt’s Thoughts]](https://whyshouldyoucareblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/the-dream.jpeg?w=1024)
What interesting beings dreams are. They take hold of us and seem to control many of the decisions we make throughout our time on this planet. Some are short-lived, while others manage to cling to us like some sort of parasite – both giving and taking from us depending on the day. Many dreams we will accomplish […]
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Are you a wildlife tourist? [Research]
![Are you a wildlife tourist? [Research]](https://whyshouldyoucareblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/dsc02092.jpg?w=1024)
Why should you care? Ever been on a vacation where you have had the opportunity to get upclose and personal with some native wildlife? Perhaps you went to Hawaii and saw a sea-turtle laying lazily near the beach. Maybe you went to the Galapagos and got to hang out with some sun-bathing iguanas. Or maybe […]
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Brittnei and WSYC [Britt’s Thoughts]
![Brittnei and WSYC [Britt’s Thoughts]](https://whyshouldyoucareblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/img_1055.jpg?w=1024)
Recently, Jake and I took our annual trip to Yosemite. While savoring the fresh air and looking in awe upon the granite walls surrounding us, we put together this short informational video for you to further understand what exactly Why You Should Care does – and why it was created. There are two components to WSYC- Out in the field and and at home on your computer. Both components are aimed at helping the public better understand their connection to conservation topics. However, the in the field component requires a more hands-on approach to directly help conservation organizations, non-profits, and researchers understand how they are truly impacting their audiences and reaching their educational conservation goals.
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How Dogs and Farmers in South Africa Are Saving Big Cats [Around the World]
![How Dogs and Farmers in South Africa Are Saving Big Cats [Around the World]](https://whyshouldyoucareblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/dsc_0120.jpg?w=1024)
Written for South Africa’s Cheetah Outreach Trust in coordination with the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warrior program. This piece explains how farmers are using a specific breed of dog to mitigate for and prevent livestock predation and predator retaliation in South Africa.
![The Cool Cats: Cheetahs, Caracals, and Servals [Research]](https://whyshouldyoucareblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/img_5475.jpg?w=1024)
![A Case of Contagious Conflict [Research]](https://whyshouldyoucareblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/img_2512.jpg?w=1024)
Why Should You Care 