Hey friends! My name is Victoria Hope and I’m a wildlife conservationist based out of Edinburgh, Scotland. Thanks for stopping by!

Here’s where you get to learn my life’s story (if you want to know): I’m one of few Florida natives left, but I’ve been fortunate enough to spend my life travelling with my family and friends. Growing up, I always had an affinity for the sciences and nature. Being homeschooled for the first 12 years of my education, it made it easy to see many of the National Parks around the United States! Throughout these travels, I made a point to become a National Park Junior Ranger wherever I could. The small day-long programs left me with lessons and philosophies about our natural world that I still carry with me to this day. My family spoiled me with science books and kid-sized laboratory kits, as well as nature hikes and adventures. It’s safe to say that they’re partially to blame for my nature obsession.

Like every little kid, it seemed like I wanted to “grow up” into a different profession every day. Except for me, it was never the “usual” doctor or astronaut or actress or fashion designer. I wanted to be a paleontologist (fossils and dinosaurs), a veterinarian, a lepidopterologist (butterflies), an astronomer, and oceanographer…if it had to do with some oddly specific science, I wanted to do it. My family always seemed to know that eventually I would settle with marine animals. It made sense: I loved the ocean and could never seem to want to stay above water. Well, ultimately, when it came time for me to go to college, I settled on Marine Science.

As class of 2016, I attended Eckerd College, in St. Petersburg, Florida. It’s a small Liberal Arts school, with a very good Marine Science program. Bonus? It was on the beach. Perfect! Throughout my 4 years, I explored many more aspects of the natural sciences and quickly discovered what I loved about it, and what I maybe wasn’t as good at. Chemistry and Math did not come easily to me; but unfortunately, they were integral parts of the marine science program I was trying to pursue. After endless talks and tears with my mentor, we came to a decision that, even now, we believed would ultimately make me the happiest and most successful. See, while I adored the subject of marine science, the subject is mostly composed of research. And while I love me a good mystery and scientific process and presentation, it ultimately isn’t something I could see myself being truly happy with.

So what happened? I changed my major to Biology. A broader topic, but I could more easily cater the degree to what I wanted out of my career. I learned so much more about the planet through my classes in Botany, Physiology, and Developmental Biology.  Research projects allowed me to focus on my skills as a scientist and learn about what it really takes to build systems and experiments, and present on them. You can find more information about my research [here]. I took two summer internships at well known aquariums in Florida: Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. It was through my work in these places that made me realize how much I just adore zookeeping and animal care.

At Clearwater Marine Aquarium, I took on a role that was more involved in the operation and hospitality side of the institution than the actual animal care aspect. While it wasn’t my favorite job, I made sure to take every opportunity I could to get involved with incoming rescue animals and education.

My role at Mote Marine Lab stands as one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. My official title was “jellyfish and live feed intern;” but I ended up doing and learning so much more. I was responsible for the entire Jellyfish system, as well as the live feed supply for the entire aquarium. In this time, I also got to learn about quarantine, shallow water, and reef systems; sharks, skates, and rays; water chemistries; plumbing; and so much more. This is where my true passions were awakened.

After I graduated college in 2016, I eventually found myself hired on with Rainforest Café at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as an Animal Care Specialist. Here, I pretty much did everything an aquarist could do – from SCUBA diving the fish tanks for maintenance, to diet and nutrition, to life support systems, to medical care, and everything in between. I learned a lot about what to and not to do for aquariums and tropical fish in my two years here. While the experience was valuable, inevitably the time came where I wanted something more. The next logical step was to get my foot in the door withing the Walt Disney company and work my way up the ranks into their animal care team.

Ever since I left Rainforest Café, I have made a name for myself in Recreation at one of the Walt Disney World resorts. Without much connection to the animal care world, I strove to continue my education. Online, I found a program through the Animal Care Institute, where I graduated with two certificates: Zoo & Aquarium Science and Wildlife Rehabilitation. Every day I strive to make connections with fellow cast members in the animal care programs and learn as much as I can about their respective areas. Until then, I am focusing on continuing to pursue my career through education.

That being said, I moved to Edinburgh in August 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, to earn my MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation at Edinburgh Napier University. I will be here until at least October 2021 taking in as much as I can of the culture, nature, and opportunity.

This brings me to why I started this blog in the first place. About a year after I left my animal care job, I began to miss it sorely. However, I had already settled into my current role in recreation and was not yet eligible to transfer to a role that better suited my interests and education. So I came up with an idea: I could travel, make connections in other places, explore, and learn as much as I could; and still have it work in favor of my career! And all of this could be justified if I started a nature and conservation blog to share my knowledge with the world. After all, education is one of my passions, and it would be a great way to get my name back “out there.”

My intention for this blog is not to brag about where I’ve been or the things I’ve done. This blog is meant to serve as a resource of information on all nature, environment, and conservation topics. My goal is to create a voice for the presumed voiceless natural world. I want to provide an open place for everyone, no matter what education, background, or intent, with information to inspire them about our world. Resources for students, answers for the curious minds, and a haven for the common reader. Through these posts, I am conducting every bit of research, taking photos, and supplementing my own experiences where I can.

I don’t want to come off as merely an educator on the other side of the screen to my readers. I am human, like you, and I have a passion for adventure. My favorite animals are Jellyfish and Lions. I hate the sound of my alarm clock in the morning, and I love the smell of apple cider on a cold day. I cry over baby animals (they’re just so cute!) and I giggle at that time my best friend and I decided that riding a roller coaster 7 times in 40°F weather was a good idea. I work full time and am in a loving relationship. I grew up on Disney and believe in magic. I actually enjoy going to school, but I’m a horrible test taker, and am even worse at scavenger hunts. I’m always getting lost, and somehow know exactly where I’m going. And sometimes? I just need a cup of tea, a blanket, and a book to recharge. My only hope is that I can ignite some flame and inspire you to explore our world and take care of our Earth the way she’s taken care of us all these years.

 

Thank you again for visiting! Please feel free to contact me via email, Facebook, or Instagram for any questions you may have. I’ll do my very best to respond in a timely manner.

Just Keep Swimming!

Victoria Hope

 

Acknowledgements:

• My wonderful family, who provided me with the ability to adore the earth and stars early on.
• Kristen and Amanda, my two soul sisters, who have done nothing but stood by me throughout all the years.
• Dylan, my amazing boyfriend, who in our short time together has given me the strength and support to keep following my dreams.
• All the friends, present, come, and gone; who have listened and inspired me.
• My professors, whose teachings shaped my career.
• Lindsey Sterling and Andrew McMahon & the Wilderness for producing the song “Something Wild” (this blog’s namesake), which has gotten me through this adventure and reminds me that my path will call.
• Nature, itself, which has always been there to call me home.