Conservation Scientist Named New Executive Director of Lindsay Wildlife Experience

New Leader Will Focus on Advancement of SF Bay Area’s Premier Wildlife Rehabilitation and Nature Education Center

WALNUT CREEK. Calif.,/June 10, 2019—Lindsay Wildlife Experience is pleased to announce that Dr. Carlos de la Rosa will become Executive Director of the pioneering wildlife hospital and 64-year-old education center, starting June 27.

De la Rosa comes to Lindsay with extensive experience in conservation, scientific research, and wildlife education in California, Florida, and Central America. His previous work includes adjunct professorships with the National University of Costa Rica and the University of California Los Angeles, Chief Conservation and Education Officer for the Catalina Island Conservancy, Director of The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve, and other government, non-government, and academic institutions and organizations in the US and in Central and South America.

“We conducted an extensive nationwide search, and are so pleased that a person with Carlos’ breadth and depth of experience will be joining us to lead Lindsay Wildlife Experience into a bright future,” said Lindsay Wildlife Board President Dr. Rosanne Siino.

That future includes helping to grow the nearly 65-year-old Walnut Creek institution. Lindsay’s hospital takes in more than 5,500 animals every year brought in by caring citizens all over the Bay Area. Lindsay also serves more than 80,000 visitors through the exhibit hall and educational programs. De la Rosa replaces previous Lindsay Wildlife Executive Director Cheryl McCormick. De la Rosa will help realize an ambitious strategic plan and spread Lindsay’s mission, said Siino.

“Carlos’ expertise, advocacy and conservation work mixed with his community development and fundraising acumen is the perfect combination to lead Lindsay,” Siino said.

Previously de la Rosa served as Director of the La Selva Biological Station for the Organization of Tropical Studies in Costa Rica. And most recently he has been completing three new books that explore the natural history, ecology, restoration, and conservation of natural habitats. His writings have been published in scientific journals as well as in popular media. His nature photographs have been exhibited in museums and galleries in the U.S. and in Costa Rica.

De le Rosa is committed to communicating to the public the urgency for a better relationship with nature and wildlife.

“Developing a strong, positive, and nurturing relationship with nature and wildlife is one of the most important things that people can do to address many of our current environmental issues. And I can’t think of a better place to do this than at Lindsay Wildlife Experience,” said de la Rosa.

De la Rosa is an aquatic ecologist by training and a conservation biologist by practice. He  obtained a Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Pittsburgh, PA, and has recently been Adjunct Professor and Senior Researcher at the University of Costa Rica and the National University of Costa Rica. He is excited to join Lindsay Wildlife.

“For over six decades, Lindsay has been a leader in wildlife rehabilitation and in developing a culture of caring and stewardship towards wildlife and nature. I am very honored to join this great team.”

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About Lindsay Wildlife Experience

Lindsay connects people with wildlife to inspire responsibility and respect for the world we share. It is a unique natural history and environmental education center where wild live animals are just inches away from visitors. It serves more than 100,000 children and adults and treats more than 5,500 animals each year. Lindsay’s Hospital is a pioneer in the field of wildlife care recognized by the New York Times Magazine as America’s oldest wildlife rehabilitation center.

 

Visiting Lindsay Wildlife Experience

1931 1st Ave, Walnut Creek, CA 94597

925-935-1978

www.lindsaywildlife.org

 

Exhibit Hall Hours

Tuesday—Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Media Contact:

Elisabeth Nardi

Director of Marketing and Communications

(925) 627-2961

[email protected]