Today we’d like to introduce you to Wesley Shaver.
Hi Wesley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Since 1973, under the leadership of our late founder, Dr. Shirley McGreal, O.B.E. the International Primate Protection League has spent decades protecting primates. These efforts have included fighting smugglers, exposing primates’ livelihoods in research labs, and establishing a primate sanctuary right here in South Carolina.
Our Summerville sanctuary is home to over 20 Lar gibbons, earth’s smallest species of ape, and 4 Asian small-clawed otters, earth’s smallest species of otter. Our grassroots organization is comprised of a small, dedicated team of animal care specialists and conservation advocates working towards a common goal. Protecting primates from exploitation and abuse while envisioning a world where all primates can thrive in their native habitats.
As an animal keeper myself, working at IPPL to conserve one of the world’s rarest (and weirdest) species of primate, being a part of global conservation efforts has been a lifelong aspiration. I began my journey into conservation at 14 years old. Volunteering at my hometown Birmingham Zoo in Alabama was my favorite pastime. This led me to pursue a B.S. in Wildlife Biology at West Virginia University where I graduated in 2023. I took on 4 internships at various AZA-accredited institutions throughout my time at university which granted me invaluable experience in the field. It also prepared me to begin my career as a primate keeper at the International Primate Protection League.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My advisor vehemently discouraged me from taking on rigorous internships at the National Aviary, Pittsburgh Zoo, South Carolina Aquarium, Oglebay GoodZoo, and Sanctuary One while also being a full-time college student. Ignoring this advice, I graduated with honors. These roles were pivotal to my career post-grad and well worth the time and energy it took to accomplish them.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As an animal care specialist my day-to-day life involves a lot of time caring for our residents. We start our days cleaning and maintaining animal habitats, preparing enrichment, monitoring the grounds, and meeting with our team to discuss our daily agenda. I am also IPPL’s social media manager which allows me to engage with our supporters in real-time, all over the globe. Photography and graphic design are strong passions of mine. I look forward to posting new, quality content of our animals every day.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
The International Primate Protection League has existed to protect primates for over 50 years!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ippl.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ipplsummerville/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalPrimateProtectionLeague/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-primate-protection-league/
