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Perspective
By Stuart D. Strahl, Ph.D. It’s no wonder that among George’s
President & CEO many accomplishments, the Rabbs’ fringe-
limbed treefrog was named for him.
Dr. George B. Rabb was my predecessor (Note the plural possessive. The species
at Brookfield Zoo. During his long was also named for his wife, Mary, for
career, he transformed the worldwide their collective work understanding and
conservation community’s priorities saving amphibian species.)
and methodologies.
Conservation psychology is one of
With his passing last July, the sheer number George’s legacies. This area of expertise—
of peers and friends who stepped up to share the study of the relationship between
their thoughts and remembrances—culminat- people and nature—tells us that those who
ing in an emotional celebration of his life on become serious conservationists as adults
September 17—was truly astounding. It’s not grew up playing in nature. As did George.
easy to summarize all they said, but it We also know that they had someone—a
would be something along the lines of parent or teacher—who encouraged them
“he inspired me.” in science and exploration. As did George.
Even in his life path, he was an example
George had a rare and remarkable gift: for us, and now we have conservation
a distinct big-picture view of the world’s psychology.
environmental challenges. He knew that these
challenges are difficult but not insurmountable, I encourage you to read the article about
so he put that gift to use making connections George on page 12. No article can truly
among concerned scientists and citizens, encapsulate both the personality and
nudging along governmental and nongovern- accomplishments of this shy, unassuming,
mental entities, and generally serving as the and deeply passionate man. But it’s a good
force behind many of our large-scale conserva- place to start.
tion solutions.
George left behind a lasting conservation
legacy, and directly or indirectly, he
changed our world for the better. His
commitment to saving species and creating
people’s connections with wildlife and
nature continues to motivate us. Up until
George’s very last days, he showed us how
it’s done. Now it’s up to the rest of us.
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