For September’s Women in Wildlife podcast episode, we are joined by wildlife professional, mother and published author Tina Strachan to talk about building a career in wildlife, navigating motherhood, and finding unexpected opportunities along the way.
With more than 20 years in the wildlife industry, Tina shares how becoming a mother changed the shape of her career without bringing it to a stop. From stepping away from fieldwork during a high-risk pregnancy and studying vet nursing during maternity leave, to returning to wildlife work while navigating childcare and family life, Tina speaks openly about the realities and mental load of balancing motherhood with a career in conservation.
We also explore how motherhood became part of another unexpected chapter in Tina’s career: becoming a published author. After returning to her childhood love of writing following the birth of her second child, Tina entered a writing competition that ultimately connected her with HarperCollins. Drawing on her years working in zoos and conservation, she went on to create The Wilder Zoo, a three-book children’s series that brings wildlife and conservation into the lives of young readers.
Along the way, we hear about Tina’s winding career through zoos, wildlife research, breeding and release programs, and koala conservation. Tina reflects on persistence, support networks, changing priorities and why having children doesn’t have to mean giving up a career in wildlife.
Check out Tina's website here:
https://www.tinastrachan.com or purchase her books here https://harpercollins.com.au/search?q=wilder+zoo
Any questions or queries contact contact@womeninwildlife.com.au
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