Longest serving Trustee retires from Wild Planet Trust
Sylvia Greinig joined Wild Planet Trust, formerly known as Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, in 1997 and up until her retirement earlier this year was one of the Trust’s longest serving trustees with almost 25 years on the Board.
Sylvia was also the first female Board member at the Trust and remained the only female for 11 years. Sylvia has seen much change and development of the Trust over the past 25 years and has thoroughly enjoyed being part of it all. Sylvia’s involvement with Wild Planet Trust led directly to her completing an MA in Anthrozoology at Exeter University.
Recently retired, Sylvia was the Principal at the Abbey School in Torquay for over 40 years, where her particular expertise was in developing educational programmes for young children and in helping young children learn how to learn.
Sylvia has graciously wished everyone connected to the Trust the very best for the future and has said that it has been a huge privilege to work with everyone and learn so much. She intends to be a frequent visitor of the Trust’s zoos, which include Paignton and Newquay Zoo, and has recently been made an Honorary Member.
The Trust was established in 1957 as the Herbert Whitley Trust, named after its founder. The name was later changed to the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust and then recently re-branded in 2019 to Wild Planet Trust. The Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity which operates two zoos in the South West and maintains various local conservation sites including Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve, Clennon Gorge and Primley Park. The Trust has a central mission which spans across both its zoos, reserves, field projects and advocacy campaigns; to achieve a vision where everyone can join in building a world that is rich in wildlife and wild places.
The Trust has recently added two new recruits to the Board in Professor Adam Hart and Dr Richard Stones. Adam is Professor of Science Communication at the University of Gloucestershire where he teaches ecology, behaviour, evolution, and field biology. An entomologist by training, much of Adam’s research work now focusses on African ecology and conservation, including award-winning work on anti-poaching. Richard is an accomplished board director, entrepreneur, and conservationist with over 30 years global, sustainable business experience – working within industry, academia, and non-profit organisations.
“We are delighted to welcome both Adam and Richard onto our Board of Trustees,” said Stephen Kings, Chair of the Board. “Both Adam and Richard bring a tremendous level of knowledge and expertise to the Board.”
