Member-only story

Sanctuary: The Story of Naturalist Mary Majka

Anthony Wells

·14.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Shmuel Cohavy

4 min read · 1 week before

101 View Claps

6 Respond

Save

Listen

In a world where the natural world often takes a backseat to human endeavors, there are those who dedicate their lives to preserving and protecting it. Mary Majka was one such individual, a pioneering naturalist whose unwavering passion for wildlife left an enduring legacy on the conservation movement.

Sanctuary: The Story of Naturalist Mary Majka

by Shmuel Cohavy

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4343 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages

Born in 1925 in rural Pennsylvania, Mary Majka's love for animals was evident from a young age. She spent countless hours exploring the woods and fields near her home, observing the intricate web of life that surrounded her. As she grew older, her passion only intensified, leading her to pursue a degree in biology at the University of Pittsburgh.

After graduating, Mary began working as a naturalist for the National Audubon Society. It was during this time that she witnessed firsthand the devastating impact that human activities were having on wildlife. Determined to make a difference, she left Audubon to establish her own wildlife sanctuary in 1963.

Mary's sanctuary, known as the "Wild Place," was a haven for injured and orphaned animals. She tirelessly nursed them back to health, rehabilitating them for release back into the wild. However, Mary's work extended far beyond individual animal care. She recognized the importance of educating the public about the plight of wildlife and the need for conservation.

Through public lectures, guided nature walks, and her popular radio show, Mary shared her knowledge and passion with countless people. She inspired a new generation of conservationists and ignited a love for nature in the hearts of many.

Mary's unwavering dedication to wildlife protection did not go unnoticed. In 1972, she was awarded the prestigious Free Download of Canada, one of the highest civilian honors bestowed by the Canadian government. She also received numerous other awards and accolades throughout her career, recognizing her invaluable contributions to the field of conservation.

Beyond her work at the Wild Place, Mary was instrumental in establishing other wildlife sanctuaries and conservation organizations. She played a key role in the creation of the Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario and served on the board of directors for the World Wildlife Fund Canada.

Mary Majka's legacy extends far beyond her own lifetime. The Wild Place continues to operate as a wildlife rehabilitation center and educational facility, inspiring countless visitors with its mission of compassion and conservation.

Mary's story is a testament to the transformative power of one person's passion and dedication. Her unwavering belief in the importance of protecting wildlife and her ability to inspire others has left an indelible mark on the world. Sanctuary: The Story of Naturalist Mary Majka is a captivating account of her extraordinary life, providing a rich source of inspiration and knowledge for anyone who cares about the natural world.

In the words of Mary Majka herself, "We are all part of nature, and we have a responsibility to protect it. Every living creature deserves our respect and compassion."

Sanctuary: The Story of Naturalist Mary Majka

by Shmuel Cohavy

4.5 out of 5