In this incredible episode which you'll want to enjoy while being outdoors or visiting the Zoo, Nancy and Jose are joined in studio by Georgeanne Irvine, the unparalleled author and Director of Publishing for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Also joining Georgeanne was her amazingly bright intern, Malia Chin (expect great things from this young woman!). What comes through loud and clear from Georgeanne, a San Diego native and 44 year veteran of the San Diego Zoo, is her palpable passion and excitement for animals, wildlife and the need for children to feel a deep and direct connection to wildlife.

And how does she help foster this connection with children? Storytelling, naturally! Georgeanne shares with us the many amazing books the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Press has published, each one focused on one specific animal to create a real connection.
Whether it is Floyd the Flamingo or Karen the orangutan undergoing open heart surgery, Georgeanne is intentional in publishing inspirational books which will foster empathy and even courage as children tackle their own health challenges. Truly impactful work from Georgeanne and the team at the San Diego Zoo.

Here are some other amazing takeaways from the interview with Georgeanne:

- The Wildlife Alliance Press has intentionally not gone digital - hardcover books only!
- To tell the story well of a particular animal, photos are essential from the very beginning
as children engage with storytelling much better with photos
- The abundance of wildlife in San Diego is amazing and should be appreciated
- The mission of the San Diego Zoo is to help foster a world where all lives thrive and one
where we co-exist much better with wildlife
- The answers to the Rapid Fire questions!

A truly fun and important conversation from a peerless gap minder. Thank you, Georgeanne Irvine, for creating connections between children and wildlife, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.