FROM PASSION TO PURPOSE: THE JOURNEY OF A CARIBBEAN WILDLIFE CONSERVATIONIST

The path to becoming a birder looks different for everyone. Sometimes it happens naturally, or it occurs by accident. No matter how you end up in the world of birding, one thing is certain – once you go bird, you never go back.

Shanna’s birding journey unexpectedly began in 2017, when Category 5 Hurricane Irma devastated Antigua and Barbuda causing catastrophic damage. The Barbuda Warbler – the country’s sole endemic bird – had not been seen for two weeks post-hurricane which raised alarms. Shanna was recruited as part of a survey team assembled by BirdsCaribbean to determine the hurricane’s impact on the Warbler’s population. While this was uncharted territory for her, she quickly discovered that she had a natural knack for detecting the colourful balls of fluff as they zipped through the trees and pinpointing the origin of their melodious songs. And just like that, her life changed, and she had officially become a birder. 

Witnessing the tenacity and resilience of this tiny songbird and its unwavering determination to thrive against the odds, had a profound impact on her and served as a catalyst for Shanna’s personal and professional journey as a wildlife conservationist. Today, eight years into her career, she’s known for rewilding ecosystems and cultivating human-nature relationships. Her life’s mission is to highlight the unique challenges faced by Caribbean wildlife, underscoring the urgent need for conservation action. 

Sit back, relax, and take flight as Shanna takes you on a whirlwind journey from passion to purpose as a young Caribbean conservationist!