Astrid Vargas: The Case for Joy in Conservation

Conservation biologist Dr. Astrid Vargas has helped bring black-footed ferrets and Iberian lynx back from the brink of extinction. Her experience has taught her that species recovery depends as much on human relationships as it does on science...and that joy, creativity, and balance are essential to sustaining the work.Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Madrid, Astrid joins Dan Imhoff in Valencia, Spain, to trace a career devoted to wildlife restoration. She discusses the disagreements, political pressures, and community partnerships behind conservation efforts, and why protecting an endangered animal means caring for the entire ecosystem it inhabits.Astrid also shares how painting, music, and theater help conservation teams collaborate and reconnect with their purpose. And she tells the story behind her book, On a Butterfly’s Wing: Lessons from Nature on Embracing Change: an injured butterfly she cared for during her mother’s final months, whose unexpected life became a lesson in adaptation and possibility.A conversation about restoring wildlife, preventing burnout, and making room for the wonder that inspires us to protect the natural world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.