As we lose wild species at an unprecedented rate, we must take action to preserve our critically important wildlife. Wesley's career as a wildlife biologist has led him everywhere from the high arctic of Alaska to the deserts of Africa, and he's seen firsthand many of the threats facing wildlife. There are many challenges to wildlife conservation, but the incredible efforts of biologists to conserve threatened species can give us hope.

As a wildlife biologist, his focus has been on bear species and he has primarily worked with polar and black bears for the past 8 years. During that time Wes also has been able to assist on a number of other wildlife conservation efforts for species such as African wild dogs, American alligators, golden eagles, spotted eagle rays, northern elephant seals, American kestrels, etc. His work has taken him everywhere from the Arctic to Africa, and he believes that wildlife conservation is not only essential for the preservation of the world's animals, but also for the continuation of the human spirit.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx