Hey Kids,
Jake, the SeaDog here, I caught up with
Ruth while she was
out kayaking. Here's what I discovered...
Ruth is an award-winning writer, educator, and naturalist known for her unique and creative approach to marine and animal science. You may know her from her many magazine articles about animals or her latest books include National Geographic Kids EVERYTHING SHARKS
(National Geographic Children's Books 2011) and ULTIMATE WEIRD BUT TRUE (National Geographic Children's Books 2011).
She is also the driving force behind WhaleTimes' creative team. Here's what Ruth shared with us...
Ruth, what's your favorite animal? Usually my favorite animal is the one I’m writing about at the time, so at any moment it could be any number of sea otters or a sloth or tree-frog. Of course, right now sharks are my passion. But if pressed to be specific, I’d have to say...cookiecutter sharks, walruses, strap-toothed whales, Amazon river dolphins, hagfish, goblin sharks, transparent jellies...anything bioluminescent. Currently, sharks are my passion! They are in desperate need of champions, like kids, to save them.
When did you first get interested in the ocean?
In elementary school we learned about the ways scientists studied the sea. I
still remember the pictures of an ocean explorer walking along the bottom of
the sea, wearing a metal dive suit with the big helmet and the hose to the
boat so
she could breathe. It sounded so wonderful to me. It still does!
What's your most amazing experience with an ocean animal or in the ocean? I've been fortunate to have met many incredible ocean animals and had great experiences at sea, but the experience that stands above the rest is diving to the deep-sea in a submersible with two extraordinary scientists -- Tammy Frank and Edith Widder. Dr. Frank and Dr. Widder shared their knowledge while I was awestruck seeing through transparent fish and jellies and watching creatures glow...amazing. Seeing a part of the world few people see or understand made me even more committed to making WhaleTimes the window to the sea for kids.
What are two things do you do in your home to help the environment? We buy as much locally grown and produced products as we can. And, we recycle everything.
What is your goal for WhaleTimes? I want people to care about all ocean animals, not just the pretty and popular ones! And, I want everyone to part of the solution in saving sharks by joining use every 2nd Friday in May for Fintastic Friday: Giving Sharks a Voice. I am so excited that in the few months since Fintastic Friday was announced, we have schools, businesses, aquariums, and shark biologists around the country joining us, posting a "Shark Conservation Zone" sign, and more. I am so excited to witness the historic signing of Oregon's HB 2838 "The Shark Fin" Bill next month.