Our second June feature is conservationist and humanitarian Donovan Smith who has always had a love and appreciation for the natural world. Donovan’s attraction to unusual animals started at a very young age and has blossomed into an interesting career that has included handling and training the world’s most dangerous wildlife while also being a vendor at Walt Disney World, entertaining the President of the United States (6 times) and ultimately creating NGALA Wildlife Preserve. NGALA Wildlife Preserve is a high-end wildlife sanctuary that is utilized as an off-site meeting and special events venue, providing environmental education through unique, innovative, and, many times, a hands-on approach.
Donovan was severely burned in a wildfire while saving the preserve’s White Rhinoceros, Walter, resulting in burns that required skin grafts on over 20% of his body. During his month-long stay in the burn center, he started working with a child that was also burned, and was greatly inspired by this interaction to create a 501c(3) non-profit foundation that helps fund the care of wildlife.
Donovan is an Explorers Club member (MN 2002), for which he has also been appointed Special Projects Director for the Florida Chapter.
