Learning from the Wild — Writing, Conservation, and Hope with Brenda Scott Royce

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What if hope isn’t a feeling—but something you do?

From caring for orphaned rhinos to writing books that spark curiosity, this episode explores how learning, conservation, and community come together in powerful ways.

In Episode 167 of Adventures in Learning, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor is joined by Brenda Scott Royce, author, former primate caregiver, and conservation advocate, for a heartfelt conversation about learning from the natural world.

Brenda shares her journey from publishing and primate care to writing books that connect children with animals and conservation. Together, Diane and Brenda reflect on their recent trip to South Africa with Children’s Book Creators for Conservation (CBCC)—from reading aloud to preschoolers to hands-on conservation work at a rhino orphanage.

This episode is a reminder that learning happens through curiosity, connection, and action—and that, as Brenda reminds us, hope is a verb with its sleeves rolled up.

🕒 Episode Chapters & Timestamps

01:00 — Writing, Primates, and Purpose

Following curiosity instead of a straight career path

06:30 — Writing Books That Connect Kids to Animals

Stories, nonfiction, and nurturing curiosity

08:20 — Helping Children Fall in Love with Nature

Access, observation, and letting kids lead

10:05 — Why CBCC and South Africa

Traveling with like-minded creators for conservation

15:20 — Meeting Lazula: A Rhino Full-Circle Moment

From fundraiser photo to bottle-feeding a rhino

18:40 — Conservation, Community, and Responsibility

What real change looks like on the ground

24:00 — Seeing the Whole Ecosystem

Why animals—and learning—aren’t isolated

33:30 — Continuing the Work: Chimps in Zambia

Solo conservation work after South Africa

38:00 — Hope Is a Verb

What brings hope right now

🔗 Links & Resources

• Children’s Book Creators for Conservation (CBCC)
• Wild Tomorrow and blog about the trip
• Publishers Weekly article about the trip
• Brenda Scott Royce — books & writing
• Connect with Brenda on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky

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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.