Stephanie Ellis, Executive Director

Cynthia Wigren, CEO

Medical Director of the Birdsey Cape Wildlife Center  •  A Program of the New England Wildlife Centers

Mission: We believe that the more people have the opportunity to experience a connection with animals and the natural world, the more they understand their individual potential to positively impact themselves, our environment, and all living things. We value the vital role animals of all species play in the natural world, the ecology of our community, and in our own personal well-being.  We also believe in the power of kinesthetic learning – or learning by doing – to help people of all ages and backgrounds discover how they can contribute to building and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Our programs and services provide the critical link between animals and people in order to inspire environmental awareness and to provide the skills necessary to make a significant contribution to preserving nature for future generations.

Priya’s passion for wildlife medicine and rehabilitation first started during an undergraduate internship at New England Wildlife Center (NEWC) in 2007. It was that inspiring summer that put her on the path to pursuing a career in this field. Priya graduated from the Royal Veterinary College of London in 2014 and then completed an internship in wildlife medicine and conservation at Tufts Wildlife Clinic. There she developed a specialized interest in avian medicine and surgery. She then returned to NEWC as a part-time vet and now is very excited to work full time at Cape Wildlife Center.

Fun Fact: Priya’s favorite animals are ~ Owls, because they fly like ninjas! 

Kathy Zagzebski, M.E.M.

Former President & Executive Director  National Marine Life Center
• Current Executive Director of Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center.

Mission: The National Marine Life Center rehabilitates and releases stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in order to advance science and education in marine wildlife health and conservation.

Kathy joined the National Marine Life Center as President and Executive Director in March, 2005.  For the previous seven years, she led the Stranding Department at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California, where she was responsible for rescue operations along a 600-mile stretch of the California coast.  From 1997 to 1998, she served as Program Manager for the Georgia Coastal Management Program, and helped achieve a federally-approved coastal zone management program for the state.   She is a member of the Society of Marine Mammalogy, the International Sea Turtle Conservation, the American Cetacean Society, the National Marine Educators’ Association, and the Massachusetts Marine Educators’ Association.  An alumna of the Cape Leadership Institute of Cape Cod and the Islands, Kathy also serves on the board of the Bourne Financial Development Corporation, the Cape Cod Technology Council, the Massachusetts Marine Educators’ Association, and the Philanthropy Partners of Cape Cod and the Islands. Additionally, she serves on the Town of Bourne’s Wastewater Advisory Committee, the Main Street Steering Committee, and the advisory committee of the Environmental Technology Program at Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School.

Fun Fact: Kathy’s favorite animal ~ Too many to choose but I think Sea Turtles!