Meet Emily Fletcher, Felidae's new biologist

I came to college with little more than a love of animals. In my small Central Valley hometown, that pointed to one path: veterinary medicine. But having lost my cat at a young age, I knew I couldn’t face the euthanasias that come with shelter work. What she left me with was the certainty that I wanted to help animals like her.

Following my older sister, I chose Environmental Science, which introduced me to molecular chemistry, ecology, watershed restoration, geographic techniques and graduate research in disease ecology. It showed me that helping animals could happen on a far larger scale, from my own backyard to the Santa Cruz Mountains.

I volunteered wherever my professors pointed me: restoring native lupine in the Presidio for the blue butterfly, examining ticks for Lyme disease research, replanting native habitat for deer and pollinators, and planting drought-resistant trees in San Jose. That path led me to Felidae.

Along the way, I learned that protecting animals takes people working in every corner of the field. At Felidae Conservation Fund, I contribute to research, educate my community and work alongside dedicated wildlife advocates to build awareness and protection for pumas. I hope the people I work with feel the same connection I’ve found in this work: a chance to coexist with pumas, and with one another.