Dr David Wingate Celebrates 90th Birthday
Saturday, October 11th marked the 90th birthday of Dr. David Wingate, the celebrated Bermudian naturalist whose rediscovery of the once-extinct Cahow at age 15 launched a lifelong legacy in conservation.
A spokesperson said, “Saturday, October 11th marks the 90th Birthday of David Wingate who in 1951 – as a 15 year old – was a member of the 3-person team which rediscovered the Cahow on an islet in the Castle Harbour, which had been long-thought to have been extinct. The teen – known for his sense of adventure – had been invited to join the team by Louis Mowbray – Director of BAMZ – and Robert Murphy – Curator of Birds @ the American Museum of Natural History.
“Imagine Bermuda invites families to join in celebrating this community exemplar, who has received recognition – from home & abroad – for his pioneering contribution which has had global implications.
“From early youth, David has accessed his personal agency; manifested his sense of wonder, regardless of peer pressure and courageously overcome challenges. All this, in tirelessly restoring Endangered Species while laying an important foundation for us to sustain Bermuda’s delicate balance.
“Families are encouraged to use this weekend to celebrate David Wingate’s contribution by engaging in informal discussions that could benefit all involved.
Potential Discussion Points with Your Children:
- The teenage David Wingate was teased by some fellow Saltus students because of his passion for Nature/Environment and nick-named – Bird.
- He ignored that peer pressure and persevered; becoming involved in that iconic Rediscovery of the Cahow.
- He went on to complete his Bachelors at Cornell University and as Conservation Officer established a prototype for restoring Endangered Species globally, at Nonsuch; much of this involved going ‘Over & Beyond’ with limited resources.
- The success of restoring a sustainable population of Cahows has provided a globally respected template.
- His passion over the decades has had an impact on the Island’s whole natural environment.
- David’s example has inspired many; including Miguel Mejias; a former CedarBridge student who also overcame Peer Pressure and engaged as a volunteer at BAMZ, during his teens. Inspired by Wingate, Miguel pursued Ornithology and eventually attained his PhD in this regard, some 3 years ago.
- This background offers a context to discuss the implications of peer pressure, which is highly leveraged in the current culture dominated by Social Media.
“This offers everyone the reminder that as Humans – at our Best – we all, are Always Learning .”
Dr. Carika Weldon said, “We decided to name our research lab after Dr Wingate as you may know our launch project was the cahow project and we launched CariGenetics on Dr Wingate’s 87th birthday in 2022, in which we attended as well. Dr Wingate is my Bermudian science mentor and I am grateful to him for his work and the collaboration thus far.”
Read More About
Category: All, Environment
