We recently connected with Colleen Pace and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Colleen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My most meaningful project began in the fall of 2021. I started Wild Things & Wisdom Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Animal Education Program in Pinellas County Florida. I take different types of exotic pets to local schools, camps, rehabilitation facilities and even private homes to educate people about these wonderful creatures we share this planet with. I also go into the reasons I have acquired these critters. Some, I have purchased, some were given to me, some were lost but never reunited with their families, and some, were rescued. All have different and unique back stories.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My entire life I have always loved animals. I have had anything from cute little fuzzy mice to huge snakes and EVERYTHING in between. Although I desperately wanted to become a veterinarian, that never played out. In the spring of 2020, I opened a pet store with a business partner. Thinking it would go very well with my love of animals.

For personal reasons, it was not successful and closed down after only 18 months. However, within those 18 months over 36 animals were brought in and surrendered due to a variety of reasons i.e. the kids lost interest, they couldn’t afford the upkeep, did not realize how long the animal lived, did not realize how big the animal got, etc.

Among those 36 animals a 7 foot Boa Constrictor Imperator was relinquished in August 2020. She had been left in a 2x2x3 ft plastic dog crate. Forgotten and neglected for well over a year. The bottom of the crate was filled with old sheds and excrement. She had no water and certainly had not been fed. She was starved, dehydrated, emaciated, had a variety of parasites, and was suffering from bacterial and respiratory infections. She weighed only 9 pounds and was near death. The vet was surprised she was still alive and did not give much hope for a recovery.

With a regimen of antibiotics, and a reintroduction to food, she slowly showed signs of health. Today, she is a healthy and robust 30 pounds and almost 8ft long! I named her Kah, from the story The Jungle Book. She is often the star of the show in my programs.

Kah, is the reason I started Wild Things & Wisdom Inc. Animals do not have a voice that we can understand. I have committed myself to giving these beautiful and fascinating animals that voice. Hopefully, I will spread knowledge about them so that fewer are left in situations like Kah.

A variety of animals (mostly reptiles, but a few furry and feathered ones are among them) now call my house their home. During my programs, participants are able to pet, touch, and even hold most of the animals I bring.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Earlier in this interview, I mentioned that I had opened a pet store that was closed after only 18 months. This was a pivotal point in my life/career. The pet store itself was thriving and for all intents and purposes it was a success. However, I realized I had partnered with someone whom I did not know well enough. Hind sight is ALWAYS 20/20.

When things go badly between two people, it’s rarely only one persons fault. Most people don’t or can’t admit this. I am fully aware of my portion of the problems that caused this partnership to fail.

From this experience I learned that sometimes I can be too nice, I can be too accommodating, and I let this person take advantage of me financially. I also wasn’t able to admit when I was wrong about something or that my way wasn’t always the best way.

Out of the “ashes” of this particular journey, I was able to rebuilt my finances and grow into a better person. I realized that the welfare of these animals was VERY important to me, not the bottom line or a profit.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing for me is when I see a person fall in love with an animal I’ve talked about or they realize that the creepy crawly spider or the scary snake isn’t so creepy or scary. I love opening a persons mind to these critters. No matter if they have fur, scales, fins or feathers, they are all amazing in one way or another!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Wildthingsandwisdom2
• Facebook: Wild Things & Wisdom