EAST LANSING, Mich. -- A childhood passion for animals has led Bret Muter down many paths, the latest of which may land him in South Africa for six weeks.
Muter, a doctoral student in the Michigan State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, was named one of five finalists in the "Wanna Be Like Jack Hanna" contest.
Jack Hanna is director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio, and is well known for his appearances on the "Late Show with David Letterman" and "Good Morning America."
The grand prize winner of the contest gets a six-week trip to South Africa to attend the Mantis Field Guide Academy at the Shamwari Game Reserve and an appearance on the Emmy-winning nationally syndicated series "Jack Hanna's Into the Wild." The series is filmed at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio.
Muter submitted his entry via video, which can be viewed here, as an explanation for why he wanted to be like Hanna.
"This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Muter, a Saginaw, Mich., native. "I grew up watching Jack's ‘Animal Adventures' program on Saturday mornings and have looked up to him since."
Muter's entry caught Hanna's attention.
"He shows amazing dedication to the animal world. Bret has worked hard to educate the public about the importance of conservation and the need to protect animals for future generations," Hanna said.
Muter earned his bachelor's degree in environmental biology from Ferris State University and his master's degree in fisheries and wildlife from MSU.
On campus, Muter is the editor of Fisheries and Wildlife: Spotlight, a student-run publication. His research focuses on the social aspects of bovine tuberculosis management in Michigan.
"Bret is an outstanding student and emblematic environmental citizen," said Meredith Gore, assistant professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and one of Muter's advisors. "He is on the fast track to become a leader in wildlife conservation and management in Michigan and beyond."
Muter said he's very happy to be among the top five candidates pursuing the big prize. He feels that his research focus is a bit different from the other four in that he specifically looks at the interactions between people and wildlife.
"The way I see myself making a difference is that I would like to work with people to find ways to engage communities to make sure that wildlife continues to be around," he said.
Voting for this final phase of the contest started on Nov. 23 and runs through Dec. 9. People can vote once per day per e-mail address. To vote, and to view all of the video entries, visit columbuszoo.org/contest/vote.aspx
Win or lose, Muter said he's honored to be in the top five.
"I have always been fascinated with animals. Growing up as an only child in a rural area, every day was an adventure as I explored the fields, forests and ditches near my home," Muter said. "In hindsight, it's not surprising that my childhood interest has shaped my career path and my desire to travel the world."
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