Ed Straight – President of Wildlife, Inc.
He coordinates our Educational Programs and the Manages our Informational Booth. He has worked as a paramedic, and became Chief of the Manatee County, Florida EMS and 911 system. He was on the Manatee County Sheriff’s Reserve for twenty-seven years and served as treasurer for that organization for over 20 years. He was also the treasurer of the Florida Association of County EMS Providers for over 10 years. And, served as a Commissioner for the City of Bradenton Beach.
He is originally from St. Petersburg, FL. Graduated from Columbia Union College with a BA in Psychology.
Damen Hurd – Vice President of Wildlife, Inc.
Resident Vet Tech, Venomous Reptile & Crocodilian Handler
Originally from Michigan, Damen eventually found his way to Florida in 2004, and started doing what he loved… he took a position as the Wildlife Rehabilitator/Director of Wildlife Rescue for Pelican Man’s Bird sanctuary and Wildlife hospital. After maintaining that position for three years, Damen became part of the Veterinarian technician team at West bay Animal Hospital until his departure in 2010.
Damen took on other major roles in 2007, which also utilized and tested his knowledge of animal medicines on a daily basis, eventually leading him to SW Florida Venom Farm in 2014. Damen has held the role of Volunteer VP and wildlife rehabilitator for Wildlife, Inc. Education & Rehabilitation Center, as well as Manager of Wildlife, Inc. Education & Rehabilitations Centers public wildlife facility.
With his background in place, Damen has a skill set that is utilized often at SW Florida Venom Farm. Damen holds a multitude of state permits to include FWC VRC, ESA, & ESC licenses. He continues to incorporate his medical knowledge with any ailing reptile at the “farm”, making him an irreplaceable asset to the company. Damen is SW Florida Venom Farms “goto” person for the treatment of all of our reptile species and is always first on the scene to address any issues that arise. Among his weekly rounds at the farm, Damen also assists in the venom extraction process of our mambas, cobras, rattlesnakes, etc.
In conclusion, Damen never ceases to amaze us with his passion and care of the reptiles and by the ever evolving medical treatment methodology he continues to incorporate.
Gail Straight – Treasurer of Wildlife, Inc.
Our licensed rehabilitator, has been past president, Vice President and Secretary of the Florida Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (FWRA) and has been on its board for over twenty-two years. She edited the FWRA newsletter for fifteen years, and has had key roles in organizing its annual conference.
Along with as many as fifteen volunteers during “baby season,” Gail provides and supervises all rehabilitation and rescue activities, and is responsible for all the paperwork required by both federal and state licensure. A “normal” work day runs fifteen hours, and there are no “vacations.”
Gail has conducted programs for head trauma patients, and Christmas programs for children with severe and incurable diseases, and their families. Wildlife, Inc. has also participated in school science fairs, and programs, some for over thirteen years.
Linda S. Hamilton – Secretary of Wildlife, Inc.
Linda works as a rescuer and has appeared on Bradenton’s Educational TV with Wildlife Inc. weekly Program. She is, also, the Owner and Senior Financial Planner for LifeLong Financial Planning. She is a Registered Financial Consultant(RFC) and a Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS®). She holds a General Securities Registration and has multi- state Health and Life Insurance License. She was a former Retail Buyer for Bealls Department Stores and May Company stores; Famous Barr and Venture Stores, Inc. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri.
Linda has lived with her husband in Manatee County Florida since 1986. She is a proud parent of two adopted Beagles. She is a certified member of DART(Disaster Animal Response Team, CERT(Citizens Emergency Response Team, SART(State Agriculture Response Team) and LART (Large Animal Response Team. She has taken up to course #400 in the Incident Command System (ICS).