us ben David loves animals, all animals. He shows no partiality toward any one of the many species exhibited at his World of Reptiles and Birds Park on the Vineyard Haven/Edgartown Road. “Each and every one is incredible,” says Gus. “Each is an evolutionary wonder.” And he tries to instill this appreciation of individuality to the young people who make up the majority of visitors to his wildlife park. “Each child is special, yet we try to turn everyone into an academic. We all have different abilities and I try to show kids that it’s just as important to be a bus driver as a doctor or lawyer.” He makes an effort to emphasize the importance of following your heart when deciding what you want to pursue in life.

Yet, ben David himself turned away from his own lifelong ambition of running a zoo when he accepted the position of director for Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary in 1969. Although he loved his job as resident naturalist at Felix Neck, he says “My dream was on hold for 36 years.”

Today, ben David is following his own advice. Since retiring from Felix Neck in 2005, Gus has devoted himself full time to the zoo that has its origins in a wildlife exhibit ben David started with his uncle when he was nine years old. Gus ‘n Gus Wildlife Farm has evolved 54 years later into the World of Reptiles and Birds, but the owner is still at heart the same kid who was born with a love of nature. Says Gus, “Contrary to human behavior, there wasn’t a moment when a light bulb went off. I knew from the day I was born that I had a love of living things. It’s only grown in intensity.”

Where are you from? I’m a third generation islander. I grew up on a Vineyard farm.

What’s your background? I earned a degree in poultry science from Stockbridge School of Agriculture then served in the US Army until 1966.
I was appointed Director of Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary from 1969-2005

What was your connection with animals growing up? My father kept all kinds of poultry. We were also a hunting and fishing family.  As a kid I was a falconer. I used to do a lot of hunting with red tail hawks and great horned owls

Have you ever been injured on the job? When I was younger I had some fairly serious bites. Anytime this happened it was when I made mistakes. It’s the same as working with electricity or riding motorcycles, you learn to be super cautious.

What do you love most about the Vineyard?
I love the community and the history of the island. The Vineyard has a fascinating past and I love history.

What’s the downside? I’m 63 so I’ve seen a lot of changes. The island, in a way, is a victim of her own beauty. But I still wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing? I’m fascinated with flight. I study aerodynamics in relation with birds so I think I could see myself as a commercial pilot or in aviation somehow.   

What lessons do you hope to teach children? I educate that there is no cruelty in nature. We are the only vicious animal in the world and I hope we can evolve. I’ve also worked w/kids that’ve gotten into trouble and were sentenced to community service at Felix Neck. It was great to see the change in their attitudes.

What's next for Gus ben David? I’ll continue to build the park up. It was open full time for the first time last summer and it’s finally holding its own financially. And eventually I want to write my memoirs.

You can visit The World of Reptiles and Birds Park on certain weekends this winter. To see Gus’ collection of  reptiles, amphibians and birds from eagles to swans, call ahead (508-627-5634) for days and hours. If you're interested in finding out how you can help or would like more info on the park  visit  www.reptilesandbirds.com

by Gwyn McAllister photography by David Welch

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