When Georgeanne "George" Irvine was a child, she slept with a dozen stuffed animals on her bed--a lion, two teddy bears, a tiger, a monkey, and more. It was indicative of what was to come: a lifelong career at the San Diego Zoo as a champion for wildlife and conservation as well as an author of two dozen children's books about animals. Photographing and learning about animals in their native habitats are passions for George. Her worldwide adventures have taken her to many of the wildest places on Earth--from the jungles, mountains, and forests of Asia and South America to the savannas of Africa as well as the Outback of Australia. George has devoted more than 40 years of her colorful career to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where she is director of publishing.