Dr. Emily Crawford is a veterinarian and conservation advocate whose lifelong fascination with the natural world has shaped a dynamic and evolving career. Growing up near the Cincinnati Zoo, she developed an early passion for wildlife through volunteer work with zoo veterinarians and educational programming focused on the protection of African wildlife and their habitats. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University, completed advanced training at a specialty hospital in Massachusetts, then moved to Vermont, where she established a successful small animal veterinary practice in Waterbury.

Emily’s professional focus has expanded in recent years to include wildlife conservation and education. Her first safari in Tanzania with Smithsonian Journeys proved transformative, as seeing wildlife in their native habitats reaffirmed her desire to contribute more directly to conservation efforts in Africa. She is particularly interested in cheetahs and other large cats and is working to make an impact through conservation advocacy and public education. By combining her veterinary expertise with her passion for wildlife, Emily brings a unique perspective to safari-based educational travel. She is excited to share her knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm for African wildlife, helping to deepen understanding of biodiversity and the importance of protecting these remarkable animals and their habitats.