Write a comment
The USPCA have appointed County Down naturalist Dara McAnulty as their first Charity Ambassador. In 2022 Dara became the youngest recipient on King Charles III’s first New Year’s Honours List and was awarded a BEM for services to nature and the autistic community.
Dara is also a multi-award-winning author and conservationist and is currently studying Biological Natural Sciences at Queens’ College, Cambridge. He is a passionate and fervent campaigner for the natural world, a dedicated fundraiser, philanthropist, volunteer and wildlife recorder.
Dara has published three books to date including ‘Diary of a Young Naturalist’, ‘Wild Child: A Journey Through Nature’ and ‘A Wild Child’s Book of Birds’.
Dara also has a rescue greyhound 'Rosie'. Talking about his new appointment Dara said “I am honoured to take on the role. It’s a natural fit. The USPCA provides a wide range of services across Northern Ireland to advance animal welfare, including an expanding wildlife rescue service supported by an amazing group of volunteers. Through my platform, I will be adding my voice to support their campaigns and highlight the wonderful services they provide in making such a difference to our native wildlife. The charity depends solely on public donations, so I am hoping the new partnership will help to contribute towards raising vital funds also”.
Nora Smith CEO of the USPCA commented “We are lucky and honoured that Dara has joined the USPCA as our first Ambassador. The USPCA has a long history of advancing animal welfare dating back to 1836. Now Dara is part of our journey, and we very much look forward to working with him. He has achieved so much already in highlighting the importance of looking after our native wildlife better. His passion and authenticity to use his voice to create more awareness and champion animal welfare is nothing short of incredible”.
Dara divides his time between Cambridge, where he is studying Biological Natural Sciences at Queens’ College and County Down, where he lives with his family (including Rosie the rescue greyhound) at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, beside the sea.
More information on the new partnership will be revealed in the weeks and months ahead. Dara has committed to supporting key campaigns and will hold a special event for USPCA members and supporters.
Read more about Dara at daramcanulty.com
