A cow is not a cheetah. Yet against all odds, the fate of this iconic cat will be forever tied to a farm boy from Chandlerville, Illinois, whose would-be career as a livestock husbandry scientist took a wild turn forty years ago. David E. Wildt renowned scientist and conservationist died at his Strasburg home on January 15, 2020, surrounded by his family. He was 69. Wildt retired as the Director of the Smithsonian's Conservation Biology Institute's Center for Species Survival in December 2018. A seminal leader in conservation biology, his prolific breakthroughs in reproductive biology and population genetics benefited wildlife enormously. Wildt developed ground-breaking assisted reproductive technologies for giant pandas to name just one of more than 50 endangered species that benefited from his work. His scientific legacy includes more than 300 scientific papers and mentorship and training of hundreds of students and colleagues around the world.

In 2017, Wildt received the Smithsonian Institution's Distinguished Scholar Award in the Sciences. He also received awards from Illinois State University, the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Wildt was one of the visionary founders of the Conservation Centers for Species Survival, now based in Texas. This unique consortium was born from an urgent need for science-driven programs and greater collaboration between facilities managing critically endangered species and private landowners.

In 1994, Wildt married fellow conservationist Susie Ellis, executive director for the International Rhino Foundation. Their collaboration has had a huge impact on a variety of species including cheetah, giant panda, and rhino. His family was his greatest joy. He is survived by daughter Chelsea Taft, her husband Beau and grandsons Noah and Jackson, as well as stepsons Zachary Joseph (wife Cassie), and Maxwell Joseph (wife Stephanie), and granddaughter Everett as well as numerous treasured academic offspring. He also is survived by his mother, Louise Wildt, brother Alan Wildt (wife Margaret) of Virginia, IL, and their three children.

Wildt was born and raised in rural Illinois. Cherishing his farm heritage, one of his prize possessions later in life was his 1950 John Deere A tractor, a family heirloom. He realized a lifetime dream of driving it across Michigan's Mackinac Bridge in 2018. Closer to home, he was a founding member of "Men at Meatloaf," a group of six cherished friends who meet religiously at the Strasburg Diner on Tuesday nights for dinner.

He received his bachelor's degree from Illinois State University in 1972 and his master's degree from Michigan State University in 1973. He completed his doctoral studies at Michigan State University, studying physiology and animal husbandry.

Wildt is remembered as an insatiable worker, eminent scientist, highly ethical leader, caring mentor, farm-boy at heart, and a loving father and husband.

Funeral services will be held in Virginia, Illinois, at Salem Lutheran Church at 10:30 a.m. on February 8, 2020. He will be buried in Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia, Illinois. A memorial service and celebration of his life will take place later this Spring in Strasburg, Virginia.

We have set up a fund to honor his work. Gifts made in Wildt's memory will support a lecture series that honors his legacy and passion for educating students by bringing renowned science leaders and eminent researchers to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute to inspire the public as well as the next generation of conservation leaders. Donations can be made through
https://give.conservationnation.org/campaign/in-memory-of-david-wildt/c268731

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Northern Virginia Daily on Feb. 4, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for David Wildt

7 Entries

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Rachel Schulte

Sent Flowers

Hilda Mauck

February 5, 2020

May you R.I.P. Dave. You will be sorely missed each and every day.

Robert Long

February 4, 2020

David Wildt was a young man of 14 years old when I began teaching music in Chandlerville. He was a trumpet player in the band while I spent three years teaching there. I remember his talent, his devotion to what he was doing and his wit. He was from a family that knew how to buckle down and get the job done whether it be on the farm or at school. I am sorry for his family to loose this young man at such an early age. He will certainly be missed by all those that knew him.

DennisD. & Linda G. Stickley

February 4, 2020

Susie, you and your families are in our Prayers and our Thoughts at this time. GODS SPEED.

Mary Ann Shelton

February 3, 2020

It was a pleasure to work with Dr. Wildt helping administer his Smithsonian research grants and contracts in the late 1980s, knowing he was looking out for creation around the world. Years later I sought his good advice to help Spain protect the endangered Iberian Lynx from extinction. Grateful for his generosity and kindness. Vaya con Dios, Dr. Wildt!

John Berry

February 3, 2020

Dave was one of this world's finest conservationists and his life's work was dedicated to making our natural world more abundant and our precious wildlife more resilient. His leadership brought countless species back from the brink, and his work on genetics has become the benchmark for all working in wildlife both now and forever. It was a Dave who launched an international effort to conserve giant pandas, starting work with his Chinese colleagues with only a simple wooden table as their first tool in what would grow to be the world recognized lab in Chengdu. Dave was a tireless and ever patient and creative ambassador in multiple countries - going wherever wildlife needed help regardless of the dangers involved for himself. He was a teacher and mentor to multiple generations of conservation scientists, and an internationally respected - nay, revered - conservation leader whose quiet word was often the last, because he was nearly always right. But it was his ever present integrity, his warm and easy laugh, and his tireless and persistent dedication to helping any man, woman or animal in need that made you love him. Our world is better because of his life. And everyone owes this great man a debt of gratitude for all that he accomplished, especially every wild creature, who I am sure solemnly join in quiet thanksgiving for David Wildt. Susie, to you and the family, my love and deepest condolences. Respectfully, John Berry

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