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University of Georgia

Sylvia Taylor Obituary

TAYLOR, Sylvia Irene, of Temple Terrace, died unexpectedly January 6, 2005. She was born April 4, 1963, at Fort Stewart, Ga. Because her father was in the Army, she had lived in many places in the U.S. and abroad. After graduating as a veterinarian from the University of Georgia, she was employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture where she continued to work until her death. Sylvia is survived by her parents, Martin and Gertrud Taylor; her grandmother, Hildegard Rosenkranz; four aunts and uncles; and 13 cousins. Memorial services will be held 1 p.m. January 15, 2005, at the C.E. Prevatt Funeral Home, 9750 North 56th Street, Temple Terrace, Fla., (813) 988-7371.

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Published by TBO.com from Jan. 9 to Jan. 11, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Sylvia Taylor

Sponsored by Jim Moore.

65 Entries

Roger Sanderson

January 3, 2025

It is hard to believe that it has been 20 years since Sylvia´s death. I fondly remember going canoeing with her, concerts and other adventures. I think of her often when floating down the Hillsborough River in my canoe. You may be gone but certainly not forgotten.

Terri Parrott

January 3, 2023

Can´t believe it´s been this long! Remembering you today and your love for veterinary medicine and primates!
Terri Parrott DVM

Jim Moore

January 3, 2021

I can’t believe how long it’s been! I still miss her wisdom and guidance!

Terri Parrott

January 3, 2021

Sylvia, You were a few years younger and still your time here was filled with accomplishments! Our love fir Primates entwined our hearts!
Rest well my dear friend... No one since you has shown that expertise and passion!

Michael Laird

March 11, 2014

I was Sylvia's lab partner in Chemistry II during my senior year at Southwest Dekalb High School. She was certainly the brightest star in that class while I was probably at the other extreme. She is probably the only reason I did passably well and if she ever realized she was carrying me, she never betrayed a sign of it and was consistently upbeat and cheery whenever we were together. If it seems rather odd I've waited so long to post here it is because, while I have thought of her many times, I was afraid to look her up with the tools the internet has brought us. Sylvia had been very ill before I met her and her health seemed anything but robust. Seeing this site brings me mixed emotions. Looking back, I think I had convinced myself she would pass on at a much earlier age and what a tragedy that would be. It actually gladdens me immensely to see that she was in the world as long as she was, finding the time and using her brilliance and her spirit to do lasting good, make friends, obtain what I know must have been the well-earned respect of so many of her colleagues and, above all else, enjoy and make the most of the time she had.

dione woodley

January 1, 2009

hi i love white tigers

taylor koch

June 23, 2008

Hi my name is taylor and im 16 years old i have all ways been into animales and animal life style.

Geoff Patton Ph.D.

December 21, 2006

I was Marine Mammal Research Program Manager at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota (FL) at a time when we were first trying to develop the capability to rescue stranded dolphins, manatees, and whales. In the course of my work, I contacted USDA to ensure that our facilities were legally compliant. Sylvia came and listened to our explanations about how we were doing the best we could with our meager facilities. She understood our commitment to preserving marine mammals (and sea turtles) and to learning how better to save them. Marine mammal medicine was easily 50 years behind human medicine at that stage. She cared so much and helped with advice and all the latitude the law would allow. She laughed with us, dined with us, and learned with us. The Lab eventually developed world-class facilities and Sylvia will never be forgotten so long as I am alive for her gracious caring about our efforts on behalf of the animals. She was a cornerstone of the Marine Mammal Program’s ultimate success.

Caralee Stevens

September 12, 2006

I just heard about Sylvia as I haven't worked at USDA for four years. As a Licensing Assistant in California, I shouldn't have had any reason to talk to Sylvia, but I did quite often. Our link was the circuses that Wintered in Florida and traveled in Summer. She had a wonderful sense of humor and one of the few inspectors I could count on to respond quickly whenever I needed something. Such a shock to me - I will miss her. She was such a special lady.

Jim Moore

January 18, 2006

Its hard to believe its been a whole year. Its seems so unreal.

Jim Welch

February 21, 2005

Sylvia had the gift of being one of those rare individuals whom few understand what they did, but many were touched in ways they will never know. She was an outstanding individual and a consummate professional. My sympathy for her loss is extended to her family, her friends, and her colleagues.

Bill Gower

February 9, 2005

I knew Sylvia as the USDA inspector for our animal care and use program at the University of South Florida. As the IACUC chair it was my responsibility to meet with Sylvia on a regular basis. At our first meeting several years ago I remember feeling quite anxious at the thought of meeting with the USDA inspector. But she quickly put me at ease and always made me feel good about what I did for the program. She shared her thoughts on things that needed improvement but was always quick to point out the strengths. She was a very caring person with regard to the animals and was extremely insightful. She taught me a great deal and at the same time assured me of the importance of what I was doing. She is one of the main reasons that I have remained the IACUC chair for as long as I have. I will miss her and the fine work that she did for the animals, our program and me.

Wendy Mills

February 8, 2005

I was so lucky to have met Sylvia at the Chimpanzoo conference and to have had the opportunity to hear her speak. I could tell immediately she was an incredibly knowledgeable and special person. I am so sorry to hear this news - I know I was blessed to have met her. I'd like to send my sincerest condolences to all her family and friends.

Farah Moulvi

February 3, 2005

I met Sylvia three years ago, as our USDA inspector. Knowing that I was new in the field Sylvia also shared aspects of animal care with me that you couldn’t find in a textbook. She was a wealth of information and always providing guidance to our program. She was also a wonderful and caring person. She talked about her overseas trips and especially about the ones with her Grandmother. I remember once that she wanted to grab lunch and asked me for directions. I offered to join her, since I didn’t know my way around that area. We both ended lost, as we drive up and down one way streets and could see the place across the street yet couldn’t get there. This was a great experience, as we laughed about it later. Sylvia was the kind of person I looked up to …a genuinely nice person, with no hidden agendas. She has given so much to so many. I would like to send my condolences to her family, especially to her grandmother.

Diane Ward

February 2, 2005

I had the pleasure of knowing Sylvia for several years- I will miss her. Sylvia was one of a kind- cazey, fun loving, and lived life to the fullest. On one of her wild vacations to California (where I lived at the time) she actually stayed with us-- and taught my daughter the fun in "food fights" college style. It was a fun night, and a great memory. Sylvia, I hope you continue to be you, where ever you are. Peace be with you- from the entire Ward family.

Marti Hefner

February 1, 2005

I met and began working with Sylvia in 1991 in Tampa, FL. At first I thought this is a spoiled brat used to getting her way and a demanding one at that. As time passed I realized she was certainly a special character out of the ordinary. Sylvia was the type of person that always attracts my attention for all good reasons. It did not take me long to know that she was like no other I would ever meet. She had all kinds of characteristics from demanding to fun loving to intelligent to tender. After having met her a few times I realized how really bright she was and felt privileged to be working with her. She always had a special presentation for our yearly AC meetings. I recall one was on birds – she had us listen to birds for a minute or two and then guess what bird it was - no one did really good - but it was fun. Another time she shared primate enrichment devices that she had created, and yet at another meeting she shared her “vacation” to the world of elephants. She most surely had a wild since of humor that I often did not get. We were discussing food one day and out of no where she said, “I don’t eat anything unless it is alive”, I never figured that one out – merely chalked it up to another joke I would never get. She was one of the many bright spots in my life during my breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy treatment, and recovery. She called often just to see how I was doing, with no computers questions as she would put it - merely to make sure I was recovering gently and with good music. She always asked me what kind of music I liked – I told her the whales. She found somewhere, somehow a CD of whale sounds. It was gentle yet haunting at the same time somewhat like her. She made me feel special and loved even from far away. She cared so much sometimes it made me cry to the music she had sent me. She will always remain in my heart. Sylvia is a piece of my life – the colorful piece that I share with many.

Norma Harlan

January 28, 2005

Sylvia was the kind of friend you can,t describe. We first met when animal Care was first forming. She was full of fire and a passion for living few could equal. She had so many ideas and plans and seemed to always be getting them done. Maybe she knew her time would be short.

She always stayed in touch, always worried about friends she thought needed help. She cared about so many things, animals, people, causes, yet she never seemed overstretched. I have never met a more passionate and caring person in my life. I still feel a hole in my life where she should be. I only hope her little corner of heaven is populated with the animals she so passionately loved and cared for.

Jim Mahoney

January 25, 2005

Reading of Sylvia's death actually sent a cold shiver through me, my hair literally standing on the back of my neck. How could someone so young and full of life just stop to be?

Sylvia's deep caring for creatures unable to represent themselves must have made her walk through life a hard and diffult road -- perhaps tightrope might be a better way to describe it. She worked in an impersonal system, yet tried to give feeling to her own private thoughts.

The animals -- all animals, not just primates -- have lost a champion who I doubt can ever be replaced. And we human beings have lost a colorful character and friend.

Many's the night she and I had a beer or two, or more, together, got into arguments, had a lot of laughs. She never understand how I could sink to the level of drinking Budweiser, and she would try to get me to change over to Guinness, even if only out of patriotic duty.

We will all miss Sylvia, I know. My thoughts go out to her grandmother, whom she loved so deeply.

Beannacht Dae leat, a chara. Sleep with the Angels. Jim.

Ann Tishmack

January 24, 2005

I work at the Fort Collins, Western Region, Animal Care office and was surprised when Sylvia walked up to me and introduced herself one 2003, Fall day. You see she was from Eastern Region and I had helped her out over the phone numerous times so never expected to meet her in person. I was very glad to meet her and invited her and Dr. Kjos over to my place to meet my family and critters in Bellvue, take a drive to see deer and maybe Elk, then have dinner. The days were still long so took a drive up thru Stove Prairie and over to Hwy 14. Sylvia had this cool, new digital camera and was clicking away. She later emailed me those pix and I will send them to the Eastern Region office to hopefully get to her family. When darkness fell, went to a diner by our place that Dr. Kjos remembered from her Vet school days here; "Verns", where we laughed and had a great meal! I remember thinking how happy and proud to have the opportunity for the two, most important men in my life meet such esteemed women. I remember listening to Dr. Kjos and Sylvia converse the expertise of their jobs and remember thinking wow, these are two very accomplished women. It was an honor to be in their presence. Later, when I heard of her mustache incident (politically incorrect as it may have been)I had to chuckle as I thought "you go girl". God Bless Sylvia, her life and contributions (including humor), her family and loved ones.

Robert Willems

January 20, 2005

Sylvia was my friend. I met her about 15 years ago when we were both vets just starting work with the new USDA agency, Animal Care. At first I didn't really know what to make of her - she wasn't like most other people I knew. Her passion alone for the things she cared about set her apart. I quickly came to know her quite well, though.

We spent 6 weeks together in 1994 on the new Animal Care research preceptorship project. That was when we actually became friends. She turned what could have been a dull 6 weeks into an adventure. I remember her suddenly and without warning driving off a country road into a field - at 50 mph - because she thought she saw an unusual bird (she was a terrible driver, but an avid bird-watcher); I watched awe-struck as she expertly questioned researchers at length and in detail about their projects (her curiosity was amazing and insatiable); one Saturday we ran around NYC in the rain trying to get in as much as possible in the short time we had there (she had to experience EVERYTHING); we conducted endless searches - every day - for restaurants that served her brand of vegetarian fare (no compromising on her diet); we once argued so heatedly over some obscure research issue, I had to pull off the road somewhere in Maryland to avoid crashing(she always seemed to win her arguments with me); but there's too much more to relate here.

She always did her "vacations" differently, too. I remember sitting in a restauarant in Annapolis listening to her tell of her recent trip to Antarctica, and of the many shades of white she was able to capture on film. She saw the world more fully than most, and she couldn't get enough of it.

Sylvia was a good friend to animals. Those who knew her could easily see that. She also cared deeply about people, something many never got to see. In the time I knew her we laughed, we argued, we discussed, we criticized, we worked, we intellectualized, we planned and we dreamed. We had our differences and we had our similarities. Hard to believe it's come to an end. I will miss her a great deal. She was my friend.

2003 ChimpanZoo Conference, Boca Raton, Florida

Virginia Landau

January 19, 2005

It is with a great sense of sadness that we learned of the death of Sylvia Taylor, a thoughtful friend and intelligent woman. Sylvia worked passionately and diligently for animals. She was especially concerned about primates for whom she had a great love. Whenever we learned of a situation where a primate was in pain or in need, Sylvia could be expected to respond immediately with help. The mark of a truly caring person, she never forgot chimpanzees in crisis and continued to look after them until they were fully recovered.

Sylvia was not only a compassionate person but a very knowledgeable veterinarian. She worked hard to inform and educate us to the problems facing primates in captivity. She was as understanding of human needs as she was to the other primates that she loved.

For those of us who were fortunate to know her, the loss is overwhelming and it will take a great deal of time to accept the fact that we must continue on without her. We would like to extend our condolences to her family, friends and those with which she worked on a daily basis. We were very proud to call her a friend.

Virginia I. Landau
Erica Metelovski
ChimpanZoo: Research, Education and Enrichment
A Program of the Jane Goodall Institute

Susan Lambeth

January 19, 2005

I was so sad to hear of Sylvia's passing. I met her years ago when she came to Texas to learn more about chimps and primate behavior. She stayed here over a week and I quickly learned her zest for life, humor, intelligence and passion for primates. Sylvia and I saw each other throughout the years at meetings and worked together on many primate enrichment topics. The world has an empty space and she will be sorely missed.

Jerry DePoyster

January 19, 2005

Sylvia was an intelligent and caring soul who had a real passion for life. She was a friend and I will miss her.

Susan Kingston

January 18, 2005

Sylvia was passionate about her work for the animals. She was intelligent, direct, and full of courage. It is a great loss to all of us, but we are better for having known her.

Laurie Gage

January 18, 2005

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Sylvia's untimely passing. I met Sylvia years ago at an AAZV meeting. She always struck me as someone who was extremely passionate and knowledgable about care of all the animals. And when I started as a Specialist with the USDA last March, Sylvia was a wonderful resource to me to help me understand the job, and to help me with the transition of working as a Federal Employee, and as a fellow Specialist. She has contributed so much to the welfare and care of animals throughout the country, and to primates in particular. I know I have learned a great deal from Sylvia's contributions and I know there are countless people and animals whose lives Sylvia has touched in a very positive way. I wish I had more time to have known her better, but I am grateful for the time we did have together.

Sherrilyn Wainwright

January 18, 2005

As one of the instructors and facilitators at the Foreign Animal Disease School last January, I had the opportunity to meet Sylvia Taylor. I was impressed with her knowledege, compassion for animals and humans, sense of humor, and the constructive way she went about making a difference in Animal Care that bettered the lives of animals and, ultimately, of the people handling and caring for those animals. I, too, as others have said, feel we all were so lucky to have her touch our lives and sad that she left much too soon....as presented in that beautiful poem, her spirit will live on in the nature we find all around us and consequently in all of our hearts and thoughts. She has impacted our lives.

Brice Finney

January 18, 2005

Sylvia is one of our kindred spirits and although I will miss her physical presence her spirit lives on in Animal Care's work and efforts.

Nancy Ellifrit

January 18, 2005

My people believe when a person dies, the name dies also. To say the name would keep the spirit earthbound, and tempt it to hover over the physical world. It is right to let a spirit go free, to enter The Way, to pursue its own destiny. It is the belief that every single thing in this world is an Earth-reflection of a Star. So I'm letting you go my friend but I'll see you each night when the stars shine, I know you'll be the brightest one out there.

Susan Mikota

January 17, 2005

A memorial service for Sylvia was held on January 15. I had the honor of sharing my remembrances. This is what I said:

Sylvia would definitely be embarrassed by all of us gathering here today to say nice things about her. But I would hope that she would understand that this gathering is as much about those who are present as it is about Sylvia. While we are all here to honor Sylvia’s memory we are also here to heal our own pain at the loss of a daughter, a grand-daughter, a dear friend, a colleague.

Sylvia was my friend and colleague. From the first instant I met Sylvia – at an elephant meeting – we became friends – Sylvia had that effect – I am sure many of you know what I mean. Last August I assumed her USDA position here in Tampa and I have been following in her footsteps for the past several months. During this time I have experienced first hand the legacy that Sylvia has left – it is a legacy of compassion for animals and their welfare – a legacy of education, of stepping lightly on this planet, of appreciating nature, of kindness.

This past week has been especially difficult for me as I have had to tell Sylvia’s licensees of her untimely death. At first there was shock but then there was an absolutely incredible out-pouring of stories of the impact that Sylvia has had. Almost all of the facilities I visited had made improvements that they were waiting to show her. Look – I added this shade structure that you suggested. Isn’t it great? And the tigers have stainless steel bowls now. It wasn’t just one facility that I went to this week where this happened – it was all of them. Some confided that at first Sylvia was tough but then admitted that when they followed her recommendations their animals were healthier and happier.

Many of you may not know that Sylvia didn’t really take vacations. She used her annual leave to travel to developing countries to volunteer her veterinary expertise to help animals – elephants, primates, whatever animals needed care. She brought supplies, knowledge, and compassion. In so doing she developed a global network of people who care – about individual animal welfare and about the future survival of species on our planet. We talked about her idea of developing a Vets Without Borders Program. Her impact radiates far beyond the United States and her international colleagues are saddened by her passing.

Sylvia’s greatest love and expertise was the care and welfare of primates. She had only this past year assumed her position as the primate specialist – a position for which she was uniquely qualified. She did not get the chance to develop that position and finding someone with her qualifications will not be easy. The loss of Sylvia is a loss for primates in North America.

Ghandi once said “ My life is my message.” Sylvia’s life was also her message and if she were here today I think her message to us would be to

tread lightly on this planet

eat low on the food chain

be kind to all animals

celebrate and preserve nature

There are a few more words that Sylvia might say if she could speak to us right now ...

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there. I did not die.

Dave Miller

January 17, 2005

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Sylvia's passing. I met her at an AAZV conference a few years ago, and had always enjoyed her spirit and enthusiasm. Her energy and commitment will be greatly missed.

Carol Buckley

January 15, 2005

Sylvia was courageous and dedicated, a friend to all she encountered. Her motivations were pure and her approach direct. I am richer for having known her.

Melissa Koberna

January 15, 2005

I was truly shocked and saddened by the passing of Sylvia. I have known her for many years as our USDA inspector at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. She always had a new story to tell on each visit about the exotic place she had most recently traveled to. She was a wonderful, dynamic person who was incredibly intelligent and respected. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Randy Coleman

January 15, 2005

I met Sylvia two years ago when I started with Animal Care. She was an institution of primate knowledge that we used to better the lives of animals all over the U.S. Her death is a loss to not only friends and family but the employees of Animal Care she supported during her time here. My deepest sympathy to her family.

Lisa Stoner

January 14, 2005

The staff and volunteers of Peace River Refuge & Ranch send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sylvia Taylor.

Dr. Taylor had endless enthusiasm for improving the quality of care for captive animals, especially primates. We always enjoyed our conversations with her, as her dedication and compassion were second to none.

Rest in peace Sylvia, we will all miss you.

Harvey McKelvey

January 14, 2005

I have known Sylvia for many years. I first met her about 1990 when we both attended a National Work Conference for Animal Care, an agency for which we both worked. Sylvia and I spent an interesting and memorable month together while working in England during the last FMD outbreak. Sylvia had a comendable work ethic and her motivations were always for the best interest of the animals. I also admired her ability to simply take off for literally anywhere with just the minimum of planning and luggage. I remember once telling her about a book I had read, called "Endurance",about the ill fated antarctic voyage of Ernest Shackleton; an incredible story of survival. She immediately informed me that she had seen his grave on South Georgia Island on a voyage she took to antartica. I was quite impressed. One of her last trips was to Nepal and she gave me a hat she had purchased there for me. I will miss her.

Jeanne Lorang

January 14, 2005

Sylvia was smart, funny, compassionate, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. She could also be a wild child! I knew her for many years as a co-worker in Animal Care. One of the first lessons I was taught about Sylvia was "never, ever, get in a car with her driving". A piece of advice I was always grateful for, and passed on to many people. I like to think I saved several people from heart attacks with that warning. A trip to a bookstore and a brewery in Portland 15 years ago was enough to almost kill me! She could be demanding, and she was passionate, about her life and her work. She will be sorely missed both professionally and personally. I'm glad she lived her life to the fullest, travelling all over the world, rising to a place of respect in AC, and caring for her grandmother. Somewhere another realm is getting used to Sylvia being there, and I bet she's causing some changes to be made. She's gone way too soon, but we were all lucky to have known her.

Sylvia Taylor (5 Feb 2004)

Sarah Hinds

January 14, 2005

I met Sylvia not quite one year ago at the 2-week Foreign Animal Disease Course. She and I supported each other through the twice-daily queasiness that came from riding the rocking waves of Long Island Sound back and forth to Plum Island--she was so glad when that boat ride was over! She was a terrific person and a standard bearer for animal welfare. She kindly addressed all the animals at our course, thanked them privately, and offered helpful suggestions to the staff to upgrade current supportive care. She was a great resource for animal enrichment and welfare solutions, especially for captive animals in research, zoos, and wildlife conservancies. In our last phone call we chatted amiably about monkeys and looked forward to seeing each other at the North American Vet Conference in Orlando, just days ago! Her absence creates a hole in my heart. I am grateful she could help so many and I am saddened she could not stay longer.

Elizabeth Pannill

January 14, 2005

Sylvia was my co-worker, a great source for info on primates and above all my friend. She had a real passion for her work and making things better for all animals. Her passing is a great loss for all of us with Animal Care.

Michele Martino

January 14, 2005

I was very shocked to hear about Sylvia's untimely passing. It makes one appreciate how fragile life really is. I am so glad that I got to spend this past APV meeting spending alot of time with Sylvia staying up way too late and drinking too much. She was very committed to the world of non-human primates and my condolensces go out to her family and friends.

Philip Thwaites

January 14, 2005

London. 14th January 2005.

My companion, Kitty Wishart, and I had the pleasure of Sylvia's company when she stayed with us during her last visit to England.Not many days but time for some quality adventures and fun. The outlook for the future was much improved by the thought of meeting her again when we found ourselves in the same country.Alas not to be.

So, our sympathy to her family and friends. We remain grateful to have been able to enjoy a small part of her busy life.

Philip Thwaites & Kitty Wishart.

Suzanne Campbell-Jones

January 14, 2005

It is hard to believe that Sylvia has gone. for the 10 years that I have known her we have been in infrequent contact, shared a few adventures and promised ourselves another great adventure like the one on which we first met in Papua New Guinea. Sylvia was pursuing her great love of birds, she had arranged a trip to a remote province in rainforest. I was writing a book about the country. She lent me socks and shoes so that we could go 'birding' together. Others will write about her intelligence and passion for aninal welfare. I can only tell about her bravery, energy, her generousity and friendship. On her last visit to England she stayed at my home in Bath and cooked us a great meal on the AGA. She taught my grandson how to listen to the woodland birds behind the house. We had always wanted to make a film together. Now that will never be but the memory of our trip to Thailand for an elephant conference or of her many visits to London will be as sharp as that first time we met in one of the most remote areas of the world.

Patti Ragan

January 13, 2005

Sylvia’s sudden passing is not only a tragedy for her family and friends, but also a loss to the captive primate world. She was truly a caring government official as well as a welfare advocate who intensely wanted to make life better for primates and other animals in captivity. For 12 years, Sylvia was a friend and advisor in our efforts to help great apes. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends. We will miss her too.

Robert Hubrecht

January 13, 2005

I was very sorry to hear of Sylvia's death. I only met her on two occasions, however we had a number of long telephone conversations. She was pasionate about animal welfare and I will miss her insights on US animal welfare issues.

Erna Toback, PhD

January 13, 2005

I was stunned and saddened to hear about Sylvia's untimely passing. The news refuses to sink in.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Sylvia over a period of many years--spending time together at primate conferences and seminars on the well-being of captive apes.

On each visit, I learned something new about Sylvia. At first, she was simply a source of knowledge--bright, steady, calm, and centered. She was an excellent communicator, whether presenting a lecture or taking part in a discussion--and she knew how to listen.

I soon learned that her commitment to the well-being of all animals was deep and abiding. She talked the talk and walked the walk

Sylvia was one of a kind--USDA was fortunate to count her among their ranks. She understood the "bottom line," how to get things done, how to negotiate--whether at home or abroad. She was pragmatic but compassionate, intuitive but sensible.

And yes, she was woman, a girlfriend, warm, funny, and sometimes flirtatious.

Sylvia's passing is a terrible loss for the humane community and for the animals she protected. I will miss her.

I send my condolences to her entire family--but especially to her grandmother about whom she often spoke.

Joy Mench

January 12, 2005

I was so sorry to hear of Sylvia's death. We didn't get to talk or meet very often, but I always enjoyed her company, and her insights, on the occasions that we did. My condolences to her family.

Melissa Kling

January 12, 2005

On behalf of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Sylvia's family and friends.

Mary Rippee

January 11, 2005

Sylvia was a very warm and friendly person. She will be missed. My condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.

Cathy Johnson-Delaney

January 11, 2005

I was shocked and then greatly saddened to hear of Sylvia's death. I had spoken with her this fall about working on improving inspection criteria and guidelines for primate facilities. She always had so much energy and enthusiasm for nonhuman primate care and for helping those who were their caretakers. She was an advocate of common sense in working with the regulations and the government. She will be greatly missed in the veterinary profession and the nonhuman primate-human primate community.

Howard Rhinehart

January 11, 2005

I've known Sylvia Taylor for over 10 years, primarily in the context of USDA Inspector while I worked for Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL. The USDA Inspectors have a challenging and largely thankless job, but Sylvia commanded her position with fairness, dedication, and a compassionate grace. I believe that those corners of the world through which she walked, and especially the lives of the animals within, were enhanced by her footsteps.

Mario Rodriguez

January 11, 2005

I first met Sylvia about 2 years ago; an extremely smart, intelligent and competent colleague. Initially she impressed me as a veterinarian while we were co-workers then, and with pride, I am able to call her a friend.

I will always remember how personally involved and committed she was upon her beliefs, being animal rights or vegetarianism.

As a funny anecdote, I can say that I survived (and will never forget!) riding in her car one afternoon in Tampa, Fl.

She always wanted to come to Cayo Santiago – I guess now she is wherever she wants.

God bless her and my sincere sympathy to her family and friends, especially those in the USDA and the non human primate world.

See you later Sylvia, Mario.

Terri Parrott

January 11, 2005

I have known Sylvia for over 15 years as a close comrade in arms with the love we share for primates. I worked with Sylvia on many interesting cases in Miami and Broward and she was so looking forward to visiting my farm here in Lake Wales...I know I will sit at the same table with her in the heaven that reunites us with the animals we helped thru out our lifetimes.... Terri Parrott, Avian-Exotic-Wildlife Service

Larry Williams

January 11, 2005

I had the great pleasure of meeting Sylvia on a trip to Suriname. She was a bright scientist, a caring veterinarian, and just a fun person to be around. She will be missed.

Jim Moore

January 11, 2005

I first met Sylvia about 2 years ago, when I applied for a USDA license. I found her to be very passionate about the animals she helped to protect! Sylvia was a very warm and kind person, who always had a positive outlook when we spoke.

She was always available to help with any question or situation.

I will miss our emails & conversations, it will be a loss without her guidance and knowledge. She truly made a difference in this world!

My condolences to her family.

Hayley Murphy

January 11, 2005

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Sylvia's untimely passing. We had met at an AAZV meeting several years ago and she always stayed in touch because of our mutual love of non-human primates and belief that they needed protection in this world of human manipulation. She was passionate, dedicated and , once you met her in person, unforgettable. As so many above have stated- she will be missed by people and the animals she helped. May she rest in peace.

Lynette Shanley

January 10, 2005

It was on a January morning in 2001 when I first met you. I was sitting on a bench at the IPS conference in Adelaide (Australia) drinking a cup of coffee when I saw a woman approaching me. You stood in front of me and asked if I was Lynette Shanley and when I answered Yes, you sat down and we chatted as if we had been friends for years. Since that time you have exchanged emails with me, often seeking out professional advice for me. You were a friend to me and also all primates in Australia. I am missing you greatly. Your funeral will start at 5am on the 16th January Australian time and I will be thinking of you and burning a candle for you at that time.

My deepest sympathy to your family.

On behalf of all Australians working for better rights for primates.

Lynette Shanley.

Gail Cochrane

January 10, 2005

Sylvia and I met through a travel agent in Chengdu, China. He thought that since we were both vets and worked in animal welfare then we must know each other so gave her my e-mail address. We finally got to meet each other at an animal welfare conference in Hong Kong and then had a very enjoyable day out on a boat in harbour with some other vet friends. We kept in contact and Sylvia was hoping to eventually visit the bear Rescue Centre next time she had the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong/China.

Sylvia will be missed by many people in many places.

James Stevens

January 10, 2005

It is shocking to hear of Sylvia's untimely death. She was such a vibrant person who provided much guidance to members of our profession. She and I shared many an hour discussing biomedical ethical issues and life experiences in the non human animal world. She was a learned and compassionate professional who was destined to help all man and animalkind. Her passing will now separate us from her further guidance and advances in animal welfare and well-being. Our profession has lost a valuable member and I have lost a trusted colleague and friend.

Roger Sanderson

January 10, 2005

I first met Sylvia over 10 years ago when I worked at the local health department. The immunization nurse that was giving Sylvia her rabies prophylaxis thought we should meet and she was right. Over the years we went canoeing, to concerts together alone with other activities. Most of all it was the conversations with her I will remember. We frequently exchange stories. Her stories about all those international trips were fabulous and mine were about my backpacking adventures, which for some reason she though were good. Whenever I had a work related question she always knew the answer and provided me with far more information that I could have expected. She was so full of energy and passionate about her work and life. In her short 41 years she lived more than most ever will. She will be missed!

Rusty Brady

January 10, 2005

Sylvia was one of the few USDA veterinarians to be active in the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science,American Society for Primatology and Association of Primate Veterinarians (APV). She was a good friend of APV and a good personal friend and will be greatly missed.

Rusty Brady

Shirley McGreal

January 10, 2005

The International Primate Protection League (IPPL) sends its condolences to the family of Dr. Sylvia Taylor. As a USDA inspector of animal dealers, research laboratories, and exhibitors, Sylvia had a challenging position. We are sure that the nonhuman primates whose living conditions Sylvia worked so hard and courageously to improve would join me and everyone at IPPL in weeping the loss of a wonderful public servant and compassionate human being. Goodbye and R.I.P, Sylvia, from Shirley and everyone at IPPL

Jane Dewar

January 10, 2005

Sylvia was a primate's best friend and just knowing she was on their side in the USDA made me feel better. Her enthusiasm, dedication and expertise will be impossible to replace. May she rest in peace. The world was a better place with her in it. Jane Dewar, Founder, Gorilla Haven

Diane McClure

January 10, 2005

I am greatly sorrowed to learn about Sylvia’s death. I had the privilege of knowing Sylvia Taylor as a colleague and as a friend. When she came to California for the Exotic New Castles outbreak, she filled every minute of her weekend is Santa Barbara. Up before dawn for bird watching and then to catch the 8 am whale watching trip, and on into the evening. I could barely keep up. Sylvia was a compassionate person who dedicated her life to improving the lives of captive animals. She wanted to learn as much as possible and was an advocate for gathering scientific evidence to support behavioral management practice. Sylvia represented us well with our European colleagues. It was amazing to listen when Sylvia shared recollections of her trip to Tibet and from her many other travels. She lived life fully, but she also made a difference for animals.

Douglas Cohn

January 10, 2005

Sylvia was a close veterinary colleague and a personal friend. She and I visited each other in our respective states over the years. We traveled together after an IPS conference several years ago, and were planning a trip to India this winter.

Many of us feel a great loss at her untimely death. But it is also a loss to the animals of the world, particularly the nonhuman primates.

Sylvia had always been an outspoken advocate for those creatures who could not speak for themselves, whether it be the elephants of Asia who lost part of a foot or the apes of Africa caught in the bush meat trade or the primates who found life in sanctuaries following years in biomedical research or in the entertainment industry. The world is a poorer place now without her presence.

Doug Cohn

Lee Ann Rottman

January 10, 2005

Sylvia was a great woman and a good friend. We both shared a love for primates and traveling and I have always admired both her compassion and strong will for the things she believed in. She will be truly missed by myself and many others around the world.

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