By Angie Sullivan
Four-year-old Lincoln Stribbell-Halley of Sutton West is a finalist for the National Wildlife Federation’s Colossal Jr. Ranger competition. He’s one of just 16 finalists to reach the final voting round out of more than 128,000 participants.
The annual North American competition is open to kids aged four to 12. It raises funds for wildlife protection and aims to inspire future conservationists. Public voting began in May and ends on Thursday, July 24. Voters can cast two free votes daily, with additional votes available by donation.
This homeschooled eco-warrior has a passion for wildlife and said, “If you drop trash or hurt animals just for their horns or fur, Mother Earth gets sad. Let’s pick up litter, protect every creature, and make her smile again! I’m going to do my part.”
If Lincoln wins the grand prize, he will get to meet wildlife expert Jeff Corwin, be featured in Ranger Rick magazine, and receive a US$20,000 honourarium. Corwin is an Emmy Award–winning wildlife biologist, conservationist, and television host, best known for shows like Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin and Wildlife Nation.
Lincoln has a soft spot for slithery species. “My favourite animal is a snake — especially the king cobra! He’s super cool because he’s venomous, which means he can protect himself and catch his food. I like snakes because they slither really fast and quiet, and they don’t have legs, which is funny and awesome!”
His mother, Natasha Stribbell-Halley, said, “Lincoln might still be small enough to perch on my shoulders, but this animal‑loving nature guru stands head‑and‑shoulders above most when it comes to wildlife wisdom — he’s taught me why elephants mourn, how bees dance, and that every piece of litter is a chance to protect a habitat. If the world listened to Lincoln, conservation wouldn’t be a lesson; it would be a way of life.”
To help Lincoln take the final step toward his dream, you can vote for free daily or donate at:
https://jr-ranger.org/2025/lincoln-cb5d
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