May 2009
Keeper of Wildlife, Helper of Youth
by Craig Springer
You can say a few things about Roger Alink that are absolutely true: He’s always bedecked in a ball cap, he never stops moving and he loves wildlife. Alink then is right at home at Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood. In fact, he and his wife of 19 years, Terrie, live there on the 122-acre property. Alink is the founder and the director of this enhanced zoo on par with some of New Mexico’s state parks.
Alink graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1970, with a degree in industrial arts. It would be a couple years before he’d put the degree to use—Uncle Sam called him to the Army. Alink had orders to Vietnam, but a last-minute switch, not of his choosing, took him to Germany where he clerked. At age 22, he was in charge of 300 people tracking trainees and sergeants, and keeping books and order.
After serving in the U. S. Armed Forces, Alink came home to New Mexico and put his college education to use teaching the blind to use machinery making mops, brooms and mats. An opportunity arose with Albuquerque Public Schools to teach shop, and Alink jumped at it.
He later earned a master’s degree in outdoor recreation while he taught shop. He left the schools in 1983. While teaching shop, Alink was known for building stock cars with the students and racing the cars. He also sponsored a mountaineering club. Both endeavors he says helped inspire the students to stay in school.
Post-public schools, Alink’s affinity for the workings of the combustion engine had him opening “Roger’s Small Engine Repair” in Cedar Crest. He also sold and installed wood stoves, and dealt Husqvarna chainsaws and power equipment. Eventually, the work was not fulfilling for him. He sought a figurative change of scenery, and found a new view through real estate.
And down this winding road of life experience, Alink intersects with a 122-acre parcel in Edgewood and the idea of a wildlife park.
In 1987, the concept of the wildlife park came to mind, and three years later it came to be. In 1992, Wildlife West obtained a non-profit status. In the intervening 17 years, Alink and an army of youth and volunteers have built the place one step at a time in a farmer’s make-do self-sufficiency manner.
Alink-the-teacher, still touches the lives of young ones. Since its inception, some 500 youth, paid laborers, and volunteers have worked at Wildlife West Nature Park taking care of native New Mexico wildlife and the physical plant that keeps the place going.
With a visit to Wildlife West today, you’ll find a bear, deer, elk, antelope, bobcats, javelina, Mexican gray wolves, and birds of prey—all of which are injured animals that can not be returned to the wild.
You’ll see Alink, on his feet of course, and maybe holding King Solomon, a five-ounce American Kestrel and member of the falcon family of birds. The little bird is the latest turn in the road for Alink. Alink is now an apprentice falconer.
To learn more about Wildlife West Nature Park and its animals, go to www.wildlifewest.org.
If you know anyone who'd make a good profile for this column—including yourself—let us know at sespinoza@enchantment.coop.
Return to top