Christen Mason

At January’s CreativeMornings event, attendees were taken on an inspiring journey with Christine Mason, COO of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, as she shared the incredible story of how the sanctuary successfully relocated 300 animals to a new, larger facility—a massive undertaking filled with challenges, determination, and heart. Christine also opened up about her own unexpected path to leadership, describing how years of feeling lost eventually led her to Florida’s natural landscapes and inspired her to study invasive species biology. Her career took her deep into the Everglades for 13 years, where she navigated remote wetlands, tracked wildlife, and even encountered Burmese pythons in the wild. Christine’s passion for conservation eventually brought her back to Busch Wildlife, where she now leads with the same grit and compassion that defined her personal journey. She shared touching stories from the sanctuary’s move, like how their 41-year-old alligator, Freddie, was gently trained to walk into her travel container, showcasing the creativity and care behind every decision. Christine reflected on how this transition marks an exciting new chapter for the sanctuary, expanding not just in space but in mission and impact, while emphasizing the importance of staying true to Busch Wildlife’s core values: being a sanctuary for both animals and the people who care for them. The energy in the room was filled with admiration for Christine’s resilience and leadership—and excitement for the future ahead.