Meet the Travel Leaders
A husband-and-wife team, Aaron Cleveland and Meg Gammage-Tucker, PhD, CFRE, have traveled the world together, combining expertise in wildlife conservation, zoology, anthropology, zoos and museums, and international travel. Together, they bring a unique blend of scientific knowledge, conservation leadership, cultural curiosity, and adventurous spirit to every expedition.
Aaron Cleveland is an animal expert, conservationist, educator, former zoo director, and exhibit designer whose work has appeared in some of the leading museums and zoos in the United States, including the Peabody Essex Museum and Brookfield Zoo. He is currently the COO of Build 4 Impact, Inc. and the Foundation Director of the American Bald Eagle Foundation. A former travel leader with Classic Escapes, Aaron has explored extensively throughout North and South America, the United Kingdom, India, and Africa. He serves on the Education Committee for the Zoological Association of America and has authored zoological papers on subjects including tarantula taxonomy and led seminars on tarantula husbandry, breeding, and care. Aaron specializes in uncovering the overlooked wonders of the natural world — from tiny frogs and walking sticks to camouflaged reptiles and unique local experiences — bringing curiosity, humor, and a sense of adventure to every journey.
Meg Gammage-Tucker has built a distinguished career as a fundraiser, anthropologist, and conservation leader with some of the most respected museums and zoos in the country. Her international conservation work includes leadership roles within Bald Eagle, rhinoceros, and great ape organizations, including serving as former President of the Rhino Trust prior to its merger with the International Rhino Foundation. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance and currently serves on the board of Kassisi in Uganda. Meg remains actively engaged in wildlife rescue and conservation as an advisor to ZDR3 (Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery) and as President of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, one of the nation’s foremost teaching wildlife veterinary hospitals. Her passion for learning, conservation, and meaningful cultural exchange makes her an engaging and insightful travel leader.
Together, Aaron and Meg create unforgettable journeys that combine wildlife, conservation, culture, and adventure — always with an eye toward the extraordinary, the unexpected, and the meaningful connections that travel can inspire.
Aaron Cleveland is an animal expert, conservationist, educator, former zoo director, and exhibit designer whose work has appeared in some of the leading museums and zoos in the United States, including the Peabody Essex Museum and Brookfield Zoo. He is currently the COO of Build 4 Impact, Inc. and the Foundation Director of the American Bald Eagle Foundation. A former travel leader with Classic Escapes, Aaron has explored extensively throughout North and South America, the United Kingdom, India, and Africa. He serves on the Education Committee for the Zoological Association of America and has authored zoological papers on subjects including tarantula taxonomy and led seminars on tarantula husbandry, breeding, and care. Aaron specializes in uncovering the overlooked wonders of the natural world — from tiny frogs and walking sticks to camouflaged reptiles and unique local experiences — bringing curiosity, humor, and a sense of adventure to every journey.
Meg Gammage-Tucker has built a distinguished career as a fundraiser, anthropologist, and conservation leader with some of the most respected museums and zoos in the country. Her international conservation work includes leadership roles within Bald Eagle, rhinoceros, and great ape organizations, including serving as former President of the Rhino Trust prior to its merger with the International Rhino Foundation. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance and currently serves on the board of Kassisi in Uganda. Meg remains actively engaged in wildlife rescue and conservation as an advisor to ZDR3 (Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery) and as President of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, one of the nation’s foremost teaching wildlife veterinary hospitals. Her passion for learning, conservation, and meaningful cultural exchange makes her an engaging and insightful travel leader.
Together, Aaron and Meg create unforgettable journeys that combine wildlife, conservation, culture, and adventure — always with an eye toward the extraordinary, the unexpected, and the meaningful connections that travel can inspire.
Upcoming trips include experts like Suzanne Smith, Nik Voudren, and Alex Cleveland. You can read about them in the trip details.
If you would like to apply to become a travel leader email [email protected].
- Suzanne is the Executive Director of the Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation, ardcf.org.
- Niki Voudren is the Executive Director of the Mill Mountain Zoo, mmzoo.org.
- Alex Cleveland is a yoga instructor and studio owner, crescenthillyoga.com.
If you would like to apply to become a travel leader email [email protected].