How a Passion for Primates Sparked a Powerful Partnership
How a Passion for Primates Sparked a Powerful Partnership
"Once you know, you care." These simple but profound words from Tessa Cannon Wilde '13
have become a guiding principle for Professor Clifford Hurst and his students in the Social
Entrepreneurship class at Ohio Wesleyan. For them, this quote is more than just a motto—
it's the heart of their work, driving a unique collaboration between students and alums
that's making a real-world impact.
Tessa's journey began at OWU while studying abroad thousands of miles away in South
Africa, where she worked with wild animals who were orphaned and would be re-released.
There, she formed a deep connection with primates—some rescued from illegal pet trades,
others retired from decades of research to improve human health. Tessa saw these
animals' intelligence, emotional depth, and social nature firsthand and knew she couldn't
walk away unchanged. That experience inspired her to graduate with a degree in zoology.
She earned her veterinary technician license, master's degree in primate conservation, and
Ph.D. in anthropology (primatology). Her work led her to create a sanctuary in Ohio, For the
Love of Primates.
Enter Professor Clifford Hurst, assistant professor in the OWU Department of Economics &
Business and faculty liaison to the Delaware Entrepreneurial Center (DEC) at OWU. Cliff is
passionate about experiential learning. "I like to have students actively engaged in real
case studies," he says. So when the opportunity arose to support Tessa's dream, it became
a perfect match—an alum with a mission and a class eager to turn theory into action."
This semester, nine student teams are tackling real-world challenges to help bring Tessa's
nonprofit to life. Their work includes strategic planning in merchandise, website design,
fundraising, environmental impact, data analysis, volunteer engagement, blogs and
newsletters, public speaking and LinkedIn, and Instagram. It's hands-on, meaningful, and
rooted in purpose.
The impact on students has been remarkable. Many have shared that they work harder in
this class than others—not for a grade, but because they genuinely care. They know their
work is laying the foundation for something that will have a lasting impact on animals,
communities, and future generations.
At the heart of this partnership is the concept of social entrepreneurship—using innovative
business strategies to address social, environmental, or cultural issues. It's about doing
good in the world and doing it effectively. Tessa's sanctuary embodies this spirit. She builds
her business model around creating a sustainable, compassionate future for animals who
have given so much to humans.
Research labs, too, are enthusiastic about partnering with sanctuaries like Tessa's. They
recognize the importance of ethical, long-term animal care after a primate's research role
ends. By collaborating with sanctuaries, compassionate end-of-study care promotes a
more ethical and conscientious research environment. Ultimately, their partnership
reflects a commitment to compassionate science and responsible stewardship.
Together, Tessa and the students of OWU are building something extraordinary—not just a
sanctuary but a story of empathy, innovation, and impact. It's proof that when students can
apply their knowledge to real-world problems, they rise to the occasion.
Because once you know, you care. And when you care, you act.
Visit For the Love of Primates or email Tessa at twilde@fortheloveofprimates.org to
learn more and explore ways to get involved.
If you are an alum interested in exploring a potential partnership with the university or
Clifford Hurst, please reach out to Cliff at cghurst@owu.edu.