Mei Len Sanchez-Barr and her husband, Brady Barr, are the owners of Eco Adventures in Millersville and residents of Severna Park, where they raised their two kids, 21-year-old Isabella and 17-year-old Braxton. Their family also includes the two dogs, Maisy and Dobby. Sanchez-Barr shared with us what it’s like to be a parent while simultaneously running an education center where local children have the opportunity to learn about conservation and wildlife (while interacting with exotic animals up close).
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
What it’s like to balance business ownership and parenthood?
My lifelong passion for conservation education led me to work at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. After the birth of my daughter, Isabella, I still felt a strong need to continue this work. Why should women have to choose between a career and family? So, Eco Adventures started in my basement.
Since my husband, a herpetologist and TV personality for National Geographic, already housed many animals in our basement, I started conducting animal programs at the Severna Park Community Center. Recognizing a unique niche and a growing demand in the area, we eventually opened Eco Adventures in Millersville. Almost 14 years later, Eco Adventures is now a conservation, education and enrichment facility that houses over 80 animal ambassadors, most of them rescued.
Though running the business has been hard work and 24/7, I value the flexibility of being the owner, which allows me to attend my children’s activities, field trips, games, and stay home for when my kids were sick, and have family vacations. I am also fortunate to have an amazing and trustworthy staff that ensures the business runs to our high standards.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Owning a business with children and animals is very unique, so there is no typical day. I like to be a hands-on director. Many days, I head animal care, animal training and enrichment with my husband and staff. … Simultaneously, I do the financials, manage payroll, marketing and run staff meetings. When my family goes to bed, I am up until all hours of the night working, or doing laundry, paying bills and cuddling with my fur babies.
How is being an educator different from (and similar to) being a parent?
Before being a parent, I was a bit more adventurous and carefree. However, the experience of raising children has heightened my awareness of potential safety concerns. Working with animals and having babies — one can say it is the same! Poop at any time and all can be wild at times! Both being a parent and being an educator, you have to be highly flexible and always be prepared with plan A through Z!
Are your kids interested in marine biology and animals?
Yes, my husband and I have been exposing them to the natural world since they were babies. They got to see sea turtles nesting in Costa Rica, swam with manatees in Florida, snorkeled in Hawaii, caught gators and crocs in the wild, participated with their father on Nat Geo’s film shoots and Animal Jam. The kids have grown up at Eco and have been camp counselors, animal care staff, and my daughter even assisted with making props and theming of Eco, which is what she is studying now. Currently, Braxton works with animal care and is learning the ropes of the family business. We hope he can perhaps someday take over Eco Adventures in the future.
What is your family’s favorite…
Food: Mexican/Latin
Game: Uno and darts
Vacation Destination: Costa Rica, Pacific Northwest, Florida and Hawaii
Activity To Do Together: Hiking in the rainforest, snorkeling, Disney, traveling
Movie or Show To Watch Together: Harry Potter movies
