Published Tuesday, June 24, 2008 5:43 PM
Updated Tuesday, June 24, 2008 5:44 PM
International Primate Protection League founder Shirley McGreal (left), who was honored June 4 by Queen Elizabeth II, stands outside Buckingham Palace with her twin sister Jean Martin (center) and IPPL board member Dianne Taylor Snow.
Shirley McGreal’s Order of the British Empire, which she received for “services to the protection of primates.”
Knightsville naturalist gets Queen’s attention
Leave it to a gibbon to steal the spotlight — at Buckingham Palace, no less.
The social primate, known for its large movements and loud singing, accompanied Shirley McGreal to London earlier this month, albeit in the form of a porcelain necklace trinket.
McGreal wore the necklace June 4 when Queen Elizabeth II honored her with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her decades of work protecting primates.
“She (the Queen) has all the jewels in the world, but she took a hold of the porcelain gibbon and wanted to know more about it,” said McGreal, who founded the International Primate Protection League and its 28-acre gibbon sanctuary in Knightsville.
After the obligatory curtsey, McGreal spoke with the Queen for about a minute. She was one of about 100 people honored during an investiture in the palace’s grand ballroom.
“She looked great,” McGreal said of the monarch. “Especially for 85.”
As a schoolgirl growing up in northern England, McGreal sang “God Save the Queen” every day.
“I never thought I’d get to meet her,” she said.
Before her brief exchange with the Queen and before the investiture began, McGreal met with Prince Phillip, a longtime supporter of the IPPL, for 20 minutes.
The two had met before but always at wildlife conferences. McGreal briefed the Prince on the IPPL’s latest efforts as they sat in his private quarters.
Along with her twin sister and two friends, McGreal arrived at the palace early. They toured areas unseen by most visitors. While admiring some paintings, McGreal saw the Queen’s Corgis napping on the floor.
When it was time to receive her OBE, McGreal entered through a different door than all the other honorees.
The OBE has historically been a military honor but is now given to recognize service and achievement in all fields. McGreal was one of 18 OBE honorees named to the diplomatic service and overseas portion of the New Year Honours list.
The list is one of two published each year by the Queen’s cabinet. The other is published in June to coincide with the Queen’s birthday.
McGreal said the honor is IPPL’s and not hers individually.
“We hope it (the OBE) will attract new members and supporters,” she said. “Some of the animal groups are a little crazy. I think it just separates us from some of the extreme types of people.”
Contact David Berman at 873-9424 ext. 214 or dberman@journalscene.com
Felicitaciones Shirley : 8/7/2008
Realmente es un honor merecido, Shirley junto a IPPL han trabajado ayudando a los primates alrededor del mundo. Desde Chile va un emocionado saludo a shirley
Congrats Dr McGreal! : 8/1/2008
Its so very wonderful to hear that Dr. McGreal has won this award! She is a very humble and grcious person who has done an amazing amount for primates the world over for many, many years. Anyone who wants to help the environment and wildlife should visit her website (www.ippl.org) and support her group. They do amazing things!
OBE Award to Shirley McGreal : 7/10/2008
I am so pleased Shirley received this most deserved honor! Very thrilled to read all about her visit with the monarchs! God Bless SM and IPPL!
Re: Gibbon Sanctuary : 6/30/2008
Knightsville Resident, you're certainly not the first to inquire about the sanctuary. It is a wonderful place. It is not, however, open to the public. It's set up more like a true sanctuary than a zoo. Members can sometimes visit (like during the bi-annual members meeting). To learn more, check out IPPL.org. I hope this helps.
Gibbon Sanctuary : 6/27/2008
Where is the Gibbon Sanctuary located? This is the first time I have heard of it. Can people visit?