WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST WILD TOMORROW AMBASSADOR, MICHIKO HIRANUMA
We are excited to welcome another incredible ambassador to our team, Michiko Hiranuma! A longtime supporter of Wild Tomorrow, it makes this moment even more meaningful to officially have her join us as an ambassador with a focus on Team Elephant. We’re thrilled to partner with Michiko as we continue advancing Wild Tomorrow’s mission together. Learn more about Michiko and her passion for wildlife in the blog below.
Michi at The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve
Michiko is based in New York City and originally from Japan. She brings a diverse, global background spanning investment banking, startups, corporate investor relations, and financial markets. Currently, she works in Markets Innovation & Investments at an investment bank, where she collaborates with institutional clients, external partners, and internal teams to drive innovation in electronic trading.
Michiko grew up in Tokyo, where access to nature and wildlife was somewhat limited. Some of her earliest and most meaningful experiences with the natural world came during family trips to Hawaii, where she could immerse herself in the ocean and feel a deep connection to nature. She shares that some of her happiest memories are from those moments, surrounded by waves.
As she grew older, she began to notice changes. Coral reefs that once felt vibrant and full of life appeared increasingly damaged and fragile. Witnessing this shift made the impacts of climate change and human activity feel real—and inspired her to take action.
Learning about Wendy and John’s journey helped Michiko see a pathway into conservation. Seeing what Wild Tomorrow has accomplished over the past decade made the challenges feel tangible and reinforced her belief that individual actions can truly make a difference.
Michi assisting in blind folding a rhino to prevent unnecessary stimuation
Michi holding a male White-Bellied Sunbird for bird ringing
What Sparked Her Passion
From a young age in Japan, animals held a special place in Michiko’s heart. Her father often read her folktales about foxes, deer, raccoons, and other creatures, instilling in her a deep respect for nature and all living things. He also demonstrated small but meaningful acts of kindness—like gently turning over a cicada so it could continue its life.
Films from Studio Ghibli, such as Princess Mononoke and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, further shaped her perspective by illustrating the delicate balance between humans, wildlife, and the environment, and how our choices can ripple across entire ecosystems.
Her connection to animals became even more personal when she first cared for one herself. In kindergarten, a parakeet flew into her apartment, hit a mirror, and fell. Michiko and her family cared for it, building a makeshift enclosure and putting up posters to find its owner. Later, when her family welcomed a miniature schnauzer, she was overjoyed. Caring for her dog taught her empathy, patience, and the depth of the human-animal bond—strengthening her desire to protect not just companion animals, but wildlife everywhere.
Michiko’s Conservation Experience at the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve
In 2025, Michiko joined us in South Africa for our first-ever Cape Town Marathon and volunteer experience. This trip was especially meaningful, as she and her husband, Alex, were celebrating their honeymoon with us. We are honored to have been part of such a special milestone.
During her time in KwaZulu-Natal, Michiko witnessed rhinos, giraffes, nyalas, and zebras thriving on land that was once at risk. Volunteering alongside rangers and connecting with local communities made the challenges—and the impact of conservation—feel even more real.
“It showed me that protecting wildlife is not just about animals; it’s about people and habitats working together. Experiencing both the urgency and the progress firsthand has motivated me to stay involved, raise awareness, and support efforts that protect these species and the places they call home.”
Team Elephant Alumni
After previously fundraising for another animal welfare organization during a race, Michiko realized how meaningful it was to run with purpose. She chose to make her miles matter again by joining Team Elephant for the United NYC Half Marathon in support of Wild Tomorrow.
Wild Tomorrow’s mission deeply resonated with her, and being New York-based made it feel even more personal and close to home. She especially valued connecting with like-minded individuals through run meetups—an experience that inspired her to stay involved well beyond race day. We couldn’t ask for a better Team Elephant representative on our ambassador team!
Michi running for Wild Tomorrow at the Honolulu Marathon
Michi and her husband Alex at the Cape Town 10k
We are honored to welcome Michiko as a Wild Tomorrow ambassador and are excited to see this partnership grow and thrive.