Gus Ben David of Edgartown, who for years ran the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary and now runs the World of Reptiles and Bird Park in Edgartown, is already a celebrity in the world of naturalists. He has a wide international following of young and old alike.

And now he has another feather in his cap.

Last month Mr. Ben David was inducted into the International Wild Waterfowl Association hall of fame at its annual meeting held in Roanoak Rapids, N.C. It was a lifetime achievement award in special recognition of his work teaching children over the years.

“I have known Gus since 1969. He and I go back a long way. He is such a dedicated person. He still is and he is the most deserving. The vote was unanimous,” said Michael Lubbock, a member of the board of directors for the association.

Mr. Ben David attended the event with his wife Deborah. And some family and friends from the Vineyard made a surprise appearance. Anne Lemenager provided a video retrospective about Mr. Ben David as part of the ceremony. Board member Tim Baird of Edgartown gave a talk about Mr. Ben David’s work. His wife Sheila is the organization’s secretary.

Mr. Ben David’s daughter, Phaedra Ben David, of Oak Bluffs attended as a surprise.

“I almost lost it. I was so touched. I got through it, I kept my composure,” Mr. Ben David said this week.

— Mark Alan Lovewell