These adult lecture programs focus on worldwide conservation issues and efforts supported by the Saint Louis Zoo and other wildlife organizations. No reservations are required. Lectures held in The Living World. Admission is free.
Drying Up: Extinction in the Sahara
Bill Houston, Assistant General Curator of Animal Division
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
7:30-9 p.m.
The silent crisis of extinction underway in the Sahara is epitomized by the plight of the scimitar-horned oryx. This 300+ lb. antelope once roamed the Sahelo-Saharan zone in the tens of thousands, but vanished from the wild over 30 years ago with neither a whimper nor a whisper of international outcry. Following closely in the oryx's fading footprints is an entire suite of unique species exquisitely adapted to the desert including: addax antelope, dama gazelles, red-necked ostrich, desert cheetah; Sudan and Nubian bustards, striped hyena, sand cats, and desert foxes.
Against this backdrop, the Sahara Conservation Fund (SCF) is trying to bring attention to the plight of Saharan wildlife and develop sustainable solutions to halt the decline of species. Until very recently this region of the world has been overlooked and under-funded by the major aid agencies and conservation organizations worldwide. While there is good local interest in conservation in many parts of the Sahara, this region contains many of the poorest nations on the planet. Come and hear how the Saint Louis Zoo has, assisted the people of the Sahara in their sincere efforts to conserve their wildlife through its support of SCF.
Return of the Peregrine Falcon
Jackie Fallon, Midwest Peregrine Society
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
7:30 - 9 p.m.
Known for its dramatic migration and amazing flight, the peregrine falcon has long fascinated people across the globe. Through the efforts of many conservation groups working in different states, over two hundred nesting pairs of falcons now reside in the Midwestern United States, where 40 years ago, there were none. Although the species has recovered beyond pre-DDT population numbers, there is still information to be gained and work to be done to increase understanding of peregrine falcons.
Jackie Fallon, State Coordinator for peregrine falcons in Minnesota and North Dakota, and VP of Field Operations for the Midwest Peregrine Society, will present a program that will provide an understanding of the past, present and future of peregrine falcons, not only in Missouri, but throughout the Midwest. Having worked on the project for nearly 20 years, she has facts and biology to share, as well as some exciting stories about working with this charismatic bird. To demonstrate how peregrines can capture the attention of many, both young and old, she will bring a live peregrine. It promises to be an evening you won't want to miss!
Race for Survival: Cheetahs in Peril
Steve Bircher, Curator of Carnivores
Tuesday, January 26, 2009
7:30 - 9 p.m.
Come and learn about the cheetah's current status in the wild, problems they face today, and how the Cheetah WildCare Institute Center helps to protect this endangered species in Africa. Steve Bircher, Curator of Mammals/Carnivores and Director of the Center for Cheetah Conservation at the Saint Louis Zoo will describe the history of cheetahs at the Saint Louis Zoo, including the long-term breeding and research programs, as well as the Center's involvement in census, health surveys, and education projects in the wild. Since 1974, the Saint Louis Zoo has been a leader in cheetah research and captive breeding and the Cheetah Conservation Center has become a cooperative international effort to link captive breeding programs with research and protection in cheetah range countries.
Sponsors
- Saint Louis Zoo
- Academy of Science St. Louis
Admission
Admission is free. No reservations are necessary. For more information, call (314) 646-4544.
|
