Oakland Zoo’s Conservation Speaker Series Presents, “A Future for Cheetahs”
Oakland, CA (PRWEB) September 09, 2014 -- On Thursday, September 18, 2014, from 6:30pm – 9:00pm, the public is invited to attend a Conservation Speaker Series featuring author Dr. Laurie Marker and wildlife photographer Suzie Eszterhas. Dr. Marker wrote “A Future for Cheetahs,” with striking photography by Suzie Eszterhas. The pair will present the problems facing cheetahs in the wild – with a focus on human wildlife conflict and what’s being done right now to save this species from extinction. “I am thrilled to have Dr. Marker and Suzie Eszterhas here at the Zoo to share their work and experiences with the community,” said Amy Gotliffe, Conservation Director at Oakland Zoo. “Cheetah Conservation Fund sets a wonderful example for other wildlife conservation issues, large and small. We are ready to be inspired.”
Cheetahs are the world’s fastest land animal and Africa’s most endangered cat. Uniquely adapted for speed, the cheetah is capable of reaching speeds greater than 110 kilometers per hour in just over three seconds, and at top speed their stride is seven meters long. With its long legs and very slender body, the cheetah is quite different from all other cats and is the only member of its genus, Acinonyx. The cheetah’s unique morphology and physiology allow it to attain the extreme speeds for which it’s famous, and is often referred to as the greyhound of cats.
The evening will also include a wine bar, appetizers, and a raffle. A book signing opportunity with Dr. Marker and Ms. Eszterhas will be offered as well as an appearance by special guest Allyson Pielop Taylor. Ms. Taylor will introduce two adult and two juvenile Kangals -- a type of dog that is helping to save cheetahs in the wild.
This Conservation Speaker Series evening will take place in Oakland Zoo’s Clorox Wildlife Theater, accessible from the lower entrance of the Zoo. Please dress appropriately as the venue is an outdoor amphitheater. Parking is free and the admission price for the evening’s speaker presentations is $12.00 - $20.00 per person (sliding scale). Pre-registration is not required. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia.
For additional information about Oakland Zoo’s Conservation Speaker Series, please contact Amy Gotliffe, Conservation Director, at amy(at)oaklandzoo(dot)org.
ABOUT CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND:
Cheetah Conservation Fund is the world’s leading organization dedicated to saving the cheetah in the wild. Founded by Dr. Laurie Marker in 1990, CCF has created a set of integrated programs aimed at addressing the principle threats to the cheetah. CCF’s conservation programming is rooted in scientific research. CCF maintains a research program on the biology, ecology, and genetics of cheetahs that publishes papers in peer-reviewed journals annually, and currently operates the only fully-equipped genetics lab at an in-situ conservation facility in Africa. Using this research as an underpinning, CCF has created a set of integrated programs that together address the threats both to the cheetah and its entire ecosystem, including human populations. CCF operates from the principle that only by securing the future of the communities that live alongside the cheetah can you secure a future for the cheetah. Helping people helps cheetahs.
ABOUT OAKLAND ZOO:
The Bay Area's award-winning Oakland Zoo is home to more than 660 native and exotic animals. The Zoo offers many educational programs and kid's activities perfect for science field trips, family day trips and exciting birthday parties. Oakland Zoo is dedicated to wildlife conservation onsite and worldwide. Nestled in the Oakland Hills, in 500-acre Knowland Park, the Zoo is located at 9777 Golf Links Road, off Highway 580. The East Bay Zoological Society (Oakland Zoo) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization supported in part by members, contributions, the City of Oakland and the East Bay Regional Parks.
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Erin Harrison, Senior Manager, Marketing/Events, Oakland Zoo, http://www.oaklandzoo.org, +1 (510) 632-9525 Ext: 135, [email protected]
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