On Wednesday, January 14, 2015, from 6:30pm – 9:30pm, the public is invited to attend a Conservation Speaker Series focused on the California Wolf Center and efforts to reintroduce the gray wolf to California.
Oakland Zoo welcomes guest speaker Karin Vardaman, Director of the California Wolf Center. Ms. Vardaman will share an inspiring conservation story of the gray wolf and its possible return, after being absent in the state for decades. “Oakland Zoo is honored to welcome Karin Vardaman and the California Wolf Center to our Conservation Speaker Series,” said Amy Gotliffe, Director of Conservation at Oakland Zoo. “We hope wolves will inhabit California once again, and we are committed to being part of their secure future. We know public education about this charismatic animal is crucial to their success, and partnering with California Wolf Center is a wonderful step in that direction”.
This lecture will focus on how the human wildlife conflict played a role in this issue and how the California Wolf Center is working to forge a visionary path for wolf recovery that focuses on solutions, instead of conflict. “California is in the midst of what could be one of the most inspirational conservation stories in our state’s history,” said Karin Vardaman, Director of California Wolf Center. “We are very excited to partner with Oakland Zoo in sharing the story of wolves in California.” Oakland Zoo is committed to taking action for wildlife, and conservation is at the center of our mission. We are deeply involved with conservation efforts globally, locally and right on our own zoo grounds. As we move closer to the opening of our California Trail Exhibit, our focus on California wildlife will expand even further. We are dedicated to working in partnership with organizations, like the California Wolf Center, to create a state that will serve as a protected home for wolves.
The Conservation Speaker Series will take place in Oakland Zoo’s Zimmer Auditorium, located in the lower entrance of the Zoo. Parking is free and the admission price for the evening’s speaker presentations is $12.00 – $20.00 per person (sliding scale). All proceeds from this event will be donated to the California Wolf Center. Light refreshments will be served.
For additional information about Oakland Zoo’s Conservation Speaker Series, please contact Amy Gotliffe, Conservation Director, at amy(at)oaklandzoo(dot)org.
