Indianapolis Prize recipient to make three stops in central Indiana
George Schaller shares findings from life-long conservation work
INDIANAPOLIS --- In a series of lectures this fall, the world’s pre-eminent field biologist and recipient of the 2008 Indianapolis Prize, George Schaller, Ph.D., will speak to the conservationists of tomorrow about his pursuit to save endangered species.
Schaller, senior conservationist at the Wildlife Conservation Society and vice president for the Panthera Foundation, has traveled the globe and trekked thousands of miles throughout the past 50 years. Upon other successes, Schaller has helped save endangered species by creating more than 15 wildlife reserves and initiating ground-breaking research that inspires other scientists to follow in his footsteps. In the process, he has authored more than 220 popular and scientific articles and 16 books.
To kick off the series, Schaller will speak at Patagonia Headquarters in Ventura, Calif., on Sept. 25 about his travels to the Arctic Wildlife Refuge and his ongoing research on the Tibetan plateau.
Indiana special events open to the public include:
- Sunday, Sept. 28, 1-3 p.m. EDT – Meet a Hero, Be a Hero Day at the Indianapolis Zoo
Schaller as well as other Indianapolis Prize finalists will meet the public and sign Indianapolis Prize conservationist trading cards that include details about the conservationists’ work and successes in the field. Two of Schaller’s latest books will also be available for purchase and autographs. This event is free for Zoo members and included with regular Zoo admission. - Monday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m. EDT – “A Life in the Wild: A Conversation with George Schaller”
Broadcast live from the high-tech David Letterman Communication and Media Building on the Ball State University campus in front of a studio audience, the program will be Webcast to universities, zoos, aquariums and other educational institutions around the country and air on selected PBS stations. To host a group or view the Webcast from the Indianapolis Prize Web site, contact Heather Grisham of the Indianapolis Zoo at hgrisham@indyzoo.com or (317) 630-2069. - Tuesday, Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m. EDT – Woods Science Lecture Series
Schaller will speak at the Reilly Room on the Butler University campus in Indianapolis as part of its Woods Science Lecture Series. Students and the public will learn more about Schaller’s visit back to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, his current research on the chiru or Tibetan antelope, and his work that shattered the myths about mountain gorillas. This event is open free to the public.
The final stop on Schaller’s schedule includes a speaking engagement at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 1.
For more information about the lecture series, visit www.indianapolisprize.org. Indianapolis Prize educational programming is sponsored by Cummins Inc.
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The Indianapolis Zoo is proud to partner with Ball State University, a leader in emerging media in Indiana and across the nation. The Dave Letterman Communication and Media Building is a $21 million facility where students put their hands on the latest cameras, surround sound technology and editing bays.
The Indianapolis Prize was initiated by the Indianapolis Zoo as a significant component of its mission to inspire local and global communities to celebrate, protect, and preserve our natural world through conservation, education and research. This biennial award brings the world’s attention to the cause of animal conservation and the brave, talented and dedicated men and women who spend their lives saving the Earth’s endangered animal species.