Friday
March 4

Although we think of them as endangered, the fact is, there are about 20,000 tigers alive in the world today. The problem is, only 5,000 of those are in the jungle—the other 15,000 are locked up in zoos, circuses, and private collections, serving a life sentence without the chance of parole.
From condors to wolf cubs, we rely on zoos to safeguard declining species. Do they actually do that, or is it just an excuse to allow us to feel better about our troubled planet? Or perhaps the conservation function of zoos is overrated and their better use is as quasi-educational entertainment.
These are tough questions, yet ones whose answers may surprise you. Join a panel of biologists, naturalists, and wildlife professionals as they debate the function and future of that safest of childhood memories, the zoo. The evening will include a slide show reviewing where zoos have been historically and how they are evolving today, including views of some of the most innovative enclosures being built anywhere. (Note: out of respect for the viewers and the animals themselves, there will be NO images shown of animals being kept in cruel or substandard conditions, though some verbal references to this may be a necessary part of the program’s dialogue.) The session includes a discussion period with the audience. The panel includes Dr. Peter Bowler, Fred Hood, Joe Maynard, and Dr. Cal Yorke. The moderator of this program is Charles Hood.

Time	7-10p.m.
Location:	Room: SSV-151
Flex Credit:	3.0 Hours