Calendar: Special Speakers

Wednesday, September 30

Frank's First Year
Presented by Greg Vicino, Animal Care Supervisor, San Diego Zoo

We celebrate the first year of the Zoo's newest gorilla, Frank (pictured above). Born September 4, 2008, the little guy had a rough start. But thanks to dedicated keepers and the Zoo's nursery staff, a "rear-assisting" program was attempted by letting his mother, Azizi, raise Frank while staff simply helped her. Nursery and mammal keepers would work together to provide support for Azizi until she could take over full time. Hear the amazing story and see some oh-so-cute photos!

Thursday, October 8

Year of the Gorilla
A special presentation by Ian Redmond, United Nations' Year of the Gorilla Ambassador

Ian Redmond is a tropical field biologist and conservationist, renowned for his work with great apes and elephants. For more than 30 years he has been associated with mountain gorillas through research, filming, tourism, and conservation work. As with his mentor, the late Dian Fossey, the main focus of his work shifted in 1978 from research to conservation work after poachers killed Digit, a young silverback in one of the Karisoke study groups, to sell his skull and hands. He is now chief consultant for GRASP, the United Nations' Environment Program/ UNESCO Great Apes Survival Partnership, which he helped to create in 2001. As one of the ambassadors for Year of the Gorilla 2009, Ian will highlight the importance of gorillas in the overall ecosystem and the importance of their survival for climate stability.

This event will also include book sales and signing, including the title The Primate Family Tree: The Amazing Diversity of Our Closest Relatives.

Wednesday, October 21

The Gorilla Detective
Presented by Anthony Nsubuga, leading project partner, Genetics Division, San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research

“Since gorillas face so many threats in their natural habitats, it is vital that we learn all we can about these great apes,” says Anthony Nsubuga. Methodical gathering of fecal samples and meticulous data collection can shed light on the movements and relatedness of wild apes by evaluating patterns of genetic variation between males and females within regions. Analyzing these samples will provide timeless information about various gorilla troops.

Another vital aspect to the gorilla genetics project is capacity building, where people are trained, supported, and mentored in gorilla conservation science in the range countries of the apes. In his lab, Dr. Nsubuga can reconstruct the details of gorilla love triangles and untangle a gorilla family tree using high-tech DNA analysis from samples of gorilla spoor. Share an evening with Dr. Nsubuga as he weaves a tale of science, nature, family ties, and gorilla survival.

To help raise awareness about the plight of the gorilla in Africa, 2009 has been designated the official Year of the Gorilla. To learn more about global efforts to save this magnificent primate and what you can do to help, please visit www.yog2009.org.