New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Buttonwood Park Zoo’s Virtual “Wildlife Education Series” returns this spring with two incredible talks highlighting two magnificent species. This educational program covers a variety of scientific topics, ranging from biology to animal behavior to conservation science. The events are geared to inquisitive individuals who are eager to learn and ask questions.
On April 1, 2021, BPZOO is proud to welcome Dr. Susan Mikota, Director of Veterinary Services and Research for Elephant Care International (ECI), who will present “Care and Conservation of Elephants in Asia”. ECI is dedicated to the healthcare, welfare, and conservation of elephants and to facilitating data sharing among elephant professionals and programs focused on care (healthcare and welfare of individuals and groups), conservation (mitigation of disease where captive and wild elephant interface) and capacity building (through training veterinarians and providing technical support, equipment, and supplies).
Buttonwood Park Zoo photo.
Dr. Mikota will discuss the status of captive and wild elephants in Asia with a focus on ECI projects in select countries. This free virtual event begins at 7:00 pm and will be held on Zoom. Preregistration is required at https://www.bpzoo.org/whats-new/wildlife-education-series/.
In addition to being Director of Veterinary Programs and Research for ECI, Dr. Mikota is also co-founder of the not-for-profit organization. She has written numerous scientific articles and book chapters and co-edited Biology, Medicine, and Surgery of Elephants, the first modern veterinary textbook dedicated to elephants. Dr. Mikota worked for the Audubon Zoo/Audubon Institute for almost 20 years, before moving to Indonesia for three years to care for elephants in government training centers in Sumatra. Dr. Mikota has also worked in Nepal, Myanmar, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. She is a member of the IUCN Asian Elephant Specialist Group, the IUCN Wildlife Health Specialist Group and the Asian Captive Elephant Working Group (acewg.org). In 2017 she became a Diplomate of the American College of Animal Welfare, a specialty acknowledged by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Buttonwood Park Zoo photo.
The second installment of this popular education series will be held on April 28, 2021 and will feature Alysa McCall, Director of Conservation Outreach, and Marissa Krouse, Program Manager for Polar Bears International (PBI). PBI is the only conservation organization solely dedicated to wild polar bears. Through research, education, and advocacy we work to inspire people to care about the Arctic and its connection to our global climate.
The “Wildlife Education Series” will be held virtually, on Zoom, and is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. For more information, visit https://www.bpzoo.org/whats-new/wildlife-education-series/.
