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SUMMARY:Conservation in Action
DESCRIPTION:Our new lecture series begins with Conservation in Action\, a powerful session that connects Tacoma’s history\, global conservation\, and personal storytelling. \nEarl Borgert grew up with Tacoma’s beloved Ivan the Gorilla\, whose life touched thousands in our community and beyond. Ivan’s story didn’t end with his passing—his legacy lives on through the I.V.A.N. Foundation\, created to Inspire a Vision of Advocacy to Nurture ideas that conserve natural habitats and protect endangered species worldwide. Earl’s lecture will explore how Ivan continues to inspire future generations to take up the mantle of conservation\, not just to preserve western lowland gorillas\, but to safeguard their native homelands and the ecosystems that sustain all life. \nFollowing Earl’s talk\, Alan Varsik (Executive Director\, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park) and Marc Heinzman (Conservation Manager) will share how their teams are advancing conservation in action today. From restoring endangered species in the Pacific Northwest to leading global collaborations\, they’ll highlight the role zoos and aquariums play in shaping a more sustainable future for wildlife. \nAfter the presentations\, attendees are encouraged to explore the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium\, where Ivan’s statue stands as a reminder of his enduring impact and where conservation practices are put into action every day. \nMeet Our Speakers\nEarl Borgert\, The I.V.A.N Foundation\nEarl Borgert is the grandson of Earl and Constance Irwin\, the founders of the B&I Circus Store in Tacoma\, WA\, the home to The One and Only Ivan the Gorilla for twenty-seven years until his release into a more natural habitat at Zoo Atlanta. Having been part of this unique story his entire life\, today Earl shares Ivan’s story through his own lens. Inspiring others to take part to preserve the native habitats for endangered species and to carry forward the lessons learned of the legacy of Ivan the Gorilla. Borgert has also been a Certified Gemologist for over thirty years and currently serves as the Custom Order Administrator for SDC Creations\, assisting clients in creating unique bridal Engagement rings that will serve as timeless keepsakes. \nAlan Varsik\, Executive Director\, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park\nAlan began his zoo and aquarium career 40 years ago after earning a bachelor’s in environmental biology from Cal Poly\, San Luis Obispo. He went on to complete a Master’s in Conservation Park Management from DuPaul University and work at several institutions including Brookfield Zoo\, Lincoln Park Zoo\, Santa Barbara Zoo\, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. During that time\, he’s worked with gorillas for nearly 30 years\, including caring for the largest gathering of gorillas in North America. He’s also been an instructor at Colleges\, Universities\, and professional training opportunities\, including leading a course on gorilla natural history and conservation in Uganda. Currently\, he is director for both Pt. Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and serves on the accreditation commission of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. \nMarc Heinzman\, Conservation Manager\, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park\nMarc Heinzman is the Conservation Manager for Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park\, bringing 18 years of experience in the zoo and aquarium field. He leads efforts to protect wildlife and wild places both in the Pacific Northwest and around the globe. His work includes advocating for the recovery of regionally imperiled species such as grizzly bears\, fishers\, and northern leopard frogs\, as well as supporting international projects focused on pangolins\, polar bears\, and tigers. Marc previously served on the Board of Directors for the Zoo Conservation Outreach Group\, a nonprofit coalition uniting zoos\, aquariums\, and partners across the Americas to protect biodiversity. He believes lasting conservation comes from collaboration\, creativity\, and inspiring people to see themselves as part of nature’s story.
URL:https://www.healthybay.org/event/conservation-in-action/
LOCATION:SAMi-Zoo Environmental Learning Center\, 5715 Animal Road\, Tacoma\, WA\, 98407\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Educational Series
ORGANIZER;CN="Communities for a Healthy Bay":MAILTO:chb@healthybay.org
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