Museum presentation reveals why hippos are Africa’s greatest killer
For immediate release ‐ February 22, 2016
Contact: Jon Pishney, 919.707.8083. Images available upon request
RALEIGH — Though hippos are often cited as killing more people than any other animal in Africa, human-hippopotamus conflict has rarely been studied. Discover the real story of this conflict and why it is an important issue for hippo conservation, when the North Carolina Zoo’s Corinne Kendall presents “Africa’s Greatest Killer? Understanding Human-Hippopotamus Conflict,” at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Thursday, March 3, 7 p.m.
Dr. Corinne Kendall is Associate Curator of Conservation and Research at the N.C. Zoo. She received her Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology from Princeton University where she studied African vulture biology and conservation. Her passion for conservation and education has taken her all over the world and she has worked with several different organizations — including Columbia University, the Bronx Zoo, the American Museum of Natural History and Houston Zoo — in both teaching and research capacities. Her current position allows her to continue conservation work on vultures in Tanzania, oversee a conservation education program in Uganda, work with undergraduates conducting studies at the zoo, and continue teaching with Project Dragonfly.
This is the last of six presentations held in conjunction with the Museum’s current featured exhibition, “Extreme Mammals,” which explores the diversity, ancestry and evolution of species ranging from huge to tiny, from speedy to sloth-like. The exhibition showcases spectacular fossils, vivid reconstructions and life-like models — including a 15-foot-high touchable model of the extinct Indricotherium, the largest known land mammal.
Tickets: $10 per lecture. Add an exhibition ticket to your order and receive $5 off admission. Friends of the Museum members receive free admission to the exhibition. Tickets are available online (naturalsciences.org/extreme) or at the Museum Box Office (919.707.9950). The exhibition stays open until 7 p.m. on the night of the presentation; last entry 6 p.m.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (11 W. Jones St. and 121 W. Jones St.) in downtown Raleigh is an active research institution that engages visitors of every age and stage of learning in the wonders of science and the natural world, drawing them into the intriguing fields of study that are critical to the future of North Carolina. Hours: Mon.- Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun., noon-5 p.m. Visit the Museum online at www.naturalsciences.org. Emlyn Koster, PhD, Museum Director; Susan Kluttz, Secretary, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources; Pat McCrory, Governor.
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state’s natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Led by Secretary Susan Kluttz, NCDNCR’s mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state’s history, conserving the state’s natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development. NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science museums, three aquariums and Jennette’s Pier, 39 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the nation’s first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please call (919) 807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.