Calendar
Sat., November 23 | 11 am – 12:30 pm | Reserve a spot via your Member profile | Space is limited, reservations are free
Join Senior Director of Animal Care and Conservation Programs, Kurt Hundgen as he discusses the National Aviary’s critical conservation efforts to save African Penguins – a species that could be functionally extinct in South Africa by 2035.
African Penguins are up against many short term and long term challenges including oil spills, overfishing, noise pollution, and human encroachment on nesting grounds. As a leader of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program for African Penguins, the National Aviary works collaboratively with partners around the world, including on the ground in South African and Namibia. Through our work, we are addressing the problems that are leading to wild African Penguin population decline. Our initiatives under SAFE are helping us understand where help is needed most, including the implementation and installation of artificial nest burrows for wild breeding pairs.
These nest burrows work to address the issue of habitat loss and offer protection from natural disasters and prey to African Penguin chicks and eggs. In fact, the desgin of these burrows was tested in the National Aviary’s Penguin Point habitat – and a model of one can be seen in the habitat (and yes, our penguins actually use it!).
Members can learn all about this work and the future of this project from Kurt during his 45-minute presentation and then enjoy their complimentary admission to stroll through our immersive habitats. This event is a great way to spend a Thursday, whether with friends and family or flying solo. Meet fellow Members to make connections with bird lovers like you, or simply listen and learn!
Keep an eye on your inbox or our website for more updates about this new series and all things Membership here at the National Aviary. Stay tuned for more Member-exclusive events in 2025!
Space is limited for Expert Talk with Kurt Hundgen, reserve tickets in advance by logging into your Member profile.
To reserve tickets:
- Log into your Member account
- Select “Tickets” and then “Member Admission”
- Scroll down the page to find an icon for this event
- Add to cart and checkout as usual
Not a member? Become one today!
Image of wild African Penguins utilizing an artificial nest burrow courtesy of: Kevin Graham, Dallas Zoo