Marine Biologist and Photojournalist Christina Mittermeier Speaks at Houston Zoo March 25th

By Brian Hill

Houston, TX - The Houston Zoo’s 2010 Call of the Wild Speaker Series resumes March 25 with a stunning presentation of photographic images from marine biologist and photojournalist Christina Mittermeier, Executive Director of the International League of Conservation Photographers.

Working in various aspects of conservation for the past 20 years, Christina’s photography documents the intersection between nature and human societies. From climate change to poverty, from the loss of biodiversity to disappearing native cultures, Christina merges her understanding of the scientific underpinnings of conservation to a boundless passion for photography and communication.

From the popular to the scientific, Christina’s work has appeared in the world’s major magazines including National Geographic, Nature’s Best, Latina, Elan, American Photo and many more. Her latest book project, The Human Footprint was produced with the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York in conjunction with her own organization, the ILCP.

The Houston Zoo’s Call of the Wild Speaker Series provides a forum for global conservation leaders to share their knowledge, concerns and plans for the future. The Call of the Wild Speaker Series is generously supported by the Charles T. Bauer Foundation, the Tapeats Fund, and Continental Airlines, the official airline of the Houston Zoo.

Ticket prices are $10 for members, $15 for non-members, and $5 for children, students and Houston Zoo volunteers. Buy tickets on-line when you visit www.houstonzoo.org/conservation and click on Call of the Wild Lectures. Presentations are held in the Brown Education Center beginning promptly at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar prior to the start of the lecture. Please park in the main Zoo lot and enter through Gate 5. When you arrive, your receipt will serve as your ticket, so please print a copy and bring it to the lecture. If you have purchased a ticket at the Student price, please be prepared to show your Student ID at the gate.

Recognized by Parents magazine as one of the Ten Best Zoos for Kids, the Houston Zoo is an exciting live animal adventure that provides a unique educational and conservation resource serving 1.7 million guests annually. Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 4,500 exotic animals representing more than 800 species. Operated by the not-for-profit Houston Zoo, Inc., the Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, the provision of engaging educational opportunities and the creation of stimulating exhibits that broaden the experiences of our guests and encourage their curiosity.

The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Golf Course Drive in beautiful Hermann Park. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Central Standard Time (last admission at 5 p.m.) and from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. during Central Daylight Time (last admission at 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed Christmas Day. Regular admission is $11 for adults, $6 for seniors, $7 for children ages 2-11 and FREE for children under 2. Visit the courtesy booth at your neighborhood Fiesta Mart and purchase an adult Zoo admission for $9 and a child Zoo admission for $6. Zoo memberships start at only $55. For information on all the great benefits of becoming a Zoo member call (713) 533-6713 or visit our Web site at www.houstonzoo.org.

Ride METRORail to the Houston Zoo from the Fannin South Park and Ride lot. With frequent service, METRORail is a convenient answer to traffic congestion in the Texas Medical Center/Hermann Park/Museum District corridor. For METRORail information, visit www.ridemetro.org.

The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org.

To view Houston Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-727-Houston_Zoo