Take an Adventure in Africa

Make your next trip to the Zoo an educational trip by learning all about our Africa – Okavango Delta friends and what you can do to protect them in the wild. On August 17, we’ll be taking an Adventure in Africa. From 11 am – 2:30 pm, we’re celebrating all things African with fun activities, keeper chats and a special lecture presentation from Mary Wykstra.

Mary is the current Director of Action for Cheetahs in Kenya (ACK) and former Kenya Director for Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), from 2001 to 2008. Founded in Namibia in 1990, Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is the global leader in research and conservation of cheetahs. Action for Cheetahs in Kenya (ACK) is a long-term project that was initiated through support from the Cheetah Conservation Fund in affiliation with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Both organizations work in sync to help protect the cheetah population from extinction. Through both organizations, she has experience in Kenya and in Namibia with data collection, cheetah research techniques, capture and immobilization, community development and education.

At 11 am, Mary will give a special lecture presentation on cheetahs and her work in conservation on the ZooLive! Stage. Throughout the rest of the event, visitors can enjoy conservation carts, buttons, African-themed crafts, interesting facts from trail hosts, and two Keeper Chats at Noon and 2 pm. Don’t miss the ZooLive! animal presentation at 1 pm, which will feature the Zoo’s African Animal Ambassadors. Plus, with any donation, visitors will receive a special rhino pin.