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The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is pleased to announce the 2012 speakers for the 20^th annual Barrows Conservation Lecture Series. Once again, the prestigious lecture series will feature an exciting lineup of internationally acclaimed scientists, explorers and conservationists – including Sharon Matola, recipient of the 2012 Cincinnati Zoo Wildlife Conservation Award! Since 1993, the series has brought a slate of esteemed naturalists and scientists to Cincinnati to address wildlife issues and global conservation efforts.

Opening the Series on Wednesday, March 21, at 7 p.m., is Dr. Amy Dickman, who will present, “Money, Myths, and Man-eaters: Resolving human-carnivore conflict in Tanzania’s Ruaha landscape.” A Senior Research Fellow at WildCRU, Oxford University, and an award-winning conservationist, Dr. Dickman has over 13 years of experience working with large carnivores, including lions and cheetahs. Her current research focuses on carnivore ecology and conservation in Tanzania’s Ruaha landscape where human-carnivore conflict is a critical conservation issue.  Dr. Dickman will discuss the implementation of innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to long-term conservation success.

On Wednesday, April 25, starting at 7 p.m., Sharon Negri, will present, “Why Cougars Matter: An Ecological and Cultural Perspective.” Dedicated to protecting wildlife and wild places, Sharon Negri founded the Mountain Lion Foundation in 1986 and served as its Director until 1990.  Today, she directs WildFutures, a non-profit organization that works to bridge the gap between science and conservation, and promotes an understanding of large carnivores through education and community involvement.  Sharon Negri was instrumental in the passage of the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990, co-edited the book, “Cougar Ecology and Conservation,” and co-produced the award-winning film, “On Nature’s Terms: People and Predators Coexisting in Harmony.”

On Wednesday, May 9, at 7 p.m., Dr. Shirley Strum, will present, “Darwin’s Monkey: Smart, Sophisticated, and Adaptable.” University of California Professor of Anthropology, Dr. Shirley C. Strum, has studied baboons in Kenya for more than 40 years through the Uaso Ngiro Baboon Project (UNBP).  Her long-term research has revealed how baboons use intelligence, flexibility, and social skills to manage their complex world.  This adaptability is the key to their success.  Dr. Strum will explain how understanding baboon behavior helped create innovative conservation and management techniques.

On Wednesday, May 23, at 7 p.m., Sharon Matola, will present, “Thinking (and playing) out of the box: Conservation Strategies That Rock!” If you really want an audience to embrace biodiversity conservation, Sharon Matola, Founding Director of the Belize Zoo, and recipient of the 2012 Cincinnati Zoo Wildlife Conservation Award, believes that you need to engage people in fun and creative ways.  Highly successful, Matola’s innovative techniques have made a significant impact throughout Belize.  During her presentation, Sharon Matola discusses her creative planning process and shares some of her fun and engaging techniques.

All Barrows Conservation Lectures will be held in the Cincinnati Zoo’s Frisch’s Theater in the Harold C. Schott Education Center. All lectures begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. WGUC 90.9 is the media partner for the 2012 series and the Hilton Hotel Group is the hotel partner.  The Barrows Conservation Lecture Series is made possible by the ongoing support of the family of Winifred & Emil Barrows.