Birmingham Zoo
  • Today's Regular Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

ZooNews

All News

The Birmingham Zoo Hosts Plight of the Painted Dogs Presentation

On March 12, 2014 from 6:30-7:30pm, the Birmingham Zoo will host a presentation on the Plight of the Painted Dogs with special guest speakers, Peter Blinston and Jealous Mpofu. The program will focus on interventions that address direct and indirect threats to the dogs, such as inadvertent snaring, roadkill, negative community attitudes and habitat destruction. A part of the Birmingham Zoo’s mission is “Inspiring passion for the natural world… through emphasizing conservation, education, scientific study and recreation.” The Plight of the Painted Dogs presentation supports the Zoo’s conservation efforts and provides a unique opportunity to educate the public on sustaining the painted dog population. This event is open to the public at no charge and will take place in the Birmingham Zoo Auditorium with complimentary refreshments and light snacks.

Blinston is the current Managing Director of Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) and began by volunteering with the organization in England over a decade ago. Mpofu, a local Zimbabwian, joined PDC in March 1987 as a tracker and has received multiple awards for his significant contributions to PDC. The Zimbabawe-based organization, Painted Dog Conservation, aims to “protect and increase the range and numbers of painted dogs,” a species unique to Africa and among that continent’s most endangered species. The painted dog population in Zimbabwe is one of the last strongholds of the species. It is estimated that a mere 3,000 – 5,000 painted dogs remain, and conservation efforts are vital to sustaining the species. PDC’s vision is to “create a conservation model that will make a lasting contribution to the future of painted dogs and the lives of the local people.” To reserve a spot at the PDC presentation, please contact Christine Hoskinson at aazk@birminghamzoo.com.

Approximately 950 animals of 230 species call the Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, zebras, rhinos and endangered species from six continents. The Birmingham Zoo is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Regular admission is $15* for adults and $10* for senior citizens and children ages 2-12 (*Price not including tax). All Birmingham Zoo Members and children under twoyears-old receive free admission.

Press Release