NOTE: This event was rescheduled from January of this year because it was cancelled due to a power outage at The Terraces at that time. We are happy and thankful to Doug Cheeseman for rescheduling his talk for May 15. 

*NEW* Time: Refreshments at 7:00PM; program at 7:30PM

Cost: Free

Speaker: Doug Cheeseman

Topic: An Evening of African Predators, Including Raptors

Photos (left to right): Gail and Doug Cheeseman, Bat-eared Fox, Jackals and Hyena

Description: This year marks 41 years of leading African safaris for Doug Cheeseman since 1978. Years ago Doug was shooting 200 rolls of film every safari to document the exciting behaviors of predator/prey action and the amazing diversity of predators and their prey. The hierarchy of cats, hyenas, dogs, small mammals, big eagles, hawks, owls all needing to eat creates the stuff to keep a motor drive on, especially now in the digital age. Here at home we see dogs chasing cats and cats chasing birds, but in Africa it's a whole different world with cats chasing dogs, eagles attacking mammals, reptiles drowning equids and much more. This past year Doug and his wife, Gail, led three safaris to East Africa and marveled at all the new behaviors they witnessed, especially interactions among predators who come up with new techniques of survival as they adapt to ever-changing conditions. They have witnessed how flexible these creatures are to survive. Many issues are playing their roles, including climate change and interestingly even shy mammals becoming more habituated to safari vehicles. Now they are going about their hunts as if 4WDs are part of their habitat, often even learning how to use the vehicles as cover or a vantage point as with Cheetahs jumping atop a roof. We invite you to an evening of exciting safari action full of the enthusiasm that Doug is famous for delivering. Over the years he has created programs for Audubon chapters featuring all the wildlife-rich areas of the world from the Arctic to the Antarctic where he has guided wildlife tours. He is not only a wildlife photographer and safari guide, but also a teacher of zoology with a passion for wildlife conservation.