Upcoming: 3rd Human-Animal Studies Fall Lecture Series

The University of Redlands will host its 3rd Annual Human-Animal Studies Fall lecture series, a collaboration with the National Museum of Animals and Society in L.A. and a partner event for the upcoming conference Minding Animals International in New Delhi. The three-part lecture series is titled “Wild and Endangered: Amazing Animals and Human Harms.” It launches on Sept. 22 with a presentation by Dr. Maddalena Bearzi and will be held in the University of Redlands’ Orton Center (1200 E. Colton Avenue in Redlands). “Human-Animal studies (HAST) is a burgeoning field of study that examines relationships between humans and other animals: historical, biological, ecological, ethical, symbolic,” said Professor of Philosophy and the Program’s Director, Kathie Jenni. “For the past three years, our program has been fortunate enough to partner with L.A.’s National Museum of Animals and Society to bring world- class authors and activists to present their work in the field.” “Our hope is that the lecture series will spur ethical reflection and discussion among students, faculty and the entire Redlands community,” added Jenni. The first lecture will feature Dr. Maddalena Bearzi, who will present her new book Dolphin Confidential: Confessions of a Field Biologist (Chicago University Press, 2012). In her work, Dr. Bearzi invites all shore-bound dreamers and marine mammal enthusiasts to join her in her travels alongside dolphins. In the lecture, Bearzi will explore the fascinating world of a marine mammal field scientist, offering a first-hand understanding of cetacean behavior, as well as the frustrations, delights, and creativity that make up dolphin research. Dr. Bearzi recounts some of her experiences at sea, tracing her own evolution as a woman and a scientist from her earliest travails to her transformation into an advocate for conservation and dolphin protection. Her fieldwork explores the metropolitan bottlenose dolphins of California, as well as dolphin social behavior and intelligence. Maddalena Bearzi is president and co-founder of Ocean Conservation Society, based in Marina del Rey, Calif. She received a Ph.D. in Biology and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles. Bearzi has been actively involved in studying the ecology of marine mammals and sea turtles with a strong conservation bias since 1990. Further information on her research, conservation and outreach public efforts can be found at oceanconservation.org. Future information about the October and November lectures will be forthcoming. Speaker Schedule: • Maddalena Bearzi: President and Co-founder of Ocean Conservation Society Monday, Sept. 22, 7-8:30 p.m. (Visuals begin at 6:30 p.m.) Dolphin Confidential: Confessions of a Field Biologist • Catherine Doyle: Director of Science, Research and Advocacy for the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) Monday, Oct. 20, 7-8:30 p.m. (Visuals begin at 6:30 p.m.) The Case Against Keeping Elephants in Captivity • Craig Downer: Founder of the Andean Tapir Fund and Board of Directors of The Cloud Foundation Monday, Nov. 17, 7-8:30 p.m. The Natural Healers: Why Wild Horses Belong and How they Restore the Ecosystem but Themselves Need to be Restored