Oakland Zoo’s Conservation Speaker Series Presents Jackson Hole Film Festival Favorites

On March 7, 2017 from 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Oakland Zoo’s Conservation Speaker Series welcomes the public to attend a special screening of six short films focused on critical conservation issues facing sun bears, red wolves, mangroves and more.

The Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival is the premier natural history and conservation media industry conference and film festival, hosted biennially in Jackson Hole, WY. Founded in 1991, the event has traditionally been held amongst the backdrop of Teton National Park. Films concentrate on nature and wildlife films, and it draws an audience of about 800 scientists, conservationists and media executives.

“Oakland Zoo is a conservation organization, and by showing these films focused on these conservation issues through the art of film is an impactful way for us to help get the message out there. Film is a potent means of telling stories that need to be told. Films about wildlife have the potential to open eyes and minds, and inspire action to care for this beautiful planet,” Amy Gotliffe, Conservation Director at Oakland Zoo.

At the JHWFF, filmmakers compete for 23 awards. The award winners are selected by a distinguished panel of international judges, who donate their expertise and thousands of hours to judge entries. The judges logged over 3200 hours to bring viewers the very best in wildlife films.

“There has never been a more important time to connect people with the wonders of nature and science. The impact of these powerful stories is undeniable,” said Executive Director Lisa Samford.

The Conservation Speaker Series will take place in Oakland Zoo’s Zimmer Auditorium, located at the lower entrance of the Zoo. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments at 6:30p.m. with the screening beginning at 7p.m. Parking is free and the admission price for the evening’s speaker presentations is \$12.00 - \$20.00 per person (sliding scale).

For additional information about Oakland Zoo’s Conservation Speaker Series, please contact Amy Gotliffe, Conservation Director, at amy@oaklandzoo.org

About Oakland Zoo

The Bay Area's award-winning Oakland Zoo is home to more than 660 native and exotic animals. The Zoo offers many educational programs and kid's activities perfect for science field trips, family day trips and exciting birthday parties. Oakland Zoo is dedicated to the humane treatment of animals and wildlife conservation onsite and worldwide; with 25¢ from each ticket donated to support conservation partners and programs around the world. The California Trail, a transformational project that more than doubles our size, opens in 2018, and will further our commitment to animal care, education, and conservation with a focus on this state's remarkable native wildlife. Nestled in the Oakland Hills, in 500-acre Knowland Park, the Zoo is located at 9777 Golf Links Road, off Highway 580. The East Bay Zoological Society (Oakland Zoo) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization supported in part by members, contributions, the City of Oakland and the East Bay Regional Parks.