Conservation Lecture Series

Ian Stevenson

Conservation Lower Zambezi

Thursday, February 16 | 7:00-8:30pm

Though born in Australia, Ian Stevenson arrived in the Lower Zambezi in 1997 where he began his involvement in wildlife protection. Now, Ian leads Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), a nonprofit organization committed to the protection of wildlife and to the sustainable use of natural resources in Zambia. Hear Ian’s firsthand accounts of his work to combat the poaching that was decimating the wildlife of this region and efforts to engage the local community, plus how the Kansas City Zoo has been part of the organization’s recent success. Kids' programming also available! Tickets available at kansascityzoo.org.

Geoff York

Polar Bears International

Friday, April 21 | 7:00-8:30pm

Polar Bears International (PBI) is the only conservation organization solely dedicated to wild polar bears. Through research, education, and advocacy, they work to inspire people to care about the Arctic and its connection to our global climate. Join us as we welcome Geoff York, senior director of conservation at PBI, to discuss the latest polar bear research, and his firsthand experience with these amazing creatures in their shrinking native habitat. Specifically, learn about important research that the Kansas City Zoo is supporting, the Burr on Fur project. Kids' programming also available! Stay tuned for registration info on social media and kansascityzoo.org.

Meet Bintang

Meet the newest resident of Tiger Trail! Bintang (pronounced bin-tang), a 4-year-old Sumatran tiger, transferred from the Topeka Zoo in late 2022 and is now making a home at the Kansas City Zoo. His care team at the Topeka Zoo lovingly dubbed Bintang as “Bini,” describing the tiger as "playful, silly, and energetic.” Born October 15, 2018, to mother Jingga and father Sanjiv, 300-pound Bintang can often be seen rolling around or greeting his care specialists with chuffs!

Thomas, a Sumatran tiger who has called the Kansas City Zoo home since 2016, was transferred recently to the Topeka Zoo on a breeding recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP makes decisions on placement and mating of animals like the Sumatran tiger, which is critically endangered, to ensure the species’ genetic diversity and hope for its future.

Learn more about Bintang and the Sumatran tiger species daily at our 3pm informational chats at the tiger habitat!