Challenges and Triumphs: Protecting the Endangered Painted Dog in a Human Dominated Landscape

Dr. Gregory Rasmussen grew up in Zimbabwe where he developed a strong affinity for wildlife, to the point of spending all his spare time in the laboratories of the Natural History Museum. After a stint in the British Navy, he returned to Africa where he began researching the endangered painted dog (also known as the African wild dog). Founder of the Painted Dog Research Trust, Dr. Rasmussen continues his life’s research into painted dogs and also pursues a new vision. Believing that good conservation must be supported by sound science, Dr. Rasmussen is building a conservation ecology center to inspire and train tomorrow’s generation of conservationists. His mission is to mentor young Zimbabwean and international university students. On top of all that, he is one of the few people to survive a plane crash where he was stranded in Hwange National Park for a day and a half with his pelvis and both legs broken. Join us for what promises to be an exciting (and entertaining) talk about his life, his work, his vision, and solutions to protect the painted dogs of Zimbabwe. This program is presented in partnership with The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.