From the manatee to the dolphin and the marine turtle, the spotlight will be on some of Florida’s favorite native animals at the Brevard Zoo  in June

The zoo will host its annual Conservation Conversations, sponsored by Florida Power and Light Company, every Wednesday  during the month.

This year’s theme is “Sea” the Change: Saving Florida’s Natural Treasures and includes guest speakers Dr. Llew Ehrhart, Ken Nedimyer, Ann Spellman, and Dr. Randall Wells. Each event begins at 6 p.m. in the Nyami Nyami River Lodge at Brevard Zoo. There is no cost to attend any of the Conservation Conversations events.

Conservation

Conversations Topics

June 6—The Florida Manatee: A Native American

Ann Spellman, a marine mammal biologist with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, will present an overview of the manatee— its unique physiology and anatomy; threats to its survival; habitat requirements; the state’s manatee rescue, recovery and research program; and what the state and federal government do to better understand the manatee and protect it. Spellman supervises the Manatee section of the Indian River Field Lab in Melbourne. She is in charge of all manatee rescues and recoveries and conducts research in six east central Florida counties.

June 13—The Bottlenose Dolphins of Sarasota Bay: Lessons Learned from 4 Decades of 5 Generations

Dr. Randall Wells will examine the behavior, social structure, life history, ecology, health, and population biology of bottlenose dolphins along the central west coast of Florida, focusing on five generations of a locally-resident, 160-member dolphin community. Dr. Wells directs the Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world’s longest-running study of a wild dolphin population.

June 20—Marine Turtles and Other Wildlife of the Archie Carr NWR: Their History and Future

Dr. Llew Ehrhart, recipient of the Archie Carr Lifetime Achievement Award and the International Sea Turtle Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award, will describe the past and future of sea turtles and other wildlife of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. Over his forty year career, Dr. Ehrhart has contributed valuable research on sea turtles and other animals along the east coast of Florida and the Indian River Lagoon, while also teaching and inspiring generations of student researchers as a professor at the University of Central Florida.

June 27—Coral Replanting: Hope for Florida’s Coral Reefs

Ken Nedimyer, founder and president of the Coral Restoration Foundation, will describe the work his non-profit organization is conducting to restore coral reefs. Following a 28-year career as a marine life fisherman, wholesaler, and retailer, Nedimyer became involved in fisheries management at the state and federal levels, which eventually led to his coral reef research and restoration. Coral Restoration Foundation is now involved in developing volunteer-based offshore coral nurseries and coral replanting programs in the Florida Keys, Bonaire, and Columbia. Nedimyer was recently honored as a CNN Hero for his pioneering work in Coral Reef Restoration.

While reservations are not required, Brevard Zoo is asking to email if attending any of the Conservation Conversations. Email Amy Reaume, Conservation Coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . To learn more about Brevard Zoo’s conservation projects please visit brevardzoo.org.

Brevard Zoo is home to more than 550 animals representing more than 165 species from Florida, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The zoo features many extraordinary animal experiences including giraffe and lorikeet feedings, onsite kayaking, paddle boats, and a train ride.  Brevard Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Brevard Zoo is located  mile east of I-95 at exit 191 on Wickham Road in Melbourne – 45 minutes from the Orlando airport. Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission is 4:15 p.m.)  For more information visit brevardzoo.org. Admission $14.50/Adults 13 and older; $13.50/Seniors ages 65+; $10.50/Children ages 2 to 12; and, free to children under two. Parking is free. Group discounts and adventure packaging available. Twenty-five cents of every admission supports Brevard Zoo’s conservation programs.