September Science Speaker Series, James Currie "The Last of the Big Tuskers"

James Currie will present an engaging discussion, “The Last of the Big Tuskers,” focused on African “super tusker” elephants.?In?the?early 1970s,?there were estimated to be 1.2 million elephants in Africa. Today,? there are approximately 350,000 to 400,000. Even more alarming, is?the?fact that we are losing Africa’s super?tuskers?(those elephants with at least one tusk weighing 100 pounds or more) at an astounding rate. Today, only about twenty remain. At?the?same time, entire elephant populations are increasingly becoming completely tuskless, a sort?of?human-induced evolution that is being fueled by?the insatiable demand for ivory.?Currie produced?the?multiple award-winning documentary on elephants “Last?of?the?Big?Tuskers?“– filmed in part in 2018 at Great Plains’?ol Donyo Lodge?set in?Kenya’s Chyulu Hills. This fascinating presentation will give you insights into the immediate need to protect these giants of Africa through some intriguing conservation techniques. 

Currie?is a South African–born wildlife expert, elephant specialist, and Head of Sales & New Development for the Americas at Great Plains Conservation. A life-long conservationist, he is best known as host of?“Nikon’s Birding Adventures”?(ten seasons on Discovery/NBC),?“A Wild Connection,” and the award-winning documentary?“Last of the Big Tuskers.” He has also hosted National Geographic’s?“Aerial Assassins,” appeared in?“Twitchers,” and created two National Geographic video lecture series on birding and African safaris. 

 

He has led wildlife and birding tours across the globe for more than twenty years and is a highly sought-after speaker, having presented at the Explorers Club in New York, the National Audubon headquarters, and international travel conferences. He is the author of?When Eagles Roar?and has contributed to major media outlets including,?The Wall Street Journal?and?“Martha Stewart Radio.” 

In addition to his media and guiding career, Currie holds a Master’s in Sustainable Environmental Management and has worked extensively to connect conservation with local community development in Africa. Originally from South Africa, he now lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, with his wife and three children. 

This event is free and will be held via Zoom only.

Pre-registration is required to attend.