Science Cafe Wichita

Topic: Conservation and the Species Dating Game

Speaker: Schaneé Anderson – Curator of Education at Sedgwick County Zoo

Date: Monday October 14

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: The Donut Whole (1720 E. Douglas)

In the world of endangered species preservation every breeding counts. However, not every animal should breed. Sedgwick County Zoo actively prevents more endangered species from breeding than it breeds. Making sure that the offspring is the right genetic mix, confirming that there are quality homes for those animals, and breeding to maintain captive genetic viability for 100 years is all part of the “dating game.” Learn more about the Species Survival Plan as well as the conservation work that Sedgwick County Zoo assists with around the world. You may be shocked to discover what animal is the most endangered at Sedgwick County Zoo!

Schaneé is a native of OmahaNebraska. She started her zoo career as a teen volunteer at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo over 30 years ago. In 1992 she migrated south to Kansas as curator of education at Sunset Zoo, ManhattanKansas and traveled further south in 2003 to become the curator of education at your Sedgwick County Zoo.

She has her bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Nebraska and a master’s in elementary education and curriculum instruction from KansasStateUniversity. She has served on the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Conservation Education Committee and Honors and Awards, is past-president of the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education, is a certified interpretive trainer with the National Association for Interpretation, and is an adjunct professor for Friends University. In 2012 she was honored by KACEE with the John Strickler Award, the State’s top environmental education award.

She has been married to Charles for eighteen years and loves to spend time with their two sons who think they own the Zoo, two dogs, and a cat. There is not much time for hobbies.