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Pandas 2
2024

Museum of Discovery and Science Fort Lauderdale, FL

with

Jay Pratte

Director, Miller Park Zoo

Pandas— A zoologist's experience with giant pandas

Zoologist Jay Pratte, Director of the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, IL, and Co-Founder and President of the Bear Care Group, will lead an exciting talk about his experiences with Giant Pandas, including his time working closely with the species in China and with Zoo Atlanta. Jay will share fun stories of his time working with these lovable animals and talk about what makes them so unique!

Museum of Discovery and Science Fort Lauderdale, FL

Film Synopsis

A breathtaking documentary adventure and amazing experience for the whole family.

    In the mountains of Sichuan, China, an American biologist embarks on a life-changing journey to join Chinese scientists as they work to introduce captive-born giant panda cubs to life in the wild. The researcher forms a bond with Qian Qian, a panda who is about to experience nature for the first time. Narrated by Kristen Bell.

    Photo credit: IMAX

    About the Speaker

    For over 30 years, Jay Pratte has cared for animals, with species ranging from ant colonies to giant pandas, becoming internationally renowned for his animal behavior and welfare expertise. Co-founder and President of the Bear Care Group, he earned his master's degree in Zoo and Aquarium Leadership, has authored numerous publications, and is co-editor for an animal training column in a professional journal. Jay is an adjunct professor, having developed a course on animal welfare and human impact. An active advocate for animal wellbeing, Jay is recognized as an expert witness in several US Federal court circuits, and aids organizations globally in improving the lives of all species of animals. Jay’s love of giant pandas developed during his five years as their zookeeper at an accredited zoo, which led to Jay visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China. Jay even starred in the animal Planet special “Growing Up Panda.” While Jay is now a zoo director, training a new generation of zookeepers and educators, his love for these iconic bears remains.