“The Fitton Center has now sold-out its first three shows of the year, so we’re thrilled. ‘Celebrating Self’ has had unprecedented attendance this year in pre-sales, so we’re incredibly excited about our sales for the season, and how well the season has been received by our patrons, both by our members and the general public,” MacKenzie-Thurley said.
ABOUT THE TALK
In an up-close and personal setting, Maynard will talk about his long-time role at the zoo and his love for wildlife as he encourages guests to take advantage of the many amenities and educational programs the Cincinnati Zoo has to offer. For example, the Cincinnati Zoo is one of the only zoo’s where visitors can see Cheetahs run at full speed. The Cincinnati Zoo is consistently ranked as one of the top zoos in the country.
Maynard has previously spoken at the Fitton Center, and he has also attended a concert at the venue.
“A good amount of people in attendance for ‘Celebrating Self’ is 60 to 70. That’s a good strong number for during the day, in the ballroom for a lunch-time speaker,” MacKenzie-Thurley said.
As director of the Cincinnati Zoo, Maynard is internationally known for his innovation and dedication to wildlife preservation, research and education. Maynard is also an author of more than a dozen books, including “Hope for Animals and Their World,” which he co-authored with Jane Goodall. As a radio show host of his nationally-syndicated program “The 90-Second Naturalist,” he provides science and environmental news on radio stations across the country, including stations like WVXU, locally.
>> Yes, there will be a Fiona calendar
Maynard said he will talk about the Cincinnati Zoo – where the zoo’s at and where they’re headed. He will also share some hopeful stories about species that are making a comeback.
“If you open any newspaper today, or magazine, you will see bad news about nature. Twenty-five years ago, you had to get a scientific journal article to find out about that, but today it’s everywhere. Whether that’s climate change, poaching or over population – nature is under siege. But, with that said, there’s also ample good news about species that are making a comeback,” Maynard said.
He said, “Right where you are in Hamilton, 30 years ago it was difficult to see a Bald Eagle, and it was impossible to see a Peregrine Falcon, and both species have made a comeback. If you go outside today and really look, you can see a Bald Eagle and a Peregrine Falcon right inside the City limits.”
When Maynard speaks, he usually gets asked a variety of questions – from “How’s Baby Fiona?” and “Why doesn’t the zoo have more parking?” to “What’s next at the Cincinnati Zoo?”
“One of the great things about our region, is the Cincinnati Zoo is the zoo for Hamilton, Middletown and Dayton…So, it’s neat to be able to take our story on the road,” Maynard said.
>> Pictures of Fiona meeting her mom and dad
WANT TO GO?
What: "Celebrating Self" luncheon series featuring Thane Maynard, director, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
When: Wednesday, Nov. 1. Note: Due to expected larger than normal crowds, this luncheon will start slightly earlier than the regular 11:30 a.m. start time. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. for seating. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to noon and Thane Maynard will speak from noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Carruthers Signature Ballroom, The Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton
Cost: Tickets for the event including lunch are $16 for members; $21 for non-members. Tickets are available in advance at the Fitton Center or online. Limited tickets are typically offered at the door the day of the event, if available.
More info: www.fittoncenter.org or (513) 863-8873 ext. 110.
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