Madagascar wildlife and conservation at Chattanooga, Tennessee

Madagascar's unique wildlife is set to take center stage at the upcoming Madagascar Conservation Event at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga.

 

Scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, this special evening offers guests an immersive experience into the world of Malagasy fauna.

 

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet one of the Aquarium's Malagasy residents and enjoy refreshments while engaging with experts dedicated to the care and conservation of these remarkable species.

 

Maggie Sipe and Samantha Grote, the animal care specialists responsible for the Aquarium's Radiated Tortoises and various lemur species, will share insights into managing these energetic mammals and curious reptiles.

 

Following their discussion, Stephen Nelson, the Aquarium's reintroduction manager, will delve into efforts to save critically endangered Radiated Tortoises in Madagascar.

 

Later in the evening, primatologist Dr. Timothy Eppley, chief conservation officer for Wildlife Madagascar, will discuss the challenges and rewards of conducting research in Madagascar.

 

With over two decades of experience, Dr. Eppley collaborates closely with the Malagasy people to study and protect the island's unique ecology.

 

After his presentation and a Q&A session, attendees will visit the Tropical Cove gallery for a special lemur enrichment session.

 

An onsite silent auction will feature items from Madagascar, animal art created by the Aquarium's lemurs, and more.

 

Madagascar is home to a one-of-a-kind collection of species, with scientists estimating that 85% of its animals and 90% of its plants are endemic.

 

Some of the Aquarium's most beloved residents hail from Madagascar, including Panther Chameleons, Madagascar Day Geckos, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, Lesser Hedgehog Tenrecs, and lemurs such as Ring-tailed, Red-ruffed, and Red-collared Brown.

 

However, Madagascar's rich ecology is fragile, with many species threatened by human-induced factors like deforestation, wildlife trafficking, and illegal timber harvest.

 

Conservation organizations like Wildlife Madagascar prioritize collaboration with the Malagasy people to safeguard lands and protect species.

 

Dr. Eppley is co-author of the fifth edition of "Lemurs of Madagascar," a valuable resource among primatological researchers.

 

On April 7, he will sign copies of the book, which will also be available for purchase.

 

Event tickets are $50 for Aquarium Members and River Society members and $65 for non-Members.

 

A portion of the ticket price will support Wildlife Madagascar.

 

Additional information and advance ticket sales are available through the Tennessee Aquarium's official channels.

 

For a deeper dive into Dr. Eppley's work and Wildlife Madagascar, tune into the latest episode of the Tennessee Aquarium's podcast, The Podcast Aquatic.

 

To learn more about Wildlife Madagascar, visit their official platforms.