BOISE, Idaho – Sharon Matola, founding director of the Belize Zoo and subject of the book “The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw,” will speak at the World Center for Birds of Prey at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3.

The book has been selected as the campus read this year at Boise State University.

Matola has worked for many years to increase awareness about birds of prey in Belize, a small tropical nation in Central America. Partnerships with The Peregrine Fund led to a dynamic program that has restored 15 Harpy Eagles to the forests of Belize. She also has been successful in drawing attention to the vital role that Barn Owls play in that nation’s ecology.

Matola will discuss her work in an illustrated talk titled “Cutting Edge Conservation on Behalf of the Birds of Prey in Belize.” It is free and open to the public.

“The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw: One Woman’s Fight to Save the World’s Most Beautiful Bird” by Bruce Barcott was named one of the best books in 2008 by Library Journal. The book chronicles Matola’s struggle to save a river and some of the remaining habitat for the Scarlet Macaw.

Details
When: 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 3
Where: World Center for Birds of Prey
Information: 362-8687
Cost: Free
Driving directions: From I-84, head south on Cole Road for 6 miles to Flying Hawk Lane.

For more information, contact:

Erin Katzner
Director of Global Engagement
Main Phone:     208-362-3716
Direct Phone:     208-362-8277