Everyone wants to capture that “Instagrammable” wildlife moment from their vacation to share with their friends. But how do these images affect the animals and their conservation?
Social media is an excellent method for raising awareness about the conservation of endangered wildlife, including the hundreds of monkey and ape species that call our planet home. But it is also a double-edged sword: Research shows that seeing images of animals alongside humans makes viewers more likely to want to interact with those animals themselves, or even desire them as pets. So, what is a scientist (or influencer) to do?
In this October edition of LIVE@Frost Science, Cassie Freund Ph.D., Director of Science Communication at Frost Science, will explain a brief history of primates in the entertainment industry, why people should not pose for social media images with these animals, and what you can do to support responsible wildlife conservation through your social media channels.
Admission is complimentary. Tickets are limited to four per transaction. Program will take place inside the Frost Planetarium.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Program starts promptly at 7:00 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. Food and beverage will be available for purchase prior to the event.
Please note registration to the event does not include museum admission. Museum exhibitions close at 6:00 p.m. Onsite parking is available in the museum garage for $8 flat rate starting at 6:00 p.m.
Cassie Freund, Ph.D.
Cassie Freund, Ph.D. is the director of science communication at Frost Science. She is a tropical ecologist and conservation biologist, with a doctoral degree in ecology from Wake Forest University and a master’s in conservation biology from Columbia University.