PARC Forum -- Single Cause: Two Perspectives

Single Cause: Two Perspectives

Through two different paths, Michele Raffin and Michael Kern have been working together for the past year to help save some of the world’s most amazing and at-risk birds. Each brings her or his own unique skills to the challenge, from both scientific and artistic perspectives.

Michele is dedicated to preventing the extinction of targeted avian species through conservation breeding and education. Michael has been photographing exotic and endangered animals of all kinds for more than a decade, bringing attention and support to at-risk species.

In this talk, Michele and Michael will share their experiences, initiatives, and motivations for helping save bird species on the brink of extinction. Following the presentation, a reception and exhibit of Michael’s work will be held between 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in PARC’s lobby.


WHO

Michele Raffin was a high-tech executive, venture capital consultant, and writer before deciding to devote her time to saving bird species from extinction with the founding of Pandemonium Aviaries. She studied incubation with Susan Kaiseke (California Condor Project) and is a certified Aviculturist through the American Federation of Aviculture. Michele and Pandemonium Aviaries are based in Los Altos Hills, California.

To learn more about Pandemonium Aviaries and how you can help, visit their website at www.pandemoniumaviaries.org.

Michael Kern is a renowned nature photographer with a commitment to conservation. His vivid images have been utilized in many prominent nature magazines, calendars, and journals, and are on display at several of the leading museums around the globe including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the British Museum of Natural History. He has served on the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory and as Chief Operating Officer of the International Reptile Conservation Foundation. Currently, Michael is working with Pandemonium Aviaries and embarking on two new conservation photography projects with the USGS and the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo.

More of Michael’s photography can be found on his website: www.TheGardensofEden.org.