Born in Cape Town, South Africa, James Currie developed love for nature as a child and a sense of adventure that has carried him through life and a TV and writing-photography career. He will speak about his experiences surviving African wildlife and culture and his latest book When Eagles Roar: The Amazing Journey of an African Wildlife Adventurer at his upcoming free lectures on Thursday, Feb. 1, at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. The two lectures take place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Currie, who currently lives in Florida, is well-known for creating, producing, and hosting “Birding Adventures TV.” He has also been involved in the highly acclaimed National Geographic Wild TV program “Aerial Assassins.
When Eagles Roar follows Currie’s journey from city boy to conservationist — from his first graphic encounter with the brutality of nature on Table Mountain in South Africa to his disappearance as a boy on safari in Malawi to the rigorous training he underwent to become a game ranger at Phinda Private Game Reserve. He provides rare insights into African conservation and the importance of cross-cultural relationships in Africa’s wildlife tourism environment.
“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) co-hosts the lectures with the refuge and through financial support from sponsors the Jacqueline Aleandri, Haley Ward Inc., Hightower Advisors/Thomas and Swartz Wealth Management, and Hank and Linda Spire. Note: Opinions expressed in guest lectures do not necessarily reflect the views of refuge and DDWS management, staff, and board of directors.
Currie’s lecture is part of a six-lecture series, now in its 19th year at “Ding” Darling. Seating for the free lectures is limited on a first-come basis. Early arrivals can check in after 9 a.m. or 12 p.m. respectively to obtain an entrance wristband and then can explore the Visitor & Education Center or Wildlife Drive and trails before the lecture starts. Saved seats must be filled 15 minutes before lecture time or risk being reassigned.
Below is the calendar of upcoming scheduled lectures. Book-signings will follow all starred (*) lectures. For more information about the lecture series, visit dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/lecture-series.
*Feb. 1: Author James Currie, When Eagles Roar: The Amazing Journey of an African Wildlife Adventurer (Co-sponsor: Jacqueline Aleandri, Haley Ward Inc., Hightower Fort Myers, and Hank and Linda Spire)
March 7: Author/environmentalist Diane Wilson, “One Woman’s Fight to Save Our Waters from Microplastic Pollution” (Co-sponsor LMP Conservation Fund for Girls and Friend of “Ding” Darling)
*March 14: Author/Sanibel islander Charles Sobczak, “Surviving the Storms – Hurricanes, Humans, and Wildlife” (Co-sponsors Cliff & Susan Beittel and Friend of “Ding” Darling)
March 21: Recycling expert Stephanie Kissinger, “Talking Trash: Post-Hurricane Clean-Up and Recycling” (Sponsor Friend of “Ding” Darling)
NOTE: Book signings will follow all lectures marked with an asterisk (*)
ABOUT DDWS
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, DDWS works to support J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s mission of conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research, and public education through charitable donations and Refuge Nature Shop profits. To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit dingdarlingsociety.org or Ann-Marie Wildman at 239-789-8991 or [email protected].
