First Wednesdays

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesdays series focuses on animals, nature and conservation efforts. The events bring scientists, authors, and other experts into its Honda Pacific Visions Theater for an illustrated talk paired with book signings or meet-and-greets and cocktail/social hours with music and crafts.

The programs are best suited for high school and college students and adults of all ages. Lectures are also live streamed. Tickets are $5 with reservations made in advance or $10 at the door, depending on availability.

Living With the “Wild” Wolves in California

A Panel Discussion with Ryan Devereaux, Lila Seidman and Amaroq Weiss

Wolves, once nearly exterminated in the lower 48 States are slowly reclaiming lost habitats, including California. Wolves are both a conservation success story and a conservation challenge. As they reclaim their status as keystone species and top predators they come into conflict with ranchers and therein lies the rub. Join us for a discussion amongst wolf biologists, investigative journalists and a noted LA Times reporter to discuss a possible future in which wolves and ranchers can thrive in California and elsewhere. This story of resurgent top predators struggling to rebuild their population in a human-dominated ecosystems is a global story shared by bears, alligators, sea otters, orcas, sharks, and many other species. The “wild” and modern world can coexist.

Following the talk, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy cocktails and conversations, music and crafts in our Art Gallery. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit a single gallery with live animals: FROGS “Our Neighbors” and experience our interactive exhibits Paint-a-Frog and Paint-a-Fish.

Recommended for ages 14+ (not suitable for young children).

Speakers:

Ryan Devereaux is an award-winning investigative journalist. He has reported extensively on predator management and environmental justice. His work has earned accolades, including the Edward R. Murrow award and a feature in The Intercept’s “Drone Papers.” Ryan authored Rocky Mountain Massacre, one of the most compelling exposés on the plight of wolves in Yellowstone. He is also currently writing a book on wolves and will share insights from his work on the ground in pivotal states like Montana.

Lila Seidman is a wildlife and outdoors reporter for the Los Angeles Times who explores California’s unique natural world. From breaking news to investigative reporting, her work sheds light on the intersection of human life and wildlife.

Amaroq Weiss is a Senior Wolf Advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity and has been at the forefront of wolf conservation for decades. A biologist and former attorney, she’s advised on wolf conservation plans in Oregon and California and has been featured in National Geographic, Smithsonian, and more. Amaroq is currently writing a book about the return of gray wolves to the West Coast and will offer us an exclusive sneak peek into her work.

Moderator: Jackie Zupsic is an Executive Vice President at Tusk Strategies and heads the firm’s Los Angeles office. Tusk is a national regulatory consulting firm that designs communications and legislative campaigns.