People's University Zoology, Class 1: Herbivores Part 1 - Elephants

July 31, 2025
7:00pm - 8:00pm

They are among the largest animals on planet Earth. Some stand eighteen feet tall! Others have horns up to 5 feet in length! Some weigh more than a car and others can run as fast as one! These are the big mammals, and with the guidance of experts from the Pittsburgh Zoo and local colleges, you can take a deep dive into their incredible lives: from how they evolved, to their biology, behavior, ecology, and intelligence. And then you may join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes excursion to the Pittsburgh Zoo!

Class 1: Herbivores Part 1 - Elephants

An overview of the largest land mammal on the planet, the African Elephant, including their evolution, biology, intelligence, and behavioral psychology, plus ecosystem and status of endangerment in the wild.

INSTRUCTOR Jill Sampson is the curator of Pittsburgh Zoo’s International Conservation Center in Somerset, PA, where she oversees the animal programs, which include managing a breeding herd of African elephants. With over 30 years in the zoo field, Jill has worked with a variety of animal species and has extensive experience caring for elephants. She has participated in research projects studying elephants in human care as well as field research with wild elephants in Africa and Asia.

Jill served as president and board member of the Elephant Managers Association and currently sits on the steering committee of the African Elephant SAFE program (Saving Animals from Extinction), for the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.

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ABOUT THE OCPL'S PEOPLE'S UNIVERSITY SERIES:

In 1951, the Ohio County Public Library's librarian, Virginia Ebeling, referenced British historian Thomas Carlyle, who said, “the public library is a People’s University,” when she initiated a new adult education program with that name. Miss Ebeling charged the library with the responsibility of reaching “as many people in the community as possible.” In keeping with that tradition of public libraries as sanctuaries of free learning for all people, the Ohio County Public Library revived the series in 2010.

The People’s University features courses (taught by experts in each subject) that enable patrons to pursue their goal of lifelong learning in classic subjects such as history, music appreciation, philosophy, and literature. Patrons may attend as many classes as they wish. There are no tests of other requirements and all programs are free and open to the public. For more information about PU: The Cold War, EMAIL US,  visit ohiocountylibrary.org or call the library at 304-232-0244.