NEW People's University, Zoology
Lives of Large Mammals to be Studied in New Library Series
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 at the Ohio County Public Library's new People's University series, Zoology, Large Mammals.
Attendees of all four classes will also be eligible for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes excursion to the Pittsburgh Zoo (registration and full attendance are required).
All of this will be included in People's University Zoology, Large Mammals, starting July 31 and meeting 5 consecutive Thursdays, including the August 28 field trip.
The first four classes will also be livestreamed and will be available on the Lunch With Books Facebook and YouTube pages during and after the live event.
Classes meet on Thursdays at 7 PM in the library's Harold E. Vitalie Auditorium. The full schedule follows.
July 31, 2025: 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. Sampson 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.
Aug. 7, 2025: Herbivores Part 2: Giraffes, Hippos, and Rhinos The big plant-eating land mammals are among the most diverse and unusual creatures on the planet: from the giraffe that can reach heights of 18 feet, hippos that can weigh as much as an automobile, and rhinos with horns up to 5 feet in length. Instructor: TBA
Aug. 14, 2025: Carnivores - Bears, Wolves, and Big Cats Lions, Tigers, & Bears, Oh My! Everybody knows these iconic charismatic predators. Or do they? Learn the truth behind the legends. Understand the threats they face and how you can help protect them for future generations.
Instructor: Diana Barber is Assistant Professor of Biology at West Liberty University, where she teaches Zoo Mammalogy, Zoo Science, Zoo Animal Behavior, Zoo Education, and Field Biology. She earned her B.A. in Psychology at Dartmouth College and her Ph.D in Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Aug. 21, 2025: Primates - The Great Apes These Apes Are Great! They kind of look like us, sometimes they even act like us. But they are definitely not humans. Explore the connections and differences between humans and our closest relatives. Instructor: Diana Barber
Aug. 28, 2025 Pittsburgh ZOO Field Trip! Join us at the Pittsburgh Zoo to experience “Animal Encounters,” including a meeting with a primate keeper and special feedings. Go behind the scenes and learn about the personalities that make these animals unique, see how they live, and how zoo staff cares for them. Note: There is no admission charge, but interested parties must RSVP for this activity (only 20 can go), and must provide their own transportation to and from the Zoo. Call 304-232-0244 or send an email to [email protected] to register. To be fair, only those who attend all four of our regular classes will be eligible for this capstone event.
In keeping with the mission of public libraries as sanctuaries of free learning for all people, the Ohio County Public Library created The People’s University, a free program for adults who wish to continue their education in the liberal arts. 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, philosophy, and literature. Call 304-232-0244 or email the library to register (please include "Field Trip" in the comment section). Explore the details on the Library's Calendar page at OhioCountyLibrary.org.
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