Marc Bekoff Explores Animals' Emotions at the Marin Humane Society
Exclusive West Coast Appearance
(NOVATO, CALIF., July 10, 2007) - World-renowned ethologist and author Dr. Marc Bekoff will share his unique exploration of animals as emotional beings in a workshop to be held Saturday, August 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Marin Humane Society (171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato). Author of the new book, The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow and Empathy — And Why They Matter, Bekoff will present ways in which animals’ social encounters inform our understanding of cooperation, forgiveness and morality among all beings. He will also challenge the perception that science and the ethical treatment of animals is incompatible. This workshop is part of the Marin Humane Society’s Centennial Speaker Series.
A compelling speaker, Bekoff will show that the question is no longer whether animals have emotions, but rather why emotions evolved in animals and why they matter to them and to us. He will also talk about the evolution of moral behavior in animals (what Bekoff calls “wild justice”) and illustrate how species learn right from wrong through social play, using video footage of dogs and their relatives, coyotes and wolves.
Bekoff asserts that it's because animals have emotions that people find them so interesting. “Knowing that animals feel — and being able to understand them when they express joy, grief, jealousy and anger — allows us to connect with them and also to consider their points of view when we interact with them,” says Bekoff. “My goal is to show that animal emotions exist, that they are important to humans, and that this knowledge should influence how we treat our fellow animals.”
Bekoff has published 18 books and has been featured on 48 Hours, Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel, as well as in Time and National Geographic. A professor emeritus of biology at the University of Colorado, Bekoff is a Guggenheim fellow and co-founder with Jane Goodall of Ethologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Seats are limited for this exclusive West Coast workshop by Dr. Bekoff. The cost to attend is $50; an optional vegetarian lunch is available for an additional $10. Reservations can be made by calling (415) 883-4621 ext. 363, or by downloading a registration form from our Web site.
A related presentation, book-signing and dessert reception co-sponsored by the Marin Humane Society and Point Reyes Books will take place the evening of Saturday, August 11 at 7 p.m. at Toby’s Feed Barn in Point Reyes. Tickets are $25 and reservations can be made by calling (415) 883-4621 ext. 363 or by visiting Point Reyes Books. Proceeds from the evening event will benefit the Marin Humane Society and Planned Feralhood.
The MHS Centennial Speaker Series is bringing to Marin from around the country distinguished experts on contemporary topics concerning wildlife and farmed animals. Along with Dr. Marc Bekoff, upcoming speakers include “Mad Cowboy” Howard Lyman on factory farming, Dr. Nathan Varley on the wolves of Yellowstone, Karen Steele on sea turtle restoration, and more. For more information, please visit www.marinhumanesociety.org.
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