University News

WIU to Host Painted Dog Researcher For Speaker Series Event

April 25, 2022

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MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University in collaboration with the Student Honors Association (SHA) will host Gregory Rasmussen, founder and executive director of Painted Dog Research Trust (PDRT), for a speaker series event Wednesday, April 27 in Riverfront Hall. Rasmussen is embarking on a three-month tour of U.S. zoos and universities to promote awareness of the highly endangered painted dog, also known as African wild dog.

Rasmussen will present the current state of the painted dog population, pressing threats to their survival and the tireless efforts of PDRT to save them from extinction.

"The biodiversity crisis is affecting every corner of the globe and every form of life, especially painted dogs," said Rasmussen.

He has studied painted dogs in their natural habitat for more than 30 years, one of the longest studies into the species. Rasmussen founded PDRT in northwest Zimbabwe in 2014. This location is one of the last strongholds for painted dogs, known as recognizable carnivores with unique tri-colored coats, fluffy white tails and oversized Mickey-Mouse ears.

"I am thrilled to return to the States to reconnect with friends and associates, and deliver an update on PDRT's targeted programs aimed at the conservation of painted dogs and their surrounding habitat in Southern Africa," said Rasmussen. "Delivering this urgent message in person allows me to reestablish strategic relationships, inspire activism and support and educate the public about this extraordinary, persecuted species that I have devoted my life to studying and protecting." He added, "They are running out of time if we don't act now."

His tour will encompass visiting more than 20 venues, as well as donor-hosted fundraising events. The event is open free to the public. The schedule of events can be found at painteddogresearch.org/events.

PDRT is a nonprofit conservation organization with over 1,000 direct supporters worldwide. PDRT's mission is to secure a future for painted dogs through field-based, data-driven research; community-based education; and sound science. Donations to PDRT are accepted through this link and are tax-deductible through a U.S. 501(c)(3) non-profit.

For more information on the speaker series event contact Jim Rabchuk ja-rabchuk@wiu.edu.

Posted By: Lexi Dittmar (aj-dittmar@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing