From Antarctica to Asheville

Posted on by Jen Nathan Orris

Traveler Laura Bochner hopped aboard a Russian research vessel and headed to Antarctica in December of 2012. She joined Michigan State University and One Ocean Expeditions for a chilly trip from of South America to the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, with a stop in the Falkland Islands. The goal was simple: to observe as much wildlife as possible.

Bochner saw eight species of penguin and fell in love with the continent’s fauna, including whales, seals, sea lions and dolphins. Landlocked Asheville has an alarming lack of penguins, so anyone interested in these flightless birds and their aquatic brethren can see images up close at an Antarctica travelogue, presented Bochner at Asheville Wild Birds Unlimited on Sunday, April 7 at 3 p.m. The presentation will celebrate Antarctica’s status as the coldest, driest, windiest and most remote continent on Earth with photos and stories.

Come back to Wild Birds Unlimited next Sunday to experience South Africa with Cathy and Art Meyer. The couple has condensed a 24-day trip and 8,500 photographs into one 45 minute presentation on South Africa. These animal-lovers saw 187 different kinds of birds and over 40 mammals and reptiles. See videos of a newborn elephant and experience their helicopter ride over Victoria Falls on Sunday, April 14 at 3 p.m.

Both travelogues are free and refreshments will be served. Asheville Wild Birds Unlimited is located at 1997 Hendersonville Road. Info: www.asheville.wbu.com or 687-9433.

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