Video: An Amazing Adventure!
The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts presents National Geographic wildlife conservationist Mireya Mayor on Tuesday, April 19, at 7 p.m. in Ferguson Hall as the final installment in the inaugural season of the National Geographic Live! speaker series created to showcase the writers, photographers, filmmakers, scientists, explorers and adventurers who bring the world home.

As a two-time Emmy AwardŽ-nominated field correspondent for the National Geographic Channel, Mireya Mayor has reported to audiences worldwide on pertinent wildlife and habitat issues. Closest to her heart is her ongoing study of a newfound species of Microcebus, or mouse lemur, which she discovered on a 2000 field expedition in Madagascar. Her work with this rare primate inspired the prime minister of Madagascar to establish a national park to help protect the new species, conserving the 10 percent that remains of the African island nation's once vast forest. Mayor recently earned her Ph.D. while conducting research on the effects of forest fragmentation and isolation on two types of lemurs found only in northern Madagascar.

When not deep in the jungle or on assignment, Mayor, a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, speaks to audiences about the importance of conservation for a vigorous and healthy planet. She is an especially powerful presenter for student audiences.

Regularly priced tickets for the Tuesday, April 19, 7 p.m., presentation by Mireya Mayor start at $25.50 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org. For more information about the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and its upcoming events, please visit www.strazcenter.org.