Dr. Sarah Otterstrom. Courtesy photo.
SANTA BARBARA — Biodiversity conservation and comedy don’t typically fit in the same event, but Paso Pacifico and the Santa Barbara Zoo are making an exception at IMPROVology this weekend.
IMPROVology is a live, family-friendly mashup of science and comedy that pairs animal experts with world-class comedians for a unique and unforgettable experience.
On Saturday, January 12, Paso Pacifico Founder and Executive Director Dr. Sarah Otterstrom will share stories of her encounters with exotic animals from her time spent protecting species in Nicaragua and other Central American countries. Dr. Otterstrom founded Paso Pacifico in 2005, and has dedicated her life to protecting the endangered dry tropical forest and coastal ecosystems of Mesoamerica’s Pacifico Slope.
A talented group of comedians will then be asked to act out comedic situations based on the stories Dr. Otterstrom shared. A panel of local celebrity judges and the audience will choose one comedian to be declared the winner of the event.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Paso Pacifico and the Santa Barbara Zoo to work together to educate local audiences about the diverse wildlife in Central America, and have some fun at the same time,” said Dr. Otterstrom. “IMPROVology is one of the more unique events I’ve been a part of, and I can’t wait to participate.”
Doors open at 7:00pm, and the program starts at 7:30pm. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Tickets are $15 each, or $12 for Santa Barbara Zoo members. For more information and tickets, visit the Santa Barbara Zoo’s IMPROVology webpage.
About Paso Pacifico: The mission of Paso Pacifico is to restore and protect the Pacific Slope ecosystems of Mesoamerica. These habitats include the endangered dry tropical forest, mangrove wetlands, and eastern Pacific coral reefs. By working with local communities, landowners, and partner organizations, Paso Pacifico restores and protects the habitats that form building blocks for wildlife corridors. Paso Pacifico also lends its expertise to help migratory wildlife on the Central Coast of California, including threatened migratory birds and whales that overwinter in Mesoamerica. Through its high-impact programs, Paso Pacifico has established itself as one of the world’s leading biodiversity conservation organizations.