April 9, 2010

At a local gathering place in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Felidae staff and volunteers joined with friends, associates, supporters, and a wide range of local patrons to raise awareness about mountain lion ecology and the Bay Area Puma Project. Sullivan's Restaurant and Pub in La Honda is a local institution, and many of its regulars are ranchers and local residents who are experiencing first hand the effects of human expansion into puma habitat. Zara McDonald's presentation, usually given in board rooms and lecture halls, brought the boisterous and noisy bar to rapt attention as the audience learned about puma biology, predator aversion techniques, and the central role of pumas in balancing the ecosystems that this small town is nestled in. The enthusiastic response to the presentation was the centerpiece of a festive evening that included spirited live music from Santa Cruz native and wildlife enthusiast Tod Neil Page, and the introduction of the Bay Area Puma Project mascots who served wine and spirits to the lively crowd.

Thank you to Sullivan's Restaurant and our dedicated volunteers for making this event possible!