Pat Kilduff (415) 321-8125

The California Academy of Sciences Presents
The Last Journey for the Giant Leatherback?
Playing Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at the Jewish Community Center

SAN FRANCISCO (July 22, 2004) - The California Academy of Sciences invites guests to a special showing of The Last Journey for the Leatherback? - a new documentary that focuses on magnificent Pacific leatherback sea turtles and the threats to their survival. Produced by Emmy-award winner Stan Minasian, this film will be followed by a presentation by renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle, Ph.D. Dr. Earle is an explorer-in-residence at the National Geographic Society who was named Time magazine's first "hero for the planet," and was formerly a curator with the California Academy of Sciences.

The plight of the leatherback is emblematic of the threats facing a myriad of ocean species. Leatherback turtles have swum the Earth's oceans for 100 million years, but threats to their ocean ecosystem could drive them extinct within the next decade. Learn how scientists and conservationists are working to save the leatherback from extinction and the impact that individuals can have on their marine ecosystems. This event is co-sponsored by the Sea Turtle Restoration Project. There will be a six-foot submersible submarine for viewing at the presentation.

CALENDAR EDITORS PLEASE NOTE
For information about a Sea Turtle Restoration Project reception with Earle prior to the video showing please call (415) 488-0370 ext. 105.

Tuesday, August 31, Video shown at 8 pm This California Academy of Sciences' lecture takes place at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco at 3200 California Street.

Price: $6 students, $8 general. For tickets, call the JCCSF Box Office at (415) 292-1233
or e-mail arts@jccsf.org.

Tickets can be purchased at the door, when available. For more information, call (415) 379-8000 or e-mail lectures@calacademy.org.

The California Academy of Sciences, including Steinhart Aquarium and the Natural History Museum, is open to the public at 875 Howard Street, Admission to the Academy at 875 Howard Street is: $7 for adults, $4.50 for youth ages 12 to 17, Seniors ages 65+ and students with valid ID, $2 for children ages four to 11 and children ages three and younger will be admitted free of charge. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. www.calacademy.org (415) 379-8000.

The California Academy of Sciences, the fourth largest natural history museum in the United States, is home to Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium and the Natural History Museum. The Academy is beginning an extensive rebuilding project in Golden Gate Park. Pritzker prize-winning architect Renzo Piano is designing the new Academy, which is expected to open in 2008.

# # # #