National Geographic Live! On the Trail of Big Cats

In Steve Winter's opinion, being a National Geographic

photojournalist is the best job in the world! Despite being attacked

by rhinos, stalked by jaguars, charged by a grizzly bear, and being trapped in quicksand. He did all of that to capturing the perfect image to tell a story that speaks for those that cannot speak for themselves.

Listen as Steve shares his experience documenting

threatened big cat species around the world and learn how by saving

them, we can save ourselves.

Check out the amazing website for more activities and information.

Steve Winter Steve Winter has been attacked by

rhinos in India, stalked by jaguars in Brazil, charged by a 11-foot grizzly in Siberia, and trapped in quicksand in the world's largest tiger reserve in Myanmar.

Steve specializes in wildlife and big cats. He’s an award winning photographer and photojournalist. Steve lectures globally on photography and conservation issues.

See Full Biography

Vocabulary

Big Cats Initiative: n. program of the National Geographic Society that supports on-the-ground conservation, education, economic efforts, and global public-awareness to protect big cats and their habitats.

Camera Trap: n. remote-activated camera that relies on changes in light or motion to automatically take a photo.

Conservation: n. management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.

Endangered Species: n. organism threatened with extinction.

Habitat: n. environment where an organism lives throughout the year or for shorter periods of time.

Poacher: n. person who hunts or fishes illegally.

Species: n. group of similar organisms that can reproduce with each other.

Threatened Species: n. organism that may soon become endangered.

Wildlife Trafficking: n. poaching or other taking of protected or managed species and the illegal trade in wildlife and their related parts and products

Where in the World?

Steve Winter works in Indonesia, Thailand, and India—let’s learn a little about those places!

• Indonesia, Thailand, India

• Located in Southeast Asia

• India has the biggest population of the three

• Diverse religion, languages, and culture

• Tropical and mountainous Climates

• Explore more here! Map Maker Interactive

ConservationConservation and Big Cats Discussion and Activity

Conservation—preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment, natural ecosystems, vegetation, and wildlife.

• What are we protecting the environment from?

• It might sound funny but we are saving the environment from the effects of humans.

• Buildings, cars, planes, and other parts of our daily lives can disrupt and even hurt animals.

• Conservation helps to combat and reverse these effects.

• Why should we care?

• Each animal, plant, and species is special and a unique and crucial part of every ecosystem.

• Some of these species are going extinct, taking one out messes with the whole system!

• What can I do?

• Learn more! Do research.

• Live sustainably: don’t litter, do recycle, and turn of the lights.

• Get involved: see what ways in your school and community you can help.

Watch Him Work!

Videos Of Steve Winter teaching and working!

• The Evolution of Big Cats

• Save Ourselves by Saving Tigers

• On the Trail of the Tiger

KWL

What I Know (K)

What I Want to Know (W)

What I Learned (L)

Before seeing this show but after introducing some of this information, as a class fill out this Know-Want- Learn Chart!

Big Cats and Their Habitats

Big Cats and their Habitats Full Activity

Big Cats in the Classroom Resource

More resources and activities for the classroom:

Now that You’ve Seen the Show…

• What did you learn?

• What information did you find surprising?

• What do you want to know more about?

• What questions do you have?

• What was your favorite part?

• How will you play a part in conservation efforts?

• What do you want to tell people about big cats and what you’ve learned by attending the show?

Thank you for experiencing a live performance with us at the Butler Arts Center! We want to make sure your visit is educational, engaging, and entertaining for you and your students.

For additional information about this matinee performance and upcoming events at the Butler Arts Center,

visit www.butlerartscenter.orgButler Arts Center

Education Department4602 Sunset Avenue

Indianapolis, IN 46208