Wildlife biologist and conservationist Jeff Corwin will visit Sycamore on Saturday.

The Emmy award-winning star of Animal Planet, the Travel Channel, the Discovery Channel and CNN’s “Planet in Peril” was invited by the Midwest Museum of Natural History to “take the audience into the world of wildlife,” according to the museum’s Web site.

Chris Brodnicki, executive director of the museum, said Corwin will discuss what he does as a biologist and conservationist.

“He can tell us how we can do our part,” Brodnicki said. “He will be full of great information about Earth’s natural resources.”

Accompanying Corwin will be a large number of reptiles that he will incorporate into his presentation. Along with various lizards, Brodnicki said Corwin plans on bringing a 15-foot python and a six-foot albino alligator.

“I can’t wait to see that albino alligator,” Brodnicki said.

With Corwin attending a Midwest Museum event this year and Jack Hannah attending last year, the museum is beginning to establish a reputation among well-known conservationists.

Brodnicki said the museum plans on booking a renowned personality, like Corwin and Hannah, for a spring event every year. Brodnicki said he is already working on guests for the next two years.
“I call them all the time,” Brodnicki said. “They have to pick up the phone to talk to me.”

The event will take place at Sycamore High School’s field house to accommodate the large crowd. Brodnicki said more than 1,000 tickets have already been sold.

Tim Carlson, assistant principal at Sycamore High School, said the field house could seat up to 3,000 if need be. He said the high school’s facility was chosen also because of its ability to serve concessions.

There was a request for stairs in front of the elevated stage, presumably to allow Corwin to walk among the crowd and have audience members go on stage, Brodnicki said.

He also encourages those interested in anthropology, biology, zoology and people who would like to be television personalities to attend the event.

“He’s got some good information that should get out to as many people as possible,” Brodnicki said.

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