Jack Hannah visited SECORE in Curacao
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Two days of the four day shooting time was dedicated to show our work on Curacao. Valerie Chamberland (Ph.D. Candidate), Mike (Vice-President of SECORE and Curator at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium), Tom and Clyde Woodburn (Clyde and Connie Woodburn Foundation) joined Jack for that time.
Jack and his crew visited the laboratory at the Sea Aquarium and the nursery site in the field, they admired recent settlers, tiny recruits and grown outplants of the endangered elkhorn coral in the reef. Valerie was very excited to have Jack experience some hands-on work with coral outplants and the mid-water nursery during a joined dive. Due to rough seas, diving became a shared adventure with Jack and the film crew. But waves did not impress our motivated divers, "Why are we coming out so soon?" was Tom's comment―apparently impressed with the accomplished underwater work.
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Valerie explained to Jack the goals of SECORE, including our restoration project, spoke about basic coral ecology and why corals are so important for humankind. During this lively conversation Valerie already forgot she had been filmed! Later―lady first―Mike and Adriaan 'Dutch' Schrier, (director and owner of the Curacao Sea Aquarium) were interviewed likewise and Jack was favourably impressed by SECORE's efforts to protect and restore Curacao's coral reefs. "You guys are doing great work, and I am happy to see Columbus Zoo and Aquarium be a part of this", he said. Jack was director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and still is on an Emeritus status. The Zoo is his home base, as it is for Mike, both knowing each other for many years and sharing familiar moments.
Of course, our question is: will there be any future cooperation with Jack and SECORE?
Well, Jack says: "I’ll be back."
Looking forward to it!
photo credits to Rick Prebeg and Barry Brown