Open Worlds: Science - Wild City at Museum of the Moving Image

New Yorkers share the urban jungle with wild animals large and small. From the coyotes in Central Park, whales and dolphins off the Rockaways, and peregrine falcons nesting on high-rises, these urban adapters remind us that nature is not so far away. Join us as we explore the ecology of these wild residents across a day of activities. Dive deeper into the role these animals play in a healthy ecosystem, and learn what we can do to support them, in a panel discussion including Mark Weckel, co-founder of Gotham Coyote Project, photographer and urban marine naturalist Chris St. Lawrence of Gotham Whale, and NYC Plover Project; moderated by Nathan Hunter, manager of the Bronx River Foodway. Then, get reacquainted with New York celebrity Flaco the Owl with a free screening Wild Inside, the new documentary by Penny Lane about the Eurasian Eagle-Owl that escaped the Central Park Zoo and set off on a magical odyssey through Manhattan, overcoming years of captivity and lack of survival skills to answer the call of the wild. Throughout the afternoon, natural space advocacy organizations including Wild Bird Fund, NYC Plover Project, and Gotham Whale will discuss their field work, and how citizen scientists can get involved. Schedule 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Wild Neighbors – meet local organizations working to improve wild spaces for New Yorkers 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Conversation: Wild City with Gotham Coyote Project, Gotham Whale, and NYC Plover Project 2:30 p.m. Screening: Wild Inside followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and special guests director RSVP recommended. Seating is first come, first served.