April 12, 2007 Belvedere CA

What a night! With so many biologists, conservationists and scientists in the crowd it felt as if we were convening at a felid conference. This was our first benefit for the Asiatic Cheetah. Dr. Luke Hunter, a Felidae Conservation Fund Scientific Advisor, and Wildlife Conservation Society’s Coordinator of the Great Cats Program, presented on the history, and current research project on the Asiatic Cheetah in Iran. Having just returned from fieldwork in Iran, Luke highlighted the study launch and some of the multi-layered politics that brought extra vigor to the field work. This was a presentation not to be missed. There was strong interest on behalf of the Iranian American community, and superb attendance. Apadana Restaurant in San Rafael, CA catered an excellent variety of Persian food during the benefit, and Darioush Winery in Napa Valley provided excellent wines in support of the Asiatic Cheetah study in Iran.