We are incredibly lucky to have the team from Woodland Zoo onboard for this voyage as they have close ties to the villages of Papua New Guinea. Today, Guest Speaker Dr. Lisa Dabek, Senior Director of the Tree Conservation Program, shared with us her experiences in saving the Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo found on the Huon Peninsula. We learned about the tree kangaroos’ feeding and breeding behaviors and the great work they are doing in saving these unique marsupials. Naturalist Heather then took us on a journey into the very misunderstood world of insects and arachnids in her presentation, “Leaving a legacy when you are less than an inch tall.”
After a delicious lunch prepared by our gourmet chefs, our knowledge of the undersea world was then broadened with Undersea Specialist Brett taking us on a deep dive into the darkness of the big blue, shining a light on the creatures that live within its depths. Our sea day of learning was then finished off with Guest Speaker Nancy Philips’ presentation, looking at the intersect of human health and the health of the surrounding environment in a sensitive and developing nation.
During cocktail hour our onboard National Geographic Photographer Krista and Photo Instructor Fiona held a photo feedback session for those wanting to sharpen their photography and editing skills.
It was a very full and satisfying day at sea on board National Geographic Orion.
