People's University Zoology, Class 2: Herbivores Part 2 - Giraffes, Rhinos, & Hippos

August 07, 2025
7:00pm - 6:00pm

They are among the largest animals on planet Earth. Some stand eighteen feet tall! Others have horns up to 5 feet in length! Some weigh more than a car and others can run as fast as one! These are the big mammals, and with the guidance of experts from the Pittsburgh Zoo and local colleges, you can take a deep dive into their incredible lives: from how they evolved, to their biology, behavior, ecology, and intelligence. And then you may join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes excursion to the Pittsburgh Zoo!

Class 2: Herbivores Part 2: Giraffes, Hippos, and Rhinos

The big plant-eating land mammals are among the most diverse and unusual creatures on the planet: from the giraffe that can reach heights of 18 feet, hippos that can weigh as much as an automobile, and rhinos with horns up to 5 feet in length.

Instructor: Mary Beth Sills is a Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator at The Wilds. A graduate of Bowling Green State University, she has over 20 years of education experience — 5 at The Wilds.  She oversees all outreach programming including school trips, tabling events, festivals, etc., and also manages adult and youth volunteer programs.  Mary Beth serves on the Content Committee and mental health resource team, as well as on the culture committee team.   Spanning over 10,000 acres in southeast Ohio, The Wilds is one of the largest conservation centers in the world. Threatened and endangered species roam open pastures with endless vistas and provide an ideal setting to study ecological recovery and restoration.

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ABOUT THE OCPL'S PEOPLE'S UNIVERSITY SERIES:

In 1951, the Ohio County Public Library's librarian, Virginia Ebeling, referenced British historian Thomas Carlyle, who said, “the public library is a People’s University,” when she initiated a new adult education program with that name. Miss Ebeling charged the library with the responsibility of reaching “as many people in the community as possible.” In keeping with that tradition of public libraries as sanctuaries of free learning for all people, the Ohio County Public Library revived the series in 2010.

The People’s University features courses (taught by experts in each subject) that enable patrons to pursue their goal of lifelong learning in classic subjects such as history, music appreciation, philosophy, and literature. Patrons may attend as many classes as they wish. There are no tests of other requirements and all programs are free and open to the public. For more information about PU: The Cold War, EMAIL US,  visit ohiocountylibrary.org or call the library at 304-232-0244.