Gayle Anderson was live in Venice where the G2 Gallery presents GETTING THERE: A WILDLIFE CROSSING OVER THE 101, a photography exhibit focused on the National Wildlife Federation spearheaded, nationally recognized effort to build a wildlife crossing in Liberty Canyon for Los Angeles area animals.
Getting There is a group exhibit that culled images from Southern California photographers in pursuit of showing just how many animals could benefit from a wildlife crossing. Coyotes, mountain lions, deer, foxes, lizards and many other creatures are killed each year trying to cross Los Angeles highways and roads. A crossing would save animals, decrease car accidents and help improve the genetic diversity of many species, especially mountain lions.
In 2013, the plight of the mountain lion known as P-22 captured the imagination of the world when Steve Winter’s photos were featured in National Geographic. Trapped by freeways in his new urban home, the cat became the poster child for the threats that mountain lions and other wildlife encounter when trying to navigate roads to survive.
The project gained national and international attention last year after The Los Angeles Times, BBC, NPR, The Telegraph, Wall Street Journal and other outlets covered the story of the need for the wildlife crossing and the launch of the #SaveLACougars campaign. NWF created the #SaveLACougars in partnership with the Santa Monica Mountains Fund to advocate for the building of the crossing. Since then, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated coalition of groups and individuals, including National Park Service, CalTrans, Senator Fran Pavley, and many more, the project has been given a $1 million grant from State Coastal Conservancy.
To be shovel-ready by 2018, an additional $3 million is necessary to complete the needed engineering for CalTrans, and to fund the vital ongoing research of the National Park Service and other scientists, along with education, outreach and advocacy for the campaign. The hashtag, #SaveLAcougars, and a text-fundraiser campaign are just a few of the ways the project is expanding its outreach.
The G2 Gallery
1503 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Venice, CA 90291-3742
(310) 452-2842
info@theg2gallery.com
About The G2 Gallery
The G2 Gallery is an award-winning nature and wildlife photography gallery that facilitates change by bringing attention to environmental issues through the persuasive power of photographic art. G2 shares this passion with both celebrated and emerging environmental photographers, who use the camera as a tool to inspire conservation.
If you have questions, please feel free to call Gayle Anderson at 323-460-5732 or e-mail Gayle at Gayle.Anderson@KTLA.com
