Peter Gros, co-host of “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom,” shared stories and short videos of his travels in the wild while presenting animals to the Amphitheater audience, including many young Chautauquans, during Wednesday evening’s Family Entertainment Series program. Above, young audience members meet a porcupine, and at right, Aaron Stackpole, 9, volunteers to join Gros onstage to handle a snake-like reptiles.
Photos by Lauren Rock.
Because of their longtime participation in family activities at Chautauqua, the Penders choose to sponsor events in the Family Entertainment Series through the Michael Pender Fund of The Cleveland Foundation, founded in memory of their youngest son.
“Theater and music were great loves of his, so we really look at this as something Michael would love too,” Pender said. “He was very much a family person.”
This season, the Penders and the Michael Pender Fund are sponsoring Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Starring Peter Gros at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Amphitheater, and Vocal Trash on July 18, also at 7:30 p.m. in the Amp.
The show stars Peter Gros, an animal expert and environmental conservationist, who will share wildlife stories from his travel experiences and introduce the audience to live, exotic animals.
Vocal Trash combines a cappella, industrial-style drumming, breakdancing and knowledge of recycling to produce a high-energy performance that entertains and informs audience members of all ages.
The Chautauquan Daily 