Join renowned conservationist and naturalist Dr W. H. (Harry) Butler to hear his tales of travels to remote Australia to record his legendary wildlife television series In the Wild.

Dr Butler will be talking about his adventures as part of the Western Australian Museum’s 2011 Harry Butler lecture series: In the Wild West.

One of the first of its kind, the wildlife documentary In the Wild aired from 1976–1981, continued to play into the 1990s and is now available on DVD. The series has reached an estimated 480 million people in 43 countries.

“My work in conservation took me to many parts of Australia so In the Wild was to be about my work and how I viewed the country,” Dr Butler said.

“The series exposed viewers to the natural wonders and beauty of Australia, focusing on less well known locations to promote a greater understanding of our land.”

Dr Butler will outline the development and planning of episodes, how he worked with the film crew to capture footage of not always friendly wildlife, and how the captured footage eventually became 30 minute episodes.

“I went to an area and spent two or three days looking at the environment. The landform, land use, wildlife, feral species, birds nesting, Aboriginal and European assets and resources and the host of users that comprise the biological, physical and social environment.

“Sitting by the campfire, I’d think of a theme for the area that was special or significant. That then became a working title.”

Dr Butler said that the major challenge with filming wildlife is that it can be unpredictable. He will retell some of these more harrowing experiences that involved a swimming snake and two-and-a-half metre long goanna.

Dr Butler said that he designed In the Wild to reach families, especially children because they are tomorrow’s people.

“By making tomorrow’s people aware of the wealth and wonder of this country they will be more concerned with maintaining it,” he said.

“But I don’t forget adults who are today’s decision makers; and unless they make the right decisions there will be no tomorrow.”

The Harry Butler lecture series: In the Wild West is proudly presented by the WA Museum in partnership with Chevron Australia. Dr Butler will be travelling to Karratha to deliver this talk and will also present it in Perth on 30 November.

LECTURE: Almost in the Wild
WHEN: 6.30pm, Thursday 4 August 2011
WHERE: Tambrey Tavern and Function Centre, Sunset Room, Lot 4227 Tambrey Drive, Karratha
Venue information: Rebecca Harp - 9144 1333
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: www.museum.wa.gov.au/inthewildwest
LECTURE INFO: Marisa Boyle (WA Museum) 9212 3853 Tuesday to Friday.
COST: Gold coin donation

Flora Perrella, Western Australian Museum T: 9212 3856 M: 0424027646