Arctic Explorer Returns to Louisville After Record Climb of Mt. McKinley

CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
502-238-5331/744-5639
Kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

CONTACT: Greta Marshall
502-314-6052
greta@hearinamerica.com

Arctic Explorer Lonnie Dupre will return to Louisville Feb. 19 – Feb. 21, 2015 and will appear at three separate public events presented by Hear in America. This is a rare opportunity to meet someone who is the FIRST to accomplish something extraordinary. January 11, 2015, on his fourth attempt, Lonnie accomplished his goal to become the first person ever to climb to the summit of Mount McKinley (also known as Denali, the highest mountain in North America) alone in January with only 5 – 6 hours of sunlight per day. Of the people who try to climb McKinley in summer, only one-third reach the summit. The mountain has claimed over 100 lives. Since his return, media coverage has included Good Morning America, NBC & ABC Evening News, and many other national and international outlets.

Dupre’s says his motivator for his expeditions is a love of cold places, which are essential to our earth’s health. “For as long as I can remember I have loved snow and ice. As a result, I have spent most of my life exploring the Arctic region. These journeys have brought such joy and beauty to my life that I have dedicated myself to the preservation of these wonderful frozen places.”

At these events Dupre will share personal information about some of his challenges and adventures, including being trapped in a tent for five days with only 1 1/2 days of food and two days of fuel in subzero temperatures. Some of the actual equipment he used will be at these events, as well as a life-size model of the type of snow cave he often used for shelter. Dupre states, “My goal is to inspire more children and adults to explore and bond with the outdoors. It is this intimate connection that engages people to preserve and protect our wild areas.”

Join Dupre as he shares life on the trail with special emphasis placed on setting and achieving goals, overcoming obstacles and climate change. He will also talk about the logistical challenges of organizing his expeditions, the importance of teamwork, and the physical training and preparations for his expeditions. In addition to his Denali expeditions, Lonnie will discuss expeditions to the North Pole in summertime and circumnavigating Greenland entirely by kayak and dogsled.

These events are presented through the joint efforts of Hear In Kentucky/ Hear In America, The Louisville Zoo, and the Parklands of Floyd’s Fork, who unite in their commitment to environmental preservation and education.

LIFE ON ICE : Thursday, Feb. 19 at the PNC Club at Papa John’s Stadium, 6:30 – 9 p.m.  Dupre will speak about his history and adventures, enhanced by photos and video footage from his 25 years of arctic exploration. Beer and concessions will be available for purchase. Free for University of Louisville students, members of the Louisville Zoo and the Parklands of Floyd’s Fork; $5.00 admission for general public. Pay at the door. Reservations required. E-tickets available at www.bookeo.com/Lonnie. 

“COLD LOVE” MOVIE : Friday, Feb. 20 at The Parklands at Floyd’s Fork, 6:30 – 9 p.m.  One World Endeavors’ “Cold Love” film viewing followed by Q&A with Dupre. “Cold Love” documents a few of Dupre’s polar expeditions over 25 years: North Pole, Greenland and McKinley. Q&A to follow. Cash bar available. Free for Parklands of Floyd’s Fork members; $5 for non-members. Pay at the door. For more information and to receive your E-tickets go to http://www.theparklands.org/Events/. 

CONQUEST OF DENALI : Saturday, Feb. 21 at The Louisville Zoo, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. “Conquest of Denali.” The Inside Story about Dupre’s Denali expeditions, in detail with exclusive never-before-seen footage and photos. Concessions will be available for purchase. Free for University of Louisville students, members of the Louisville Zoo and the Parklands of Floyd’s Fork; $5.00 admission for general public, pay at the door. Reservations required. E-tickets available at www.bookeo.com/Lonnie.

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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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