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Boomer, a 2-year-old Eurasian Lynx, was part of a presentation in Ackerman Grand Ballroom Saturda

Conservationists from the savannas of Africa and the rainforests of Brazil struggled with a technological glitch in the Ackerman Grand Ballroom during a conservation exhibition Saturday, proving they’re more comfortable with wildcats than with computer projectors.

After fiddling with the equipment, presenters hailing from various cat conservation societies casually talked about the necessity of predator conservation. Meanwhile, wildcats lounged in the back of the ballroom.

The event, “Wildcat Conservation Learning Experience,” brought humans and wild animals within close quarters and aimed to educate the general public about the value of conservation.

“The main message here is that when cats do well, everything else does well. And if we can solve the problems between man and cat, we can save the cats,” said Dale Anderson, founder of the Sierra Endangered Cat Haven.

Throughout the event, members of the audience were encouraged to walk up to the wild animals. They then fawned over a 2-year-old Eurasian Lynx present at the event and were taken aback by the rowdy African Serval.

The informal showcase allowed audience members to get up close and personal with Boomer – the lynx from a Salem, Ore. sanctuary – as he affectionately butted heads with his trainer.

The cats not only provided entertainment, but also a jumping-off point for talk of cat conservation. Questions came from the audience of about 50 as to the nature, behavior and lifestyle of the wild animals.

Many different aspects about the lives of these wildcats were explained by the presenters.

Anderson explained the finer art of catching jaguars, and made sure to note that it is easier to catch a jaguar who’s up in a tree than one down on the ground. Afterwards, he talked about the different information biologists gain from the studying the jaguars.

Vanessa Bouwer, assistant director of De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust, flew in from a reserve in South Africa to answer questions and inspire people to help conserve wild animals.

Bouwer’s experience with cheetah conservation in Africa, which she shared with those present, highlighted the problems that are faced in wild cat preservation.

In South Africa, cheetahs often come into conflict with farmers. As a result of this ever-increasing tension, there are fewer than 1,000 cheetahs left in the country, Bouwer said.

Bouwer explained that many South African farmers have begun to stock their farms with antelope for tourist and hunting purposes. And for the cheetahs these farms are practically heaven, Bouwer said.

When the cheetahs naturally encroach on the farms to feed, the farmers shoot them.

“The farmers don’t think about the ecosystem, they just see the cheetahs eating their dollars,” Bouwer added.

This situation has precipitated into a gruesome conflict, Bouwer said, where cheetahs are being consistently mutilated by many farmers.

On the other side of the world, Brazil faces the same type of problems, said Ronaldo Morato, a veterinarian with the non-profit conservation group Pro-Carnivoros.

“The Brazilian farmers have a problem with their sheep and goats because the jaguars will come in and kill 26 of their livestock,” Morato said.

The answer to this dilemma, Bouwer said, is twofold and requires solutions that target both the farmers and their children.

“The short-term is telling the farmers, ‘Don’t shoot,’ and the long-term is education of the younger generations,” Bouwer said.

Bouwer and others now compensate the farmers by telling them they will pay them 10,000 rand (South African currency) for every cheetah they catch. These unharmed cheetahs are transported to a reserve on South Africa’s eastern side, she explained.

“The farmers are now saying, ‘Hey, this works,’ ... We’re moving the cheetahs from tortured to treasured,” Bouwer added.

In addition, the South African government has endorsed the conservation De Wildt has undertaken.

“It’s been 10 years since we’ve had democracy in South Africa and it’s a country that’s healing. Issues such as healthcare and housing are obviously high on the government’s list. Cheetah’s aren’t high on that list, and we don’t get money, but (the government) does endorse us,” Bouwer said.

The second part of many conservationists’ work involves educating youth about the importance of preserving ecosystems.

The organizations often go to rural schools and talk to farmers’ children about the need to conserve water and recycle.

“We then bring in ambassadors – such as Byron our cheetah – and you could hear a pin drop. The children listen to the cheetah purr and then they get excited,” Bouwer said.

Morato said his organization also produces youth education programs where they pass out children books explaining the need to protect jaguars. The conservationists’ efforts have lead to many victories on behalf of the wild cats.

“We’ve seen fantastic results, and we’ve saved about 82 cheetahs,” Bouwer said.

But, the battle is far from over, conservationists say, and the continued need for educational programs, such as the one held in Ackerman, is paramount.

“We need to spread the message of ‘Let’s save this planet,’ and it needs to start in homes and in communities,” Bouwer said.