Famed fossil hunter and international conservationist Richard Leakey will speak on ”Human Origins and the Survival of the Species” at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at Bend High School.

Presented by the Nancy R. Chandler Visiting Scholar Program of the COCC Foundation, Leakey’s lecture will focus on why our origins matter and how global issues such as climate change, inequities of wealth and sustainable development affect us and our future.

Son of the famous fossil hunters Louis and Mary Leakey, he served his native Kenya as director of the National Museum, director of Kenya Wildlife Service and as a member of Parliament. In 1989, he led the movement to stop elephant poaching in Africa by burning confiscated ivory and arming game wardens.

Tickets are $25 preferred seating, $20 general admission, $12 for educators and $6 for students. They’re available at Book Barn, Paulina Springs Books, Sunriver Nature Center, Redmond Chamber of Commerce, the COCC Information Office or by calling 383-7575.