'African Adventure in Troy' to Raise Money for Children in Tanzania

To celebrate the opening of the "" photography exhibit at the , wildlife photographer and Troy resident will be on hand to greet guests, answer questions and guide visitors through his exhibit.

"I love introducing people to the wonders of Africa," Cowger said. "It's not nearly as scary or as dangerous as the media makes it out to be." Cowger said he finds the behaviors of the big cats of Africa to be charmingly similar to that of house cats.

The month-long exhibit runs through Jan. 31 and features photos that will allow observers to see firsthand what it is like to be totally surrounded by African wildlife on the Serengeti. The exhibit also includes photos of villages and archaeological sites.

Cowger said he hopes to share the story of the animals' daily struggle for survival in the healthiest ecosystem on the planet that is now under siege by development. His work has been featured in Popular Photography, the Detroit Free Press and other local publications.

In addition to traveling to Tanzania and leading others on safari three or more times each year, Cowger has also worked to raise enough money over the years to refurbish and support an entire elementary school in the town of the Usa River, Tanzania, providing classrooms, sanitation stations and other improvements.

Donations will be gratefully accepted to assist the children via the  throughout the duration of the exhibit.

For more information or to plan your own photo safari, contact Bill Cowger on Facebook, by calling 248-828-0666 or by emailing wcowger@ThePhotoSafari.com.