SAN JOSE, CA (June 19, 2012) – The internationally renowned equestrian and multimedia touring show Cavalia: A Magical Encounter Between Human and Horse will raise the public’s interest in the Santa Clara Valley burrowing owl population when the show premieres next month in San Jose. Today, Normand Latourelle, Founder, President and Artistic Director of Cavalia, Inc. announced a partnership with the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (SCVAS) to highlight the breeding and feeding grounds for western burrowing owls. Beginning July 18, Cavalia will make its San Jose home on the 101 Tech Campus at the intersection of Hwy 101 and 87 East in San Jose, across Hwy 101 from the San Jose Airport.

The San Francisco Bay Area is historically one of four primary burrowing owl nesting areas in California. In addition to locating and conserving spaces in Santa Clara County, the SCVAS is working closely with the City of Mountain View as they prepare a 2012 Shoreline Burrowing Owl Preservation Plan.
“As animal lovers ourselves, we support organizations like the Santa Clara County Audubon Society in their efforts to help man and animals co-exist peacefully in the modern world,” said Latourelle. “In every performance we show the age-old bond between mankind and horses.”

In consultation with the SCVAS, Cavalia will create a short video to be played prior to each performance describing the nearby habitats for the western burrowing owl, inviting viewers to get involved and learn more about the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society’s conservation plans. Online ticket buyers will also be given an opportunity to make a $1 donation to the SCVAS, an amount that will be matched by Cavalia throughout its San Jose engagement.
“We are very happy to partner with Cavalia,” said Bob Power, Executive Director of the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, “With this assistance, we hope to sustain and revive a thriving burrowing owl population in the Bay Area, and we thank Cavalia for helping us get the word out.”

In Cavalia, 47 horses cavort with 38 musicians, acrobats, and other performers in front of a constantly changing digital background projected onto a 200-ft.wide screen, drawing spectators into dream-like virtual environments. The show celebrates the bond between human and horse and embraces a philosophy of compassion, mutual respect, kindness, patience, and trust.

For its exclusive run in San Jose, Cavalia will be presented under its signature White Big Top, at the intersection of Hwy 101 and 87 East on the 101 Tech campus site, across Highway 101 from the San Jose Airport. Tickets are priced from $44.50 to $139.50 + applicable fees. For guests who desire an extraordinary outing, VIP packages are also available that include pre-show drinks and dinner, and post-show tours of the stable.  Special pricing is also available for children (2-12), juniors (13-17), senior citizens (65+) and for groups.  For information visit www.cavalia.net.

ABOUT CAVALIA INC. – Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Cavalia Inc. operates two separate touring shows, Cavalia and Odysseo, both of which marry the equestrian arts, stage arts and high-tech theatrical effects at never-before-seen levels. Cavalia, seen by some 3.5 million people across North America and Europe since its 2003 debut, celebrates the relationship between humans and horses by loosely recounting the evolution of this bond. Odysseo, which premiered in autumn 2011, takes the next step, leading viewers on a journey through some of the breathtaking landscapes horses have helped humans discover around the globe. Follow Cavalia Inc.’s latest developments at www.twitter.com/cavalia or www.facebook.com/cavalia.

ABOUT THE SANTA CLARA VALLEY AUDUBON SOCIETY - The Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society was founded in 1926 and with over 3,000 members is one of the largest National Audubon Society chapters in California. Its  Mission is to preserve, to enjoy, to restore and to foster public awareness of native birds and their ecosystems, mainly in Santa Clara County. Among its programs the SCVAS promotes scientifically sound conservation strategies for the protection of native ecosystems and demonstrate the value of conservation to the community; educated diverse communities about the benefits of preserving and enjoying nature; supports research into maintaining, restoring and understanding native ecosystems, particularly those of birds and collaborates with other organizations to accomplish common goals.

For Photo Editors:
High-resolution photos can be downloaded from:  http://www.cb-pr.com/press/cavalia2012.html