Bronx, N.Y. – April 19, 2010 – The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is offering runners and walkers a chance to travel around the world – without leaving New York City. On Saturday, April 24, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s “Run for the Wild” returns as the Bronx Zoo is transformed into a one-of-a-kind 5k course that takes runners and walkers to Asia, Africa, the Americas, and beyond.
At 265 acres, WCS’s Bronx Zoo is the largest urban zoo in North America. “Run for the Wild” participants will not only be helping save endangered tigers, they will have the rare opportunity to see the beautiful park and the naturalistic animal habitats before the gates open to the public.
“Con Edison, this year’s Presenting Sponsor of ‘Run for the Wild,’ is a long-time supporter of WCS and is continuing its charitable legacy through funding and community-based volunteerism,” said John F. Calvelli, WCS’s Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. “The company’s support for this year’s “Run for the Wild” is a clear example of their commitment to both community and global conservation.”
In addition to Con Edison’s corporate support, the company has created two running teams for the event – both of which have been actively fundraising and seeking donations and sponsorships. Con Edison employees have also volunteered to staff the event to make sure everything runs smoothly.
“Con Edison is proud to partner with the Wildlife Conservation Society to make sure that tigers and their natural habitat endure forever,” said Frances A. Resheske, Con Edison Senior Vice President of Public Affairs. “The ‘Run for the Wild’ is a perfect opportunity for New Yorkers to have a global impact in this very important endeavor.”
Tigers are in a fight for their very existence. A century ago, about 100,000 of these icons of the wild roamed across Asia. Today, having lost much of their habitat to human expansion and development, tigers occupy only seven percent of their historical range. Habitat loss and fragmentation continue to threaten the world’s remaining tigers, as do conflict with humans and poaching. They are killed for their beautiful pelts and for their body parts which are used in traditional Chinese medicines. Their prey is depleted in much of their range due to over-hunting. As a result of the many pressures they face, there may be as few as 3,000 tigers left in the wild today, with roughly half of those living in India. Even more troubling, perhaps only 1,000 of these wild cats are breeding females.
There is hope for the future, however. WCS has long-standing conservation programs in nine countries where wild tigers still exist in the wild (Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Russia, and Thailand).
Participating individuals and teams are encouraged to seek donations and in doing so, will be eligible for unique fundraising prizes and VIP animal experiences at WCS’s Bronx Zoo. Additionally, “Run for the Wild” supporters will be on-site through the day to inform participants and supporters about the great conservation work they are doing. Receive sample products and information from companies like Au’Some, Inc., Benjamin Moore, Con Edison, J&R, Monroe College, Montefiore Medical Center, and others.
Once runners and walkers complete the five-kilometer journey around the world, they are encouraged to enjoy the day’s line-up of family-oriented entertainment as the zoo’s 13-weekend Animal Tales Extravaganza continues. Listen to Jeff Corwin from Animal Planet read from his children’s book, Your Backyard is Wild from Penguin Group USA; and head to New York Life’s Main Stage on Astor Court for high-energy fun for kids and families with Radio Disney 1560 AM Road Crew.
Finally, don’t forget to stop by Astor Court to take a picture with the New York Yankee’s 2009 World Series trophy which will be on display from 9am to noon.
Online registration is $30 for adults and includes complimentary parking and general admission to the Zoo so you can stay all day. Those who are unable to participate in the event can still help by making a donation online or sponsoring a runner or a team. For more information, to register, or to sponsor a runner, visit www.wcsrunforthewild.org.
WCS’s Run for the Wild is made possible by the following generous sponsors:
Presented by: Con Edison
Supported by: Aerosoles, Aquafina, Benjamin Moore Paints, EDUN LIVE, Monroe College, Montefiore Medical Center, UBS
Media Partners: Daily News, WABC, Z-100
Promotional Partner: New York Sports Clubs
In-Kind Partner: D'Agostino
Contact: Max Pulsinelli – 718-220-5182; mpulsinelli@wcs.orgSteve Fairchild – 718-220-5189; sfairchild@wcs.org
RULES: RUN FOR THE WILD 2010 FUNDRAISING CONTEST The decisions of the Wildlife Conservation Society (“WCS”) are final in all matters relating to this contest, and the declaration of winners shall be at WCS’s sole discretion. Employees, officers, trustees and agents of WCS and the immediate families and those living in the same household of any of the above are not eligible. Winners will be required to execute a liability and publicity release. Prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash. Prizes will be redeemed at a date to be determined. At WCS’s sole discretion, a prize of equal or greater value may be substituted for any prize that becomes unavailable for any reason. WCS reserves the right, in it sole discretion, to cancel or modify the contest for any reason or no reason. False, fraudulent or deceptive entries will be disqualified. WCS is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate entry information; human errors; technical malfunctions; theft, tampering, destruction, or alteration of, or unauthorized access to, entries; typographical, printing or other errors; or any combination thereof. This contest shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
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