LANDMARK EXHIBIT CHANGED ZOO DESIGN WORLDWIDE

JOIN US FOR FIVE WEEKS OF FUN-FILLED ACTIVITIES!

The celebratory activities are on Fridays and Saturdays for five weeks beginning the weekend of June 19th and 20th and extending through July 17th and 18th

Presented by Bank of America

(Note to Media: If you would like to interview zoo experts on the significance of the design of the Congo Gorilla Forest or the WCS work to protect gorillas worldwide, please call our press office.)

Bronx, NY- June 12, 2009—The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its landmark exhibit and habitat, Congo Gorilla Forest.

The exhibit, which has won numerous design awards, has raised nearly $10 million for conservation efforts through its 6.6 million visitors who donate their admission fees to protect gorillas, elephants, mandrills, and other flagship species. With these funds, WCS has worked to establish the first system of national parks in the Central African nation of Gabon, as well as create other protected areas in the vast Congo Basin. Last year, WCS scientists announced the discovery of 125,000 western lowland gorillas in the Republic of Congo. WCS works in more than 20 African nations to protect wildlife and wild lands.

To mark the 10-year anniversary, WCS’ Bronx Zoo is hosting activities that highlight the impact it has had on visitors and on WCS conservation efforts in the Congo region of Africa.

The celebratory activities are on Fridays and Saturdays for five weeks beginning the weekend of June 19h and 20th and extending through July 17th and 18th.

The Congo Gorilla Forest Event Activities are sponsored by Bank of America.

Celebrations on June 19, 20, 26, 27, July 3, 4, 10,11,17,18 include:

  • Congo dancing and drum music from the Harambee Dance troupe. The dancers will parade through the park and end up at Congo Gorilla Forest where they will perform a variety of authentic Congo dances. 12, 2, and 4 pm
  • Griot interactive African storytelling with musicians. These story tellers will tell the animal stories that are part of the rich tradition of Africa. 11:30, 1:30, and 3:30 pm
  • Lunch with the Gorillas – 12 pm
  • Tour the Congo – our Friends of the Zoo volunteers will provide tours for 45 people on a first come, first serve basis. 11, 1, and 3pm

The Museum of African Art presents 10 days of Workshops at the WCS Bronx Zoo. 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

  • June 19, 20 and July 17: Mask Making
  • June 26, 27 and July 18: Basket Making
  • July 3, 4: Gourd Adornment
  • July 10, 11: Beads and Adornment

In addition to these activities, there are special discounts and promotions from the Bronx zoo and its partners.

Bronx Zoo

10% discount on Gorilla t-shirts and gorilla plush toys
Special treats sold in restaurants and carts – Chocolate covered banana on a stick

Partners

Applebee’s
Order any kids meal and receive a free discount coupon to the Bronx Zoo!

Baskin-Robbins
Celebrate with the Congo Gorilla Ice Cream Sundae Special! Order any ice cream sundae and receive a special 50% off discount to the Bronx Zoo.

Gymboree
Sign up for a Gymboree Music and Play membership OR enroll in summer semester and receive a discount coupon to the Bronx Zoo!

Cozy Cuts
Tame your Mane this summer with Cozy Cuts! Purchase a child’s haircut and you will receive $5 off any Total Experience ticket to the Bronx Zoo!

The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth.

Special Note to the Media: If you would like to guide your readers or viewers to a web link where they can make donations in support of helping save wildlife and wild places, please direct them to www.wcs.org/donation.

WCS in the Field
To learn more about WCS conservation efforts in Central Africa and around the world, visit www.wcs.org for more information.

The Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays through November 2, 2009. Adult admission is $15, children (3-12 years old) $11, children under 3 are free, seniors (65+) are $13. Parking is $12 for cars and $16 for buses. The Bronx Zoo is conveniently located off the Bronx River Parkway at Exit 6; by train via the #2 or #5 or by bus via the #9, #12, #19, #22, MetroNorth, or BxM11 Express Bus service (from Manhattan that stops just outside the gate.) To plan your trip, visit www.bronxzoo.com or call 718-367-1010.

Contact
Danna Goldman Schoenberg – 718.220.5182 / dschoenberg@wcs.org
Steve Fairchild - 718.220.5189 / sfairchild@wcs.org