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Strong leadership, access to large, diverse audiences and compelling messages are essential to effective conservation efforts. It is because Woodland Park Zoo has all three that Ben and Julie Wolff feel so passionate about helping the zoo increase its impacts as an education and conservation leader.
Ben, a recent WPZ Board member, and his wife, Julie, are sounding a clarion call for the conservation of endangered Asian tigers and bears. As co-chairs of the $21 million Asian Tropical Forest initiative, the Wolff's are challenging the zoo and the entire community to transform the 60-year-old Asian tiger and bear exhibits. And we are thrilled with their vision.
They know that meaningful, up-close encounters with these majestic animals make people aware of the threats endangered speces face in the wild. The powerful educational and emotional experiences the Wolff's and their children have had at the zoo moved them to become part of the conservation solution.
To fuel their challenge and to inspire other private and public supporters to join, in 2009, Ben and Julie pledged a significant leadership gift to the campaign. The gift catapults the zoo to an even higher level as a national leader in naturalistic, immersion design that integrates the very best in animal welfare, education and conservation.
At a time when the health of our environment makes headelines every day, the Wolff's are ensuring our community will benefit from a sustainably designed, multispecies showcase that ingites wonder and discovery for millions of people, compelling them to learn, care and act.
Ben and Julie, we are honored to be a benefactor of your enormous generosity. Thank you for your distinguished leadership and service to the zoo.
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