SEATTLE - The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) recently honored Woodland Park Zoo's educational outreach program, Wild Wise, with a Significant Achievement Award in Education. Woodland Park Zoo officials accepted the award at the AZA's 77th Annual Conference in St. Louis two weeks ago.

Thanks to cooperate funding provided by Bank of America and WRQ Inc., Wild Wise is Woodland Park Zoo's flagship statewide outreach program designed to inspire middle school students in Washington state to take an active interest in the natural world around them. The innovative program utilizes high-quality video presentation techniques to accomplish its goals without the need for animals in the classroom.

A typical Wild Wise presentation begins with stunning wildlife imagery projected on a big screen, accompanied by a lively audio track. Together the sound and motion drives home the beauty and power of the wild animals and habitats of Washington state. The Wild Wise team then guides the audience through a virtual tour of Washington habitats. Each habitat presents an opportunity for students to search for and find new wildlife species and to observe their behavior. Students record their observation in field notebooks as they learn how scientists, photographers and artists use math, science, sketching and writing skills in the field. In the process students make exciting discoveries and apply classroom lessons to the real world.

The American Zoo and Aquarium Association was founded in 1924 and currently represents 201 accredited zoos and aquariums in North America. AZA's mission is to support membership excellence in conservation, education, science and recreation.