What:
It’s not exactly the Mona Lisa, but Woodland Park Zoo’s 2-year-old elephant Hansa (HUN-suh) has donated her very first painting to be auctioned off at the annual Jungle Party, the zoo’s premier fundraiser. Media are invited to watch as the zoo’s aspiring artist tries her trunk at yet another priceless work of art. Painting is part of the zoo’s elephant enrichment program to provide stimulation for the animals.

Afterwards, you are encouraged to swing by the zoo’s North Meadow where zoo staff and volunteers are busy setting up for Friday’s Jungle Party.

When:
Wednesday, July 9, 2:30 p.m.
Jungle Party set-up: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where:
Enter the zoo through the ARC near the West Gate at N. 55th St. & Phinney Ave. N. Staff will escort you to the Elephant Barn. Jungle Party set-up is on the North Meadow.

Other:
Hansa was born November 3, 2000, to first-time mother, 24-year-old Chai (rhymes with “shy”). At birth, Hansa weighed 235 pounds. With an average weight gain of 2 pounds a day, the endangered elephant currently tips the scales at just over 2,432 pounds. In addition to Chai and Hansa, other members of the herd include 36-year-old Bamboo and 34-year-old Watoto, all females.

This year’s Jungle Party is themed “Indian Bazaar.” Event highlights are 600 auction items, a lavish reception and sit-down dinner, up-close and personal animal encounters and exclusive exhibit tours. Jungle Party raises more than a million dollars for the zoo every year. Additionally, Jungle Party supports zoo programs through its Save-A-Species Fund. The focus of this year’s fund is “Animal E.R.”

Some of this year’s “Hot Items” include: A sculpture of baby Hansa by renowned local artist Georgia Gerber; Heli-Skiing in Alaska for two; an All-inclusive tour of India for Two for 15 days; and a Sonics Birthday Bash for 10!

Info:
For more information about the zoo’s elephants or Jungle Party, log onto the zoo’s Web site at www.zoo.org