SEATTLE - Last night more than 70 friends of the zoo attended a celebration to help raise funds for Woodland Park Zoo’s historic carousel. Held at downtown Seattle’s Northern Trust Bank, and catered by renowned chef Tom Douglas, party participants were treated to an up-close look at some of the historic carousel’s exquisitely hand-carved horses. The event was hosted by Ken and Marleen Alhadeff, former Governor Gary Locke and Mona Locke, former Mayor Norman B. Rice and Constance W. Rice, and raised $122,500.

“Thanks to the many generous contributions made last night, as well as those raised through our Adopt-A-Horse program, the zoo is much closer to the amount required to build the carousel’s pavilion. The pavilion, which will enclose and protect the carousel and its riders, is dedicated to former Zoo Director, Dave Towne,” said Woodland Park Zoo President and CEO Dr. Deborah Jensen. “However, the zoo still needs to raise $800,000 to complete the $2.5 million project.”

In addition to the money raised last night, other noteworthy donations have been made by Vic and Mary Odermat and Brown Bear Car Wash, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Joshua Green Foundation, the Nysether family, The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation and many more prominent Seattle families. To date, 34 families have adopted 40 horses for more than $650,000 through the Adopt-A-Horse program. Only 8 of the original 48 horses are still available for adoption.

“Woodland Park Zoo and the community are extremely fortunate to have received such a rare and magnificent carousel, a gift from Linda and Tom Allen of the Alleniana Foundation,” noted Jensen. “Their gift will provide generations of carousel riders the opportunity to experience a celebrated piece of American history, provide support for the zoo’s education and animal care programs through ticket sales, and offer families another way to have year-round fun while visiting the zoo.”

The carousel was the 45th constructed by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) for the Cincinnati Zoo in 1918 Many of the exquisite horses were carved by master craftsman John Zalar. The hand-carved horses are recognized as a prime example of folk art and the PTC produced some of the most beautiful carousels ever constructed. The zoo’s carousel is one of the country’s best preserved carousels of its era. Of the more than 5,000 carousels created from the 1890s through the 1920s, fewer than 150 remain intact and in operation today.

The carousel will be located adjacent to the zoo’s North Meadow, a popular active space that currently accommodates large-scale community events, concerts, family and corporate gatherings and other activities. Makers Architecture (Seattle) designed the 80-foot diameter pavilion, which evokes the classic carousel houses built in the 1910s and 1920s. The structure will offer special event spaces for birthday parties, weddings and other celebrations. Due to the contributions made last night, construction of the carousel is on schedule and it is slated to open next summer.

To donate, individuals can send contributions to: The Carousel Building Fund, Timeless Classic c/o Woodland Park Zoo, 601 N. 59th St., Seattle, WA 98103. To contribute through the Adopt-A-Horse program, visit www.zoo.org/carousel or call 206.684.4880.

Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. With conservation, education and excellent animal care at the core of the zoo’s mission, the zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington state and around the world including tree kangaroos, snow leopards, red-crowned cranes, African wild dogs, western pond turtles and Oregon silverspot butterflies. By inspiring visitors and others to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.