SEATTLE - Just in time for the holidays, The Bezos Family Foundation is contributing $1 million toward Zoomazium at Woodland Park Zoo, a year-round environmental learning and nature play space for young children opening in May 2006.

The $9.4 million Zoomazium capital project includes construction, endowment and three years of operations. Zoomazium will feature several discovery zones and a mix of real and toy animals, as well as audio, visual and computer technology. Children will be able to climb a mini-mountain, curl up in a fox’s den, or explore a mysterious cave, complete with “lava” and a volcano’s rumble. There also will be a secured outdoor woodlot for unstructured play.

Dr. Deborah Jensen, president and CEO of Woodland Park Zoo, said the contribution will help fill a special niche in the Puget Sound region by providing an all-season, nature-centered play space for young children. “We’re thrilled with this extraordinary contribution to the young people of our area,” she said. “Zoomazium will be a fun, inventive facility that will help children begin a journey of lifelong learning, discovery and respect for animals and their habitats.”

President of The Bezos Family Foundation Jackie Bezos said, “Zoomazium fills a real need in this community for a place where youngsters can engage in active play and learn about the natural world. It will be a wonderful asset for children, parents and grandparents,” she added.

Studies show that children who connect with nature demonstrate increased scholastic success, greater ability to focus and better physical health. They also are more likely to bond with animals and humans, becoming citizens who care for others, their environment and themselves. Unfortunately, the amount of time children spend outdoors has decreased dramatically in recent decades. Zoomazium hopes to help reverse that trend by encouraging children to learn about and explore the natural world.

The Bezos Family Foundation is a private foundation created by Jackie and Mike Bezos with participation from family members. The Foundation’s primary mission is to further learning and education by making effective educational opportunities available to everyone regardless of their economic circumstances. The Foundation supports learning experiences that begin in early childhood and that involve families and schools.

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.