LYNNWOOD, WA - The Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and Woodland Park Zoo are honoring the ten-year anniversary of Ivan the Gorilla’s release from solitary confinement with a celebration featuring artwork created by local third-grade students enrolled in PAWS’ Kids Who Care humane education program. The display also includes past newspaper articles, posters and historical documentation of this amazing community undertaking.

When: Saturday, March 12 – Sunday, March 20. Interview Opportunity on Wednesday, March 16, 2:30- 3:00pm.

Where: PAWS Companion Animal Shelter, 15305 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98037

The campaign to free Ivan from 27 years of solitary confinement in a 14’x14’ concrete cell at Tacoma’s now-defunct B&I shopping mall lasted more than seven years. On March 16, 1995, this incredible, gentle, endangered giant, set foot on grass and felt the sun on his back for the first time in almost three decades. Ivan has overcome the emotional and physical damage caused by his years of solitary confinement and become head of a highly social family group of gorilla companions at Zoo Atlanta.

PAWS and Woodland Park Zoo, who officially received Ivan as a gift and has permanently "loaned" him to Zoo Atlanta, are also celebrating the incredible dedication of Seattle and Tacoma communities. Local activists, local press, gorilla experts and scientists from around the world, documentary filmmakers and more showed the world that when a community works together, it can make anything happen.

“Ivan’s case is a shining example of the amazing change a caring community can inspire,” said PAWS Executive Director, Annette Laico. “Ivan’s story continues to touch and inspire all who hear it; and even now, through PAWS’ Humane Education programs, teaches children there isn’t anything they can’t do. This anniversary is testament to the power we have when we work together to combat cruelty.”

“ Ivan’s public debut at Zoo Atlanta a decade ago marked an historic and much celebrated occasion that resonated throughout our communities and around the world,” noted Woodland Park Zoo Deputy Director Bruce Bohmke. “His successful socialization with other gorillas at Zoo Atlanta and his continued health and well being re-affirm that we did the right thing in placing Ivan with his own species under the excellent care and management of Zoo Atlanta.”

Please look through your archives for footage to help celebrate this momentous anniversary.

PAWS is the Northwest’s leading animal advocacy and direct care organization. The PAWS Companion Animal shelter has adopted more than 100,000 companion animals to Seattle-area homes since 1967. The PAWS Wildlife Center cares for 40 percent of all injured wildlife in Washington. Through advocacy and education, the PAWS Development and Community Relations department is the leading voice for animals in the Northwest.

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. The zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington State and around the world. By inspiring visitors and others to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future

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.