SEATTLE - Woodland Park Zoo proudly announces the selection of 10 energetic and bright young kids as its ZooKids! The ZooKids will serve as official ambassadors for the zoo’s new Zoomazium – an all-season nature play space for kids opening next spring.

The ZooKids are: 8-year-old Olivia W.; 8-year-old Arielle H.; 7-year-old Logan F.; 8-year-old Paulsen K.; 9-year-old Katherine F.; 6-year-old Evan B.; 10-year-old Kate R.; 8-year-old Cameron P.; 9-year-old Deana V. and 10-year-old Safaa D.

Each potential ZooKid wrote an essay, “My connection with wildlife and nature and why I want to be a ZooKid.” Based on the essays, the zoo contacted the top 50 candidates for an audition to recite a one-minute piece – either self-written or from any published work –and chose the top 10 to be ZooKids. The ZooKids are helping to design Zoomazium, serving as ambassadors at special events at the zoo and in the community, helping to give Zoomazium tours to the media and visitors and potentially representing Zoomazium in promotional campaigns.

“These kids are terrific,” noted Zoomazium Program Manager Frank Hein. “We were looking for children who love nature and who could help us make Zoomazium as kid friendly and fun as possible. We’re very impressed by not only their love of the zoo and of animals, but with the quality of their ideas for the exhibit as well. They’re making a real contribution to this facility.”

Each ZooKid received a cool, hip uniform designed by a local designer, Kwik.

The 8,500-square-foot learning center will focus on nature-based opportunities for families and children ages 8 and under and on the special connection that children share with nature. Children will enjoy a fun, playful space using whole body play that allows their imagination to soar.

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.