February 11, 2008

Media Advisory:

Pennies for Penguins Community Coin Drive Launched

Contact:
Gigi Allianic
206.548.2550; c:206.349.3533
gigi.allianic@zoo.org
bettina.woodford@zoo.org

SEATTLE – Even with winter’s chill, there’s nothing hotter than Woodland Park Zoo’s penguins! From February 10 through April 30, 2008, the Pennies for Penguins Community Coin Drive, a partnership between the zoo and Coinstar, Inc., invites penguin fans around Puget Sound to turn their coins into cash, to help the zoo raise the final $1 million it needs to give the new Humboldt penguin exhibit an extreme makeover. The current structure was built 60 years ago for seals and sea lions. The zoo expects to begin construction on the new exhibit in June 2008 and open it the following summer, 2009.

In keeping with the zoo’s numerous awards for naturalistic exhibitry, the new, 17,000-square-foot exhibit will be a “signature experience” for the marine-savvy Pacific Northwest. It is being designed to be environmentally friendly for penguins and for people, with an innovative filtration system to recycle virtually all of the water. Shoreline cliffs, crashing waves, rocky tide pools, and nesting burrows will cater to the birds’ natural coastal behavior and highly social demeanor. Guests will enjoy nearly nose-to-beak viewing of the black and white torpedoes “flying” underwater at speeds of up to 17 mph, porpoising through the air and raising young chicks. A core theme is the plight of Humboldt penguins in the wild and how people can help preserve these charismatic birds’ natural habitat.

“We are truly grateful for the many families and organizations in our community that are helping us bring this amazing new exhibit to life,” said Dr. Deborah Jensen, Woodland Park Zoo president and CEO. “Each gift truly makes a difference and enables us to engage more people in the zoo’s mission of conservation and education.”

The Pennies for Penguins coin drive aims to raise community awareness and provide a fun, meaningful way for families, schools and volunteers – penguin fans of all ages – to take part. “We’re pleased to offer zoo supporters an easy and convenient way to turn their coin jars into support for this important exhibit,” said Alex Camara, senior vice president and general manager of worldwide coin at Coinstar, Inc.

“We estimate that there is approximately $160 million in loose change sitting in homes around Puget Sound – imagine what just a fraction of that could mean to Woodland Park Zoo.”

Everyone can make a difference for penguins simply by donating the contents of their coin jars at more than 300 Puget Sound area Coinstar Centers ® through April 30, 2008. The Centers provide tax receipts on the spot (see www.coinstar.com for convenient locations).

Many area schools have signed up to compete in the coin drive; the school and classroom raising the most funds per capita for the penguin exhibit will win zoo-themed prizes. Curricular activities and an arts and crafts project help teachers explore penguin biology, natural habitats and ecosystems with their students. Young learners will grasp the everyday actions they take to help penguins in the wild.

Public and Private Support King County An anonymous donor The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation The Joshua Green Foundation The Juniper Foundation The Pigott family The Wright family Cameron Ragen and family Stuart Williams and family Microsoft Corporation Coinstar, Inc.

“Our whole family loves the zoo, so our family made a gift together,” said Cameron Ragen, vice chair of the zoo’s Board of Directors. “The Humboldt penguin exhibit will be a must-do experience for the entire community. We hope everyone will help give this endangered species a great new home here.”

The zoo has received significant financial support for the Humboldt penguin exhibit, as well as a new west entry that will enhance guest amenities. Both projects, which will be co-located on zoo grounds, are part of a $12 million initiative to achieve several improvements previously outlined in the zoo’s Long-Range Physical Development Plan, which was approved unanimously by City Council in 2004. The new penguin exhibit will be guests’ first animal encounter upon entering through the new west entry. Design and construction of both projects are being closely coordinated to maximize efficiency. The new west entry, which is expected to be funded through private contributions earmarked for the project, opens in late 2009.

March of the Penguins: Everyone is encouraged to visit the zoo’s current penguins before the new exhibit’s construction gets underway. In late March, the penguins will head to new homes in other zoos accredited by the Association for Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), in accordance with the Humboldt penguin Species Survival Plan. A little over a year from now, 20 or more pairs of Humboldt penguins will arrive at the zoo to form the new exhibit’s first breeding colony.

More information: www.zoo.org/penguins.
Key Dates: February 10-April 30, 2008 – Pennies for Penguins Community Campaign February 25-March 14, 2008 – Pennies for Penguins Schools Coin Drive Contest March 2008 – March of the Penguins: Penguins depart for other AZA accredited zoos June 2008 – Humboldt penguin exhibit construction begins June 2009 – Humboldt penguin exhibit opening and celebration

Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting international standards for zoos all over the world. Conservation, education and excellent animal care are at the core of the zoo’s mission. The zoo is helping to save animals and their habitats 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 people to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.