Woodland Park Zoo Press Release

SEATTLE - Seattle-based HomeStreet Bank joins with Woodland Park Zoo, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Oregon Zoo and the Honolulu Zoo Society for a seventh year of “Wild About Zoos,” a three-month promotion to support zoo programs and operations. From May 1 through July 31, HomeStreet Bank will donate $10 to the zoos for every new bank account, mortgage, loan and insurance policy opened at branches in Washington, Oregon and Hawaii.

To date, HomeStreet has contributed nearly $400,000 to its partner zoos through the Wild About Zoos program. HomeStreet Bank focuses much of its community involvement on preserving parks and open spaces; the Wild About Zoos program is part of that effort.

“ Our mission is to save animals and habitats through conservation and engaging experiences which inspire people to learn, care and act,” said Woodland Park Zoo President and CEO Dr. Deborah Jensen. “We are very grateful for HomeStreet Bank’s annual Wild About Zoos program. The contributions from this program are important to the success of the zoo’s programs.”

As part of Wild About Zoos, HomeStreet is also offering “Ten for You and Ten for the Zoo,” a special savings account for children 18 and under. When a child’s savings account is opened for $50 or more at any HomeStreet Bank branch, HomeStreet will add $10 to the account in addition to donating $10 to the nearest regional zoo.

“ HomeStreet Bank is thrilled to present the Wild About Zoos program for the seventh consecutive year,” said Kathryn Williams, HomeStreet Bank community relations director. “Our partner zoos support their communities by providing recreation, education and wildlife conservation. The Wild About Zoos program reflects our commitment to the preservation of our regional parks and open spaces.”

Family- and employee-owned, HomeStreet Bank is one of the largest privately-owned banks in the Northwest. HomeStreet partners with local organizations through employee volunteer service, charitable contributions, products and services and sponsorships. Each year, HomeStreet donates at least two percent of pre-tax profits to organizations in its communities.

For more information about Wild About Zoos or for a list of HomeStreet Bank branch locations, call 800-719-8080 or visit online at www.wildaboutzoos.com.

For more information about Woodland Park Zoo or how to become a zoo member, call 206.548.2500 or visit www.zoo.org.

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.