Phila. Zoo announces admissions program for eligible schools, community groups
June 3, 2010 Who: Philadelphia Zoo - 3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA.
What: Philadelphia Zoo President & CEO, Vik Dewan, along with Philadelphia School District Superintendent Dr. Arlene Ackerman will announce Zoo's new community access program.
Where: Media please park at Gate H off of Zoological Drive
When: Tomorrow, Friday, June 4, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. (Please arrive between 12:45 p.m. and 12:55 p.m.)
The Philadelphia Zoo is giving back to the Philadelphia community in an unprecedented way. On June 4, 2010, Zoo President & CEO Vik Dewan will announce the Zoo's new community access program. As part of the program, the Zoo will provide free admission to thousands of eligible Title I schoolchildren and members of eligible community groups and 501(c)(3) organizations – the number of free admissions donated each year will be based on 5% of the Zoo's annual attendance. Last year, the Zoo welcomed more than 1.2 million guests which under the new community access program would equate to over 60,000 free tickets for eligible schools and organizations. Through this program, the Zoo hopes to build critical connections with the natural world and inspire future generations of environmental stewards.
On June 4, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. Vik Dewan will be presenting the program to Dr. Arlene Ackerman, Superintendent of the Philadelphia School District, and a class from Dobson Elementary School, the first group to receive tickets under the new initiative. Dr. Ackerman will also be commenting on how the Zoo's new program complements the District's "Imagine 2014" strategic plan. Following their brief presentation, Mr. Dewan and Dr. Ackerman will feed a lion as part of a special treat for the class.
About The Philadelphia Zoo:
America's first zoo and one of the region's foremost conservation organizations, the Philadelphia Zoo is home to nearly 1,300 animals, many rare and endangered. The Zoo, fulfilling its mission of conservation, science, education and recreation, supports and engages in conservation efforts to protect endangered species around the world. The Philadelphia region's leading family destination, the Zoo welcomed more than 1.2 million visitors last year. The Philadelphia Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information on the Philadelphia Zoo, as well as to purchase and print tickets online, visit us at www.philadelphiazoo.org. The Philadelphia Zoo is a non-smoking facility.
