Louisville Zoo extends special $5 admission in hopes of achieving an “elephant-size donation” for Dare to Care

The Louisville Zoo is extending its partnership with Dare to Care Food Bank and continuing to offer special $5 Zoo admission on weekdays now through December 18, 2009, and again January 4 through January 29, 2010, when visitors participate in a canned food drive.

The Zoo has collected more than 5,000 pounds of food so far, providing nearly 4,200 meals to hungry families in Kentuckiana. The Zoo’s goal is to achieve an “elephant-size donation” of more than 10,000 pounds by January 29, 2010.

To receive the discount on regular weekday admission, visitors must bring one canned good per person and present it at the Zoo’s ticket window Monday-Friday through December 18, 2009, and again January 4 through January 29, 2010. The offer is valid for regular daytime admission. Not valid with other discounts or for groups.

So bundle up and escape for some winter wildlife adventures while helping needy families in our community.

Some of Dare to Care Food Bank’s most needed items are canned meats, which includes tuna, beef stew and ravioli as well as canned vegetables and fruits, which includes corn, green beans, peaches and pineapple.

The Zoo is open daily year round, September - February from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (exit by 5 p.m.). The Zoo is closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.

For more information about the Louisville Zoo, visit www.louisvillezoo.org. For more information on Dare to Care, visit www.daretocare.org.

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The Louisville Zoo’s elephants weigh range in weight:

· 2-year-old African elephant Scotty weighs in at 2,210 pounds

· Scotty’s mother, African elephant Mikki, weighs in around 8,250 pounds

· Female Asian elephant Punch weighs in around 10,450 pounds

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Dare to Care Food Bank, a non-profit organization, seeks to end hunger in our community through partnerships, innovative programs and community engagement. Dare to Care annually distributes more than 12 million pounds of food, including 3 million pounds of fresh produce, through its 300 partner food pantries, emergency kitchens and shelters as well as its Kids Cafe and award-winning Backpack Buddy program. The United States Government estimates that 175,000 people in Kentuckiana are at risk of hunger.

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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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Kara Bussabarger

Public Relations Manager

The Louisville Zoo

1100 Trevilian Way

Louisville, KY 40213

OFFICE: 502-238-5331

E-MAIL: kara.bussabarger@louisvilleky.gov

12.01.2009