MINNESOTA ZOO LAUNCHES NEW LINE OF CONSERVATION WRISTBANDS TO HELP SAVE WILDLIFE AROUND THE WORLD

Apple Valley, MINN – February 16, 2017 – The Minnesota Zoo is excited to launch a new line of wristbands for guests to collect to help raise crucial funds needed to save wildlife around the world. For a donation of $2 or more, Zoo guests will receive a wristband that comes in a variety of fun, bright colors and feature animals from around the Zoo. The Zoo’s initial launch includes seven different animals, and will introduce new animals as the wristband program continues.

The initial seven animals for guests to collect include:

• Leopard
• Tiger
• Piglet
• Wolf
• Puma
• Grizzly Bear
• Red Panda

“These wristbands are not just simply for people to wear and enjoy,” says Dr. Tara Harris, Minnesota Zoo’s vice president for conservation. “They are intended to continue the conversation about the Zoo’s important efforts to save wildlife even after our guests leave the Zoo. We want to empower our community to be the voice for wildlife and help us share their stories and what can be done to help.”

The Minnesota Zoo works around the world to save threatened and endangered species, from the critically endangered desert black rhino in Namibia and Asian wild horse in Mongolia to endangered prairie butterflies and bison right here in Minnesota. “We exist to save wildlife and these wristbands are a great way for us to connect our guests to our mission and get them involved in our efforts, too,” continued Harris.

The Minnesota Zoo is a year-round destination located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. The Zoo’s mission is to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).