New Bedford/Dartmouth, MA - September 14, 2007

Sunday, September 23rd will be an exciting day for elephants at Buttonwood Park Zoo. Two very special events will highlight not only the zoo's resident elephants, but elephants worldwide.

Sunday morning, the New Bedford Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) will be hosting the first annual Elephant Tracks 2007 fundraiser to raise money and awareness for elephant conservation. Elephants are a keystone species, a creative power of nature that impacts the survival of other wildlife. Elephant survival is being threatened due to habitat loss, human-conflicts, and poaching. AAZK is encouraging citizens to take action in the fight to save the elephant by participating in Elephant Tracks 2007. The event will feature a four lap (one mile) walk around zoo grounds to increase awareness and raise funds to support elephant conservation. All proceeds from registrations, sponsorships and other donations will go directly to elephant conservation efforts worldwide. The individual that raises the most money will receive an original painting done by the zoo's own Asian Elephants, Emily and Ruth.

The registration fee is $15 for ages 6-13 and $25 for ages 14 and up, and children under 5 can participate for free. In addition to the registration fee, it is hoped that participants will collect as many donations as they can and bring them to the zoo on the day of the walk - every dollar counts in the fight to save elephants. Teams of 8 to 10 walkers will have their registration fees waived providing $250 for elephant conservation is donated and registrations are submitted as a team. Registration materials can be found at Buttonwood Park Zoo and on the zoo's website at http://www.bpzoo.org. Participants may also register on the day of the event.

Visitors unable to partake in the morning's fundraiser can still support and celebrate elephants at Elephant Appreciation Day from 1:00 to 4:00, Sunday, September 23rd. The afternoon will be filled with a celebration of all elephants with demonstrations, enrichment, interactive activities, crafts, and more elephant sized-fun! All Elephant Appreciation Day activities are free with zoo admission.

See supplemental photos


Buttonwood Park Zoo is open year round, seven days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission: $6 adults, $4.50 Seniors and Teens, $3 children ages 3-12, children under 3 are free. For more information, call (508) 991-6178 or visit www.bpzoo.org.