Association of Zoos and Aquariums

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY RECEIVES HIGHEST EDUCATION AWARD

CONTACT: Jane Ballentine, (301)562-0777, x 252

CHICAGO, IL, September 18, 2005 – The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) today honored the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Bronx Zoo with the Association's top Education Award for the "Girl's for the Planet" program. Zoo officials accepted the award at a special presentation during AZA's 81st Annual Conference, meeting here this week.

Bronx Zoo lab with girls working The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) at its flagship Bronx Zoo has developed Girls for Planet Earth, a unique program designed to increase the participation of girls and young women in conservation science. In partnership with the Girl Scouts of the USA, the National 4-H Council, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Center for Educational Innovation-Public Education Association, and the Children's Aid Society, the program capitalizes on the enthusiasm young people have for animals and nature, to excite girls and young women about conservation science learning.

The Girls for Planet Earth Program consists of: o an Annual Earth Summit at the Bronx Zoo that introduces girls, ages 14-17, to environmental science, including key environmental issues in regions across the U.S., as well as to careers and women role models in environmental science; o a series of service-learning projects through which participants apply what they have learned in a community-based environmental project that combines knowledge, service and reflection; which includes a "Virtual Clubhouse," through which the girls can communicate with each other and WCS staff about the program and environmental issues as well as create web pages explaining how other young people might undertake similar community outreach and research projects.

Each year, AZA recognizes achievement in the area of education by offering competition among its Institution, Related Organization and Society members. Judging is conducted by a panel of individuals selected by the Conservation Education Committee.

Note: For more information contact Linda Corcoran at 718/220-5182.

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