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Thousands Sign N.C. Zoo Society Petition Supporting Polar Bear Expansion and Children's Nature Zoo
BY: Mike McClanahanJun. 11, 2008
ASHEBORO, N.C. — More than 3,200 N.C. Zoo Society members signed a petition recently in support of plans which could result in more polar bears at the North Carolina Zoo. The petition, part of a call to action the Zoo Society e-mailed to members, supports plans for expansion and improvements to the zoo’s Polar Bear exhibit, to build a Children’s Nature Zoo and to develop plans for the replacement of the African Pavilion and surrounding exhibits. In all, the Zoo Society wants $10 million for zoo improvements and planning, promising to raise $4 million if the state provides $6 million.
The call to action and petition are part of ongoing Society efforts to encourage North Carolina lawmakers to provide funding for the capital needs of the state zoo.
Of the Zoo Society members who responded to the petition, more than 2,000 added personal comments strongly endorsing the proposed package of projects presented to the state. Funds for the projects are included in Governor Mike Easley’s budget and in bills introduced in the N.C. House and Senate.
"The tremendous response from our members demonstrates the broad support the zoo enjoys throughout North Carolina," said Zoo Society Executive Director, Russ Williams. "What’s more, the private sector’s willingness to continue providing a large portion of the funds needed to support our zoo should indicate the zoo’s value to our state for lawmakers."
Williams emphasized that in addition to recreation and tourism, much of the zoo’s value comes in terms of conservation and education. Improvements to the polar bear facilities, for example, will bring the exhibit up to modern standards and enable the zoo to bring additional bears into an environment conducive to reproduction. This is particularly important now that polar bears have been declared threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act, Williams said.
The North Carolina Zoological Society is a private non-profit organization that supports the North Carolina Zoo and conservation. The zoo is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor.