For immediate release
Contact: Gina Stiles, 904-757-4463, ext. 210

“APE-ril” A Celebration of Apes

At the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

JACKSONVILLE, FL – April 20, 2007 – On Saturday, April 21, 2007, spend the day celebrating apes at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens during “APE-ril”, a day dedicated to conservation of wild apes—especially bonobos and gorillas. Internationally-known Jo Thompson, Lukuru Wildlife Research Project, and Charlene Jendry, Partners in Conservation (Columbus Zoo), will be on-site giving presentations on their projects in Africa. There will be free Zookeeper talks in the Great Apes area throughout the day, as well as behind-the-scenes tours of the Great Ape Night House for $5.00 a person.  Ape art and ape-related materials and artifacts will be available for viewing or sale, with proceeds going to conservation for bonobos and gorillas in countries of origin.

Other activities scheduled for the day are ape-related children’s activities and face painting, as well as informational booths by Conservation Organizations, such as Gorilla Haven and Center for Great Apes.  Clearwire, as a sponsor for “APE-ril” will also have a booth. There is no additional cost for admission to Zoo guests for this event.

For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment. Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 1,400 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 unique plant species. The Jacksonville Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  It is open year-round, seven days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is located on Jacksonville’s north side at 370 Zoo Parkway, one-half mile east from I-95.  The Zoo is open until 6:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays from March to Labor Day. For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

###