For immediate release
Contact:  Mercede New, 904-757-4463, ext. 211
Gina Stiles, 904-757-4463, ext. 210

Teddy Bears to Get Free Check-ups at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Teddy Bear Affair - May 16th  
Sponsored by Nemours, a Children’s Health System

May 5, 2009 - Jacksonville, Fl - The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will be hosting its 17th Annual Teddy Bear Affair, sponsored by Nemours, on Saturday, May 16th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Children ages 3-12 who bring their teddy bears or other stuffed animals on that day will receive free admission to the Zoo.

“Injured” teddy bears will receive special treatment by Nemours’ skilled staff.  There will be animal encounters, prize drawings, and visits from Jazoo.  Smokey the Bear will also make a special appearance to provide safety information, and Radio Disney will be onsite with music and games from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

“Nemours is once again pleased to partner with The Jacksonville Zoo as the sponsor for this year’s Teddy Bear Affair.  We realize that many times children are apprehensive about a visit to the doctors’ office.  The Teddy Bear Affair affords children the opportunity to role play with our staff in a non threatening environment which can help to reduce their anxiety about going to the doctor. In addition, it’s a great time for the entire family to come out and enjoy the Zoo” stated Chip Cover, Nemours administrator. 

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 1,500 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 p.m. on weekends and holidays from March to Labor Day.  For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

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