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

Stingray Bay Opens DAILY Beginning
February 27th at the Jacksonville Zoo!

Dignity U Wear Clothing Drive on Saturday, February 28th Only

February 25, 2009 - Jacksonville, Fl - Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is proud to announce that its Stingray Bay exhibit, sponsored by Winn-Dixie, will be opening daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., beginning February 27th.  This popular exhibit has been open on weekends only since mid-October, 2008.  Guests will now have more opportunities to interact with the stingrays by petting and feeding them as they swim in a 17,000-gallon pool.  This temporary exhibit will be open through September of this year.  Stingray Bay regular admission is $3 per person and $2.50 for members.  Food for the stingrays can be purchased for $1.

Also, bring one or more new packages of children’s underwear to the Zoo on February 28th only and guests receive $2.00 off Zoo Admission.  The clothing donations go to needy children and families throughout the First Coast thanks to Dignity U Wear’s Undie Sunday, Undie Monday clothing program.  The program’s goal is to help restore dignity and self-confidence to those in need – which is especially important during this economic downturn.  For more information go to www.dignityuwear.org          

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.  For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

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