For immediate release

Contact: Gina Stiles, Marketing, 904-757-4463, ext. 210; cell: 655-3632

 DIRECTOR OF JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

 ELECTED TO BOARD OF ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS & AQUARIUMS

June 20, 2008, Jacksonville, FL –  Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced the election of its Executive Director, Dennis Pate, to the 2008/2009 Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Board of Directors. The AZA is America's leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums and accredits only those institutions that have achieved rigorous standards for animal care, education, wildlife conservation and science. Pate joins the ranks of those representing some of the most prestigious zoos in the nation, including San Diego, Lincoln Park in Chicago and Walt Disney World.  The Board Members are responsible for policy setting for the more than 200 AZA zoo and aquarium members, and they play a key role in finance, legal services and management of the organization. 

“One of the great privileges I have as AZA Chair of the Board is to work with so many who share a passionate commitment to our profession,” said 2007/2008 Chair of the Board Satch Krantz. “All of these high-caliber individuals are strong leaders who deserve our thanks and congratulations for their willingness to stand for election and continued service to our community.”

Pate is a 32-year veteran of three accredited zoos, who joined the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in June of 2002.  In 2006, he served as chair of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Accreditation Commission, and prior to that served on the Honors and Awards’ Committee. As 2006/2007 Chair of the Jacksonville and the Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau (now named Visit Jacksonville), he worked with stakeholders in the region to promote conference and tourism growth.  Pate holds a B.S. degree from the University of Illinois and a M.S. degree from Northeastern Illinois University.

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.

xxx