03/18 ~ Grand Opening of Habitat for Injured Eagles
PRESS RELEASE
Date: March 18, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GRAND OPENING OF HABITAT FOR INJURED EAGLES AT GREATER VANCOUVER ZOO
Aldergrove – The Greater Vancouver Zoo is excited to officially open our new Eagle Habitat. This new habitat will be able to house eagles that have experienced a variety of injuries and have lost the ability to survive in the wild. There are many reasons for injured eagles in the wild, but primarily habitat loss as a result of humans developing the land to populate, road accidents, oil spills, power line injuries or other human related threats. A great number of these disabled eagles would be euthanized as there are very few facilities to house them. With this new enclosure we will be able to house up to 4 injured bald eagles and educate the youth on why they are such an important part of our ecosystem.
Our female rescued bald eagle, Meredith, came to us 23 years ago after being struck by a large truck on the highway and left for dead. The zoo veterinarian treated Meredith’s injuries, but even after extensive rehabilitation; unfortunately it was determined that she would never be able to fly again. Her new house mate is a mature bald eagle approximately 6 – 7 years old. Last year we were approached by a rehabilitation centre in the Kootenays as a result of his injured wing he was going to be euthanized, but we gladly decided to take him in.
WHEN: SATURDAY MARCH 20 11:00 AM
WHERE: Greater Vancouver Zoo Eagle habitatt – North American section of the zoo
WHAT: Official Grand Opening Ceremony
Media must arrive by 10:30 AM in order to be escorted by our miniature train to this section of the zoo
WHO: Jamie Dorgan, General Manager, Greater Vancouver Zoo
Other activities include: eagle talk, story-telling by “Jason Thompson” of the Leq’a:mel First Nation, eagle educational tables, eagle games, eagle tattoos, snacks and more.
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Media Contact:
Jody Henderson
Marketing & Promotions Manager
Phone: 604.856.6825 x 33
Email: jhenderson@gvzoo.com
To learn more about the good things we do at the Zoo
visit us at: www.gvzoo.com or better yet come visit us in person!
Since 1970….dedicated to conservation, preservation & protection of endangered species!
The Greater Vancouver Zoo is an accredited zoo within the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), which is a non-profit organization established to promote the welfare of animals and encourage the advancement of education, conservation and science.