News Release

September 18, 2010

Contact: Sondra Katzen
Public Relations
708.688.8351
sondra.katzen@czs.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Note: Images of Brookfield Zoo’s bears may be downloaded at http://www.czs.org/pressroom.

Brookfield Zoo’s Bear Awareness Weekend Focuses on Bear-y Important Conservation Issues

      Brookfield, IL—Bear lovers of all ages will barely be able to contain their excitement at Brookfield Zoo’s Bear Awareness Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, October 2 and 3. The celebration takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Great Bear Wilderness exhibit and will feature activities highlighting the zoo’s grizzly bears and brown bears. During the weekend event, zoogoers can learn what makes these animals so special, why they are endangered in the wild, and conservation efforts the Chicago Zoological Society is involved in with wildlife partner organizations.

At several bear exploration stations that will be located throughout the exhibit, guests will have the opportunity to chat with some of the bear zookeepers while examining bear artifacts, including teeth, fur, claws, and skulls, as well as radio collars that were used to track bears in the wild.

Keepers will also share information about the zoo’s polar bears and grizzly bears at an 11:30 a.m. training session, a 1:00 p.m. Zoo Chat, and a 3:00 p.m. bear conservation talk.

Additionally, several of the zoo’s bear costumed characters will be on hand to greet guests and youngsters can participate in bear-themed craft activities.

Samples of Montana Coffee Traders’ Grizzly Blend Coffee, a premium-blend coffee that is certified to be both organic and fair trade, will be offered at Bison Prairie Grill. Guests can support grizzly bears in the wild by purchasing the coffee, which is available in several of the zoo’s gift shops, including Bear Crossing gift shop. For every pound of coffee sold, Montana Coffee Traders will donate $1.00 to Vital Ground, a Montana-based organization dedicated to preserving grizzly bear habitat by reconnecting isolated fragments of wildlands important for grizzly recovery and biodiversity.

The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.

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