News Release

February 19, 2010

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Note: Images of Brookfield Zoo’s pigs may be downloaded at www.CZS.org/pressroom

Wallow in Fun at Brookfield Zoo’s National Pig Day Celebration

     Brookfield, IL—Pig lovers of all ages will be in porcine heaven during Brookfield Zoo’s spigtacular National Pig Day celebration on Saturday, March 6.

Hoof it over to Children's Zoo at 1:00 p.m. for the best porkformance in town by the zoo’s domestic pigs, Harley, Georgia, and Penelope. Then sing a rousing rendition of "Happy Pig Day" to the popular hogs as they are presented with bouquets of carrots. Immediately following, zoogoers of all ages can join in a parade led by the ever-popular pink Pigmobile and the National Geographic Kids Toot & Puddle characters as seen on Nick Jr.

The parade concludes at the entrance to Hamill Family Play Zoo, where youngsters will squeal with delight over the fun pig-themed activities they can join in throughout the day, including a scent game, mud play, “Pin the Tail on the Pig,” “Pig Tac Toe,” storytelling, and National Geographic Kids prizes/giveaways, Toot & Puddle screenings, and costume character meet-n-greets. In addition, at 2:00 p.m., The Dreamtree Shakers Duo from the Old Town School of Folk Music will perform children’s music in the Play Zoo.

Children can remember their swinederful day at Brookfield Zoo with a keepsake National Pig Day photo taken courtesy of Bright Start, a 529 college savings program administered by the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office.

Admission to Children’s Zoo and Hamill Family Play Zoo is free on March 6. Regular zoo admission is $13.50 for adults and $9.50 for children ages 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. Children 2 and younger are free. Parking is $9. For further information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000. National Pig Day is sponsored by American Airlines.

First conceived in 1972 by two sisters, Ellen Stanley of Texas and Mary Lynne Rave of North Carolina, National Pig Day began as a way to honor and give thanks to pigs and has grown to become a national celebration of pigs’ best qualities and attributes.

Celebrating its 75th year, 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.