ZOO ATLANTA FACT SHEET Description: Zoo Atlanta, a celebrated cultural institution in Atlanta, is a private, nonprofit corporation operated

by Atlanta Fulton County Zoo Inc. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and maintains a collection of more than 1,500 animals from around the world. The Zoo takes great pride in its extensive research and conservation efforts, including participation in the AZA Species Survival Plan, giant panda conservation and primate conservation and research. Zoo Atlanta, which spans nearly 40 acres, is known as a leader in creating naturalistic habitats for its animal inhabitants. Upcoming Events: Boo at the Zoo: Oct. 26 and 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This Halloween festival at the Zoo includes a costume contest, a live DJ, Halloween crafts and games and special guest appearances. Tickets are free with general admission. Fiesta de la Familia: Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Zoo celebrates Hispanic heritage with live mariachi performances, Spanish-translated zookeeper talks, salsa performances, a salsa class and interactive games and crafts. Tickets are free with general admission. Fall for the Animals Ball: Nov. 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. This is a formal-attire ball that includes dancing, local fare and a silent auction to benefit the Zoos conservation and research efforts. Tickets are available through Zoo Atlantas website and cost $70 for Zoo members and $80 for non-members. VIP tickets are available for $130. History: Zoo Atlanta began in March 1889, making it Atlantas oldest cultural attraction, when a circus came to town and never left. The traveling shows caravan broke down and the owner was forced to abandon it due to cash flow problems. The animals left behind were sold at a public auction two weeks later to businessman George Valentine Gress, who donated the animals to the city of Atlanta. The collection was further expanded by other donations, including a private collection donation by philanthropist Asa G. Candler. At this time, the animals were housed in harsh metal cages and zoo conditions were deteriorating. In 1984, Parade magazine named the zoo one of the top 10 worst zoos. This caused a drastic renovation campaign, new governance and the formation of the official nonprofit Atlanta Fulton County Zoo Inc. The Zoo took the name Zoo Atlanta in 1985 and began creating naturalistic outdoor habitats for the animals. Today, the Zoo is a leader in building naturalistic habitats and takes pride in participating in many conservation and research efforts. Conservation and Research: As one of only four zoos in the U.S housing endangered giant pandas, Zoo Atlanta is passionate about research that can lead to sustainable populations of giant pandas in captivity. The Zoo has also committed to donating more than $10 million to giant panda conservation projects in China. Zoo Atlanta participates in the AZA Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is dedicated to managing the breeding of captive populations of endangered species in captivity in order -more-

to maintain diverse, stable and self-sustaining populations. The Zoo currently participates in 23 SSP programs. The Zoo is widely respected for its behavioral research involving great apes. In 2011, the gorilla program was awarded the Edward H. Bean Award for Significant Achievement in recognition of the programs long-term commitment. In 2008, the Zoo received a Keep Georgia Beautiful Award for waste reduction. In 2010, Zoo Atlanta was named one of the top 10 zoos for cell phone recycling. Zoo Atlanta is involved in many cross-continental projects for endangered species around the world, including giant pandas and turtles in Asia, gorillas in Africa and frogs in Central America. Donations to support the Zoos conservation and research efforts can be made through the Zoos website.

Hours: The Zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays during daylight saving time, the Zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Zoo is open year-round with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Admission: Adults: $21.99 Children (3 to 11 years old): $16.99 Children under 3: Free Senior Citizens (65 and older), military, college students: $17.99 Parking: Free Location: Zoo Atlanta is located in historic Grant Park in downtown Atlanta. The Zoos address is 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta, GA 30315. Website: http://www.zooatlanta.org/ Phone: The phone number for the Zoos main office is 404-624-9453. Media Contact: Chelsea Hollifield Public Relations Assistant Zoo Atlanta 555-555-5555 c.lorraine89@yahoo.com ###