Press Releases

MEDIA ADVISORY

Qwest Foundation Supports Denver Zoo Outreach Program

WHO:
Fourth-graders interacting with zoo animals and participating in an interactive “Rainforest Adventure” assembly through the Denver Zoo Education Outreach Program and made possible through a $10,000 grant from the Qwest Foundation, Qwest Communications’ philanthropic program.

WHAT:
The Denver Zoo outreach program will take its Rainforest Adventure to a local school. During this presentation students will learn the characteristics of tropical rainforests and what makes them so important. They will meet and interact with live animals from the Amazon and surrounding jungles, touch the scales of an anaconda and dress up to create an example of a rainforest food chain.

The Denver Zoo began outreach programs in its current form in 2002. Since that time they have presented approximately 1,200 different outreach programs to over 82,000 people of all ages. Every program includes live animals and activities designed to spark interest in life sciences and conservation. The Qwest Foundation grant supports the purchase of materials and staffing for school programs.

WHERE:
Wildcat Mountain Elementary School Gymnasium, 6585 Lionshead Parkway

WHEN:
Monday, Nov. 22, 2004, 1:30 p.m.

PHOTO/ INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

• Fourth-grade students interacting with live parrots and a boa constrictor and participating in other interactive learning activities*
• Interview with Ryan Knight, Denver Zoo outreach coordinator, and Michael Dunne, Qwest spokesperson for Colorado.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michael Dunne 303-965-0561
Ana Bowie 303-376-4841
Tiffany Barnhart 303-376-4844

*Editor’s Note: At the request of Wildcat Mountain Elementary, students may only be shown in groups. Media should avoid student close-ups.