Zoo project under way
By Kathi Keys
Staff Writer, The Courier-Tribune
ASHEBORO - Project Pachyderms is under way at the N.C. Zoo "for
ensuring the future of two of the most important animals here at the zoo"
- the African elephant and the southern white rhinoceros.
The importance of the more than $6 million expansion of the zoo's elephant
and rhino habitats, for breeding purposes, was stressed by Ron Morris, the
zoo's general curator and project chairman, at a pizza luncheon held Wednesday
for zoo employees and volunteers.
This expansion of the animals' exhibits and holding facilities will create
the Watani Grasslands Reserve - a multi-exhibit complex capable of housing
10 or more African elephants and 10-12 Southern white rhinos. It is scheduled
to open in August 2006.
"This will ensure we will have elephants and rhinos for the future
of the North Carolina Zoo. By increasing the space devoted to these animals,
we can present them as family groups to visitors," Morris noted.
Project Pachyderms, unveiled Wednesday, is the zoo employees' and volunteers'
fund-raising campaign to assist the N.C. Zoological Society in reaching
its $6 million pledge committed two years ago for the expansion.
"This is the first time in the history of the zoo that the zoo society
has committed to raising all the money," Morris explained about the
$6 million pledge.
Project Pachyderms is designed to show the entire zoo family's support
of the expansion before other funding sources are actively sought.
More than $3.7 million has already been pledged to the zoo society toward
the $6 million total during the initial "quiet phase" of the campaign.
This includes a $2 million pledge from the Randolph Friends of the Zoo's
annual Zoo To Dos.
More than 400 individuals are eligible to participate in this campaign
which involves the zoo's permanent and part-time state employees, zoo society
employees, Sodexho employees (who are responsible for the zoo's food services)
in addition to zoo and society volunteers.
Pledge meetings are scheduled for Jan. 21 and 24-26 for members of the
zoo family to indicate their financial support which can be paid monthly
for up to three years, starting April 1.
Russ Williams, the society's executive director, said this pledge total
will be reported at the zoo society board of directors' meeting planned
for Jan. 27 at which time this group will be asked for their support. The
support of members of the N.C. Zoological Park Council will also be requested
at their upcoming session.
"This is a family campaign to increase the herds. This goes right
to our mission of conservation and education," Williams said.
He announced that the Project Pachyderm committee of representatives
from each zoo division has already pledged $15,802.
Additionally, Fred Day IV, CEO of Progress Energy Carolinas and a member
of the society's board, was visiting the zoo Wednesday with his family and
ate lunch with the employees. He made a $1,000 donation in the name of zoo
employees.
Volunteers also made a contribution "to get the ball rolling,"
according to Homer Harden, vice president and treasurer of the N.C. Zoo
Volunteer Association. He presented Morris with a $360 check representing
donations from volunteers.
Several incentives are being provided - those attending a pledge meeting
could receive tickets to the 2005 Zoo To Do gala in September; any contribution
earns a week's stay at a Maggie Valley resort Jan. 30-Feb. 6. Those pledging
$360 or more could go on a Kenya safari.
Project Pachyderms will be acknowledged at the future elephant pool and
garden to be located at the present rhino exhibit.
Those attending Wednesday's luncheon were able to view schematics of
the expansion. The elephant exhibit will double by taking over the present
rhino area, with the rhinos exhibited in the present African Plains with
the antelope. Work also includes a new elephant barn and paddock, a renovated
rhino barn (which now houses both elephants and rhinos), a split-level walkway
that goes out into the exhibits, improved walkways and new educational interpretive.
* * *
For further information about making a donation for the elephant/rhino
expansion, visit the N.C. Zoo Society's website at <www.nczoo.com>,
call the zoo society at 879-7250 or send checks, indicated for the project,
to the N.C. Zoo Society, 4403 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, N.C. 27205.
Copyright 2002, Stephens Media Group
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