Zoos Make a Friendly Wager

Contact: Matt Reinartz                         
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory                                                   
651.487.8294 (o)                                                      
651.248.9836 (c)                                                       
matt.reinartz@stpaul.gov

Contact: Josh Le
Minnesota Zoo
952.431.9534 (o)
952.250.7293 (c)
josh.le@state.mn.us      

Contact: Dana Lombardo
Philadelphia Zoo
215.243.5305 (o)
215.840.8150 (c)
Lombardo.dana@phillyzoo.org                            

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Just Days away from the Eagles-Vikings NFC Championship Game

Zoos Make a Friendly Wager

 

St. Paul, MN – (January 18, 2018) – Just days away from the Eagles-Vikings NFC Championship game, Como Zoo and the Minnesota Zoo have teamed up to make a (earth) friendly wager with the Philadelphia Zoo. It’s a bet that, that in the end, everyone is a winner. The losing zoo, or maybe zoos, will plant 52 trees in their community in honor of Super bowl 52. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will plant them in Como Regional Park and the Minnesota Zoo will plant them on their 485-acre campus in Apple Valley, MN. Philadelphia Zoo will plant the trees in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, PA.

“We love eagles as the majestic, beautiful animals that they are, but the football team…not so much…at least this week,” said Michelle Furrer, Director of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. “We’re confident the Vikings can ‘Bring It Home’ and we’ll be celebrating the Minnesota Vikings being the first team ever playing in the Super Bowl on their home turf. SKOLVikes!”

“Eagles are magnificent birds, known for their strength, agility and resourcefulness. The same attributes that have helped Philadelphia Eagles get to the NFC championship game this season. We are thrilled that the Eagles have gotten to this point and we are confident they will take the Vikings to task. Go Eagles!” says Vikram H. Dewan, Philadelphia Zoo President & CEO.

“We are looking forward to cheering on our Minnesota Vikings and we are confident they will take this win,” says John Frawley, Director of the Minnesota Zoo. “A friendly wager between zoos is another fun piece to keep us at the edge of our seats for the game; but let’s be honest, if the losing team’s zoo(s) has to plant 52 trees, doesn’t everyone win? Go Vikes!”

Along with the community tree planting, the winning side will receive a basket of themed items from the losing side’s state. If the Eagles win, a basket of Minnesota products including Spam, Cheerios, Pearson Salted Nut Rolls and a year supply of Post-it Notes will make its way to Philadelphia, compliments of Como Zoo and the Minnesota Zoo. If the Vikings win, a basket of Philadelphia goodness containing Philadelphia Soft Pretzels, TastyKakes and Philadelphia’s own Scrapple will be sent to both zoos.

All three zoos are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and strive to provide the best in animal care, memorable guest experiences and efforts to save wildlife. This friendly wager is one way that all three facilities can ultimately help their communities embrace natural world.

###