Matschie's Tree Kangaroo Hop and Climb Their Way Back to Woodland Park Zoo

By Gigi Allianic 

Seattle, WA - For the first time in three years, Woodland Park Zoo is once again home to the Matschie’s tree kangaroo, an endangered species endemic to Papua New Guinea and known for its bear-like head, bushy tail and marsupial’s pouch.

An 8-year-old male, named Huen, arrived from Singapore Zoo in March and can now be found living in the Day Exhibit. As one of the newest conservation ambassadors at the zoo, Huen represents the international work of the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, founded and based here at the zoo under the leadership of Dr. Lisa Dabek, Woodland Park Zoo Director of Field Conservation.

Woodland Park Zoo’s Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program celebrated a milestone this year with the passage of Papua New Guinea’s first ever national Conservation Area, preserving 187,800 acres of forest habitat for the endangered Matschie’s tree kangaroo and thousands of other endemic and endangered species. On Earth Day 2009, staff from Woodland Park Zoo and partner Conservation International joined thousands of PNG villagers for a traditional Sing Sing celebration in the highlands of Papua New Guinea in honor of this conservation breakthrough.

The arrival of Huen marks the latest step in Woodland Park Zoo’s efforts to conserve this endangered species. Huen will be joined by a mate in the near future to be part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan to breed this species in order to increase its genetic diversity.

Laurie Stewart, President and CEO of Sound Community Bank notes, “Corporate philanthropy is a big part of who we are as an organization. In each of the communities we serve, clients support our business, so we strive to return the favor by giving back to those communities. Woodland Park Zoo is a wonderful conservation organization and is an important part of what makes our Seattle area community so special.”

About Woodland Park Zoo’s Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program
A Woodland Park Zoo Partner for Wildlife, the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program is one of 38 field conservation programs in 50 countries currently supported by Woodland Park Zoo. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting international standards for zoos. Conservation, education and excellent animal care are at the core of the zoo’s mission. For more information about conservation at Woodland Park Zoo, visit www.zoo.org or call 206.548.2500.

About Sound Community Bank Foundation
The Sound Community Bank Foundation is a qualifying 501c3 non-profit organization and grants funds based upon need and circumstance. The Foundation was formed as a part of the minority public offering by the banks’ holding company, Sound Financial Inc. in 2008. SNFL stock and cash were contributed by the Bank to fund the Foundation.

Sound Community Bank is a full-service bank, providing personal and business banking services in communities across the greater Puget Sound region. The Seattle-based company operates banking offices in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Clallam Counties and is on the web at www.soundcb.com. Sound Community Bank is subsidiary of Sound Financial Inc. (SNFL.OB).

Woodland Park Zoo * 601 North 59th Street * Seattle, Washington 98103, USA * 206-548-2500 * 206-548-1536 * TTY 206-548-2599 * www.zoo.org

Photo caption: Huen, an 8-year-old male, marks the return of endangered Matschie's tree kangaroos to Woodland Park Zoo as conservation ambassadors for the zoo's Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (TKCP). This year TKCP celebrated the passage of Papua New Guinea's first ever national Conservation Area to protect tree kangaroos in their native habitat.

To view Woodland Park Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to: http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-11-Woodland_Park_Zoo