Yell "Yo Gecko" in Philadelphia and You Could Win Some Zoo Prizes

By Bill I. Larson

Philadelphia, PA - The Geico Gecko, one of the Country’s most-recognizable characters, is now a summer employee at the Philadelphia Zoo, and the city’s newest “Philebrity!” After a brief orientation period and customer service training, the Geico Gecko received his official Zoo badge and “Zoo-niform” and will be seen on select days working several different positions within the Zoo, including the Zoo’s main entrance turnstiles, Amazon Rainforest Carousel, PZ Express, Swan boat rides and more. 

While not “on the clock” at the Zoo, the Gecko will get to know Philadelphia on his “lunch break” by exploring the city and visiting well-known Philadelphia landmarks every week now through the week of August 24. People can “catch” where the Geico Gecko will be by becoming fans of the Zoo using Twitter and Facebook, and are encouraged to yell “YO, GECKO!” when they see him in and around Philadelphia. People can also take their pictures with him and e-mail them to gecko@phillyzoo.org for a chance to win four passes to the Zoo as well as a special Gecko ADOPT package (which includes a small plush version of everyone’s favorite gecko).

A new summer employee, the Geico Gecko started at the Zoo on June 18th as part of the launch for the Zoo’s new GEICO Gecko Exhibit which features a naturalistic habitat for its colony of giant day geckos, one of a unique group of lizards native to Madagascar and the Indian Ocean islands. The GEICO Gecko Exhibit also features lush tropical plants, trickling water, interpretive kiosks and interactive activities for guests of all ages. The Philadelphia Zoo will host the GEICO Gecko Exhibit now through August 30.

About the Philadelphia Zoo: 

Philadelphia Zoo, America's first zoo, is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding. Chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on March 21, 1859, the Zoo is currently home to over 1,300 animals from around the world, many rare and endangered. Welcoming more than one million visitors each year from throughout the region and beyond, the Zoo serves children and families as a unique and engaging public resource for wildlife conservation and education. The Philadelphia Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information or to purchase and print tickets online, visit www.philadelphiazoo.org.

To view Philadelphia Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to: http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-17-Philadelphia_Zoo