Walk in the Wild on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the Phoenix Zoo

By Trish Chambers Bump

Phoenix, AZ - Run, walk, crawl or stroll: however you choose to get around, be prepared to have a wild time! The Phoenix Zoo invites both individuals and teams to have fun while staying in shape during Walk in the Wild on Saturday, February 27, 2010. With an estimated attendance of 2,000 participants, the second annual fundraiser offers route options of either one mile or 5K around the Zoo’s grounds. Pre-registration for the non-competitive event runs through February 24 for teams and February 26 for individuals. Proceeds benefit the non-profit Zoo and its numerous programs to help endangered and threatened animal species.

An easy route for younger children or persons with physical challenges, the one-mile walk/run begins at 7:45 a.m. and includes two water stops. The 5K walk/run begins a half hour earlier at 7:15 a.m. and is open to ages 13 and up. Both routes start at the Children’s Entrance and follow the main trail counterclockwise around the Zoo, with the 5K going two laps around. The event culminates in a post-walk party from 8-10 a.m. at Plaza de Los Niños, where participants will enjoy music and entertainment provided by Radio Disney, as well as refreshments, animal encounters, and a host of fun activities for children.

“Walk in the Wild is a great way for families to support the Zoo while spending quality outdoor time together,” says Trish Bump, Director of Marketing and Corporate Relations. “Walkers can enjoy the animals, the surroundings and get exercise at the same time. It’s another way for the Zoo to promote its mission of providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world.”

For Zoo members participating as individuals, registration costs $25 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $12 for children (ages 2-12). For individual non-members, the fees are $30 for adults and $15 for children. Individual walkers may also register on the day of the event at the Zoo’s Children’s Entrance beginning at 6:30 a.m.

Teams consist of six or more people ages 3 and older. Registration costs $20 for each adult team member (ages 13 and up) and $10 for each child team member (ages 3-12). The team captain must submit a team name upon registration.

All registered participants will receive a free commemorative T-shirt, which can be picked up from the Zoo from February 15-26. T-shirt sizes should be provided upon registration.
Registration forms and route maps are available at the Zoo’s website, www.phoenixzoo.com. For more information about Walk in the Wild, contact Reservations at 602.914.4333.

About the Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo is a non-profit zoological park that serves 1.5 million guests annually. Home to more than 1,300 animals and many endangered and threatened species, the Zoo is dedicated to providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world.

To view Phoenix Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-95-Phoenix_Zoo