ABQ BioPark's Rio Grande Zoo and Aquarium is Now Accepting Hair and Fiber Donations

By Amy Landers

Albuquerque, NM - The ABQ BioPark is now accepting hair and fiber donations at all facilities (Zoo, Aquarium/Garden, and Tingley Beach). The hair contributions will go to New Mexico’s Hair to Help, a joint project of nonprofit organizations working with Matter Of Trust, which uses the fiber to create oil-absorbing mats and booms to help clean up oil spills.

The fleeces from BioPark llamas, alpacas, Navajo-Churro sheep and Bactrian camels will be included in the hair donation. Media will have the opportunity to observe the shearing on Thursday, June 3 at 2:00pm (please see details below.)

Aquarium Manager Holly Casman has seen first-hand the devastating effects of an oil spill. “We are ready to do all we can do to help the Gulf and its wildlife recover from this tragedy,” she said. “Even though we are far away from the Gulf, New Mexicans can help in several ways. Contributions of hair and monetary support are two. It’s also easy for all of us to help by keeping the Rio Grande healthy. The river is our liquid link to the Gulf.”

In this effort, the ABQ BioPark is joining Hair to Help, an effort of New Mexico nonprofits working together to raise hair and cash donations to help with the Gulf Coast recovery. Wildlife Rescue of New Mexico, Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, Cause for Paws, Grand Circle Field School and the NM BioPark Society have acquired donated warehouse space and will collect hair, make it into boom, and send it to the Gulf with NM volunteers, including wildlife professionals.

Hair donations are being accepted at the BioPark’s Zoo Administration Office (903 10th Street SW, 87105), Aquarium/Garden Administration Office (2601 Central Ave NW, 87104) and Tingley Train Station (1800 Tingley Drive4 SW, 87102). You can also donate at the Cause for Paws Foundation at the Veterinary & Emergency Specialty Centers (4000 Montgomery NE, 87109 or 2001 Vivigen Way, Santa Fe, 87505). Donors may also call (505) 797-8540 for pick up by Grand Circle Field School.

The ABQ BioPark is dedicated to enriching the quality of life for all, through education, recreation, conservation and research, by providing a comprehensive environmental park including the Aquarium, Botanic Garden, Tingley Beach and Zoo. The BioPark is an accessible facility and a division of the City of Albuquerque’s Cultural Services Department. Contact us at 311 locally or 505-768-2000 (Relay NM or 711).

Hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. Zoo or Aquarium/Garden admission is $7 for adults and $3 for seniors (65+) and children (3-12). Same day combo admission to all BioPark facilities is $12 for adults; $5 for seniors and children. Tingley Beach is open daily from sunrise to sunset and admission is free. Become a member of the New Mexico BioPark Society to help support the BioPark and enjoy benefits including unlimited general admission to all BioPark facilities and discounts to many special events.

The ABQ BioPark is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. AZA-accredited facilities are dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for guests and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

The ABQ BioPark is a member of the American Public Gardens Association. APGA serves and strengthens its 500 member gardens by supporting and promoting their work and achievements in horticultural display, education, research and plant conservation.

To view Rio Grande Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-94-Rio_Grande_Zoo