Santa's Reindeer Attending Bronx Zoo's Wild Winterland

By Linda Corcoran

Bronx, NY - The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is making this holiday season a “greener” at its flagship Bronx Zoo by reducing its carbon footprint.

The WCS is moving its evening light show event to a daytime experience, called HESS Presents the Bronx Zoo’s Wild Winterland sponsored by PEPSI, which will lessen energy consumption and continue a long-time family holiday tradition.

Beginning weekends only, December 6 through December 21, and then daily from December 22 until January 4, 2009, Bronx Zoo guests can experience a slice of holiday fun from 11:30 a.m. to
3:30 p.m.

 An added attraction this year: Clydesdale horses. Three handsome Clydesdale horses, Jesse, Monty and Ranger, along with four spirited reindeer, will create the new “footprint”-- making for a truly wild encounter. Families can enjoy a special never-before-available horse-drawn wagon ride from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. ($5 per person/per ride) amidst a holiday-theme winter wonderland atmosphere.

“We are very excited to bring to our Bronx Zoo guests a new fun-filled holiday event that is also good for the environment. The Clydesdales and reindeer provide a unique opportunity to become acquainted with two species that conjure up warm holiday images,” said Jim Breheny, WCS Vice President and Bronx Zoo Director. “We hope area residents and visitors to New York will take a moment to appreciate some of the simple joys and wonders of nature that the Bronx Zoo can share with them during this time.”

Wild Winterland has so much to lift visitors’ spirits, including these cheery activities that will happen each day of the event:
* Take a horse-drawn wagon ride along the Zoo paths ($5 per person/per ride)
* Meet reindeer
* Plan a visit to the Children’s Zoo domestic area where there is a collection of domestic animals ready for you to pet and feed—sheep, goats, chickens, llamas, and more
* Take your own photo with “The Looking Glass Company” stilt-walking characters, including a fairy princess
* Hear LuAnn Adams, who is back with her puppets and storytelling activities in the Children’s Zoo Theater
* Witness amazing ice-carving demonstrations
* Take part in a craft workshop where kids can make an eco-friendly card or ornament
* Experience “Presents to the Animals,” an exciting twist to animal enrichment demonstrations
* Listen to one of the choral groups inside the Dancing Crane Café and warm up with some delicious holiday confections or some hot chocolate or
* Roast a marshmallow outside and create your own s’mores (additional fee)

Plus, these special themed festivities make the zoo the perfect nearby venue to bring friends and family for a holiday treat:
* December 13 & 14 see a special performance of “The Nutcracker” by the New England Ballet
* December 22 to 27 experience Ice Wonders Week
* January 1, 2009 celebrate with us at Zoo Year’s Day

NB: Activities are free after general admission, except where noted. Event activities may be limited or cancelled in inclement weather.

The Bronx Zoo Store is chock full of great gift ideas—from plush toy animals, to ornaments, clothing, books, and more to delight young and old.

Bronx Zoo online tickets are available at www.bronxzoo.com . Group rates are available for ten or more by logging on and clicking on Buy Tickets, Group Sales, or calling 718-220-5198.

The Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adult admission is $15, children (3-12 years old) $11, children under 3 are free, seniors (65+) are $13. Parking is $12 for cars and $16 for buses.
The Bronx Zoo is conveniently located off the Bronx River Parkway at Exit 6; by train via the #2 or #5 or by bus via the #9, #12, #19, #22, MetroNorth, or BxM11 Express Bus service (from Manhattan that stops just outside the gate.) To plan your trip, visit www.bronxzoo.com or call 718-367-1010.

The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth.

You can make donations in support of helping save wildlife and wild places at www.wcs.org/donation.