For Immediate Release
Contact: Mercede Gardner (904) 757-4463 ext. 211

Enjoy a “Winter Break” Festival
at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

December 19, 2007 – Jacksonville, FL –  Join us at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for “Winter Break”, the 2nd annual festival that rings in the New Year with sounds of music from around the world.  On December 26 - 30 and January 1 - 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., kids can enjoy a giant inflatable slide, bounce house, animal encounters, prize drawings, visits from Jazoo and live entertainment performing music from around the world.  An entertainment schedule is provided on the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens website www.jacksonvillezoo.org.  Winter Break is sponsored by Winn Dixie.

On Monday, December 31st, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will also be hosting Radio Disney AM 600’s 5th Annual Noon Year’s Eve.  Join Radio Disney personalities Ernie D and Spiky T as we count down the hours until 2008 with entertainment by headliner Katelyn Tarver, games and prizes (including a leap frog competition to kick off the global Amphibian Ark program*), and an apple juice toast at 12 noon.  Noisemakers and hat giveaways will add to the excitement!  Winter Break, including Radio Disney’s Noon Year’s Eve, is free with regular admission to the Zoo.

*The Amphibian Ark program involves zoos from around the world that are participating in the research and rescue of frogs and other amphibians that have been affected by a deadly virus that is sweeping various continents, including the western United States.  Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will be opening a “Save the Frog” research center on site and is totally committed to help avert the extinction of amphibians.  Learn more about this cause and to find out how you can help by visiting jacksonvillezoo.org/savethefrogs.

For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment. Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 1,500 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 unique plant species. The Jacksonville Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  It is open year-round, seven days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is located on Jacksonville’s north side at 370 Zoo Parkway, one-half mile east from I-95.  For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

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