The Philadelphia Zoo believes there is no shortage of great ideas from children for improving America’s first zoo. In an effort to capture these ideas and give them voice, Zoo president and CEO Vikram H. Dewan today officially launched the Zoo’s new “Junior Advisory Council,” allowing children 8-14 from communities in and around the Philadelphia region, southern New Jersey and Delaware to have a platform for input from a child’s perspective on Zoo issues ranging from the design and presentation of animal attractions to selecting healthy – and tasty – menu items in the snack stands.
“This exciting and new community outreach program will truly help connect the many faces of children throughout the Philadelphia region with their Zoo,” said Mr. Dewan. “For youngsters passionate about the Zoo, conservation and their community, this promises to be a great experience and great fun. We welcome and value their insights and opinions as we look forward to the future of the Zoo”
The Philadelphia Zoo will select 15-20 children from a two-step online application process via the Zoo’s website. “Junior Advisory Council” members will be treated to lunch inside the Zoo’s main conference room and will participate in quarterly, half-day Council meetings, the first of which is taking place on March 29, 2008 (coinciding with the kick-off of the one-year countdown to the Philadelphia Zoo’s official 150th birthday celebration). Each child will have the chance to share their views on programs, activities, food choices, advertising, marketing, public relations and other Zoo initiatives. “Junior Advisory Council” members will also have the opportunity to share their visions of where they would like to see the Zoo in the future. In addition, each member will enjoy up-close animal experiences by the Zoo’s Education staff as well as behind-the-scenes tours of major exhibits like the award-winning Bank of America Big Cat Falls, Dodge Rare Animal Conservation Center and more.
The launch of the Zoo’s new Junior Advisory Council is part of the Zoo’s brand new kid-friendly Zoo Kids Club online section where visitors to the website will be able to find games, information, puzzles and other activities specially designed for kids.
Apply now by clicking here!