Nature's Neighborhood Earns National Honors
TOLEDO, Ohio – The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) recently confirmed what hundreds of thousands of children already knew – Nature’s Neighborhood is a winning place to learn and play!
At the AZA’s national conference, September 12 – 17, Nature’s Neighborhood earned 2011 Top Honors in exhibit design. The AZA Exhibit Award recognizes excellence in the area of live animal display and exhibit design by an AZA-accredited Institution (U.S. or International) or Related Facility member.
“The AZA Exhibit Award recognizes the Toledo Zoo as a real leader in educating and inspiring children,” said AZA president and CEO Jim Maddy. “Nature’s Neighborhood, with its innovative approach to exhibit design, animal care and conservation education, demonstrates how the Toledo Zoo, and all AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, are more important than ever to children, families and their communities.”
Nature’s Neighborhood opened in 2009 as an explore-able, engaging and educational area for children to learn through play. The $7.7 million children’s zoo, made possible by a 2006 Lucas County capital levy and through private contributions, is truly state-of-the-art, from its use of the latest inquiry-based educational programming to the innovative green technologies employed throughout the exhibit. Its amazing array of animals, from familiar goats and guinea pigs to exotic birds and leaf-cutter ants, gets kids in touch with the natural world.
“The Toledo Zoo is proud to accept the 2011 Exhibit Award for Nature’s Neighborhood and looks forward to inspiring young minds for generations to come,” said Toledo Zoo CEO and Executive Director Dr. Anne Baker.
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. To learn more visit www.aza.org.
The Toledo Zoo is committed to inspiring others to join in caring for animals and conserving the natural world. As part of that mission, The Toledo Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a leader in global wildlife conservation. AZA member institutions are dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors and a better future for all living things.
Press Release Contact Name: Andi Norman
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Toledo Zoo