[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 79 (Tuesday, June 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      THE LOUISVILLE ZOO TURNS 25

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                         HON. ROMANO L. MAZZOLI

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 21, 1994

  Mr. MAZZOLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend congratulations to 
the Louisville Zoo as it celebrates its silver anniversary.
  For the past 25 years, the zoo, located in my district (and almost in 
my own backyard), has been dedicated to strengthening the bond between 
human beings, animals, and the environment. By offering an extensive 
array of programs that promote education, conservation, scientific 
study, and recreation, the zoo has been able to demonstrate to all its 
visitors, young and old alike, the close link between the human species 
and the animal kingdom and how each is dependent, to a greater or 
lesser degree, on one another.
  In a scenic setting, the zoo exhibits over 1,600 animals representing 
six zoogeographical areas: the African Veldt, the Asian Plains, the 
North and South American Panoramas, Aquatics, and Australian Outback.
  Family-oriented and accessible for all, the zoo has had an extensive 
history of involvement in the Louisville and Jefferson County 
community. In corporation with Jefferson County Public Schools, the zoo 
offers an annual Children's Environmental Festival/Earth Day as well as 
the services of the MetaZoo, a ``living classroom.'' The zoo's 
commitment to the education of all is demonstrated in its annual 
programming.
  The ``World's Largest Halloween Party'' provides children and their 
parents with a fun, safe, and educational alternative to traditional 
trick-or-treating. And, Kentuckians of all ages look forward to the 
zoo's summer series of outdoor concerts held in conjunction with the 
Louisville Orchestra. In addition, the Louisville Ballet, the Kentucky 
Opera Association, and other local acting troops have performed at the 
zoo's outdoor amphitheater.
  In addition to providing the community with educational and 
recreational programs, the Louisville Zoo has long been dedicated to 
the development of scientific study, most notably in the fields of 
conservation and endangered animal rehabilitation. In 1988, the zoo 
received the Edward H. Bean Award for its Woolly Monkey Propagation 
Program. And, notable scientific accomplishments at the zoo include the 
successful transfer of a zebra embryo to a domestic horse and a 
successful raptor rehabilitation program.
  Yet despite its many awards and achievements, the zoo is not resting 
on its laurels. Instead, it continually searches for innovative ways to 
grow and develop.
  The most recent addition was the HerpAquarium, which features over 
100 species of reptiles, amphibians and fish, and highlights the 
importance of conservation and the severe threat of extinction posed by 
the destruction of the rain forest. The zoo was recently selected to 
house a captive breeding population of Black-footed ferrets, North 
America's most endangered mammals. And, new plans are on the way for 
expansion and renovation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me and the 
Louisville and Jefferson County community in congratulating the zoo 
director, Dr. William Foster, and the many others who have worked 
tirelessly to ensure that the Louisville Zoo would become what it is 
today, a true jewel of our community.

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