CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331 | Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
The Louisville Zoo was recently nominated for Best U.S. Zoo in the 10Best Readers’ Choice awards for USA Today. Out of over 200 accredited zoos in North America, USA Today nominated just 20 zoos from which fans could vote to create the 10 best list. Results were revealed Wednesday, May 21, and the Louisville Zoo came in 12th.
“We were nominated by USA Today because of the excellence we have achieved in exhibit design and educational programming and for this we are truly honored. That we narrowly missed the Top 10 out of over 200 accredited zoos says we are doing something right,” says Louisville Zoo Director John Walczak. “We’d like to thank those in our community for their incredible support and for taking the time out of their busy lives to vote for their Zoo. We were up against many larger cities and our community’s support and pride that ranked us 12th is an amazing accomplishment. “
The criteria used to make the final selections for the 20 nominees included annual attendance, total acreage, admission fees, contributions to conservation efforts, number of supporting members and recent awards won. All of the Louisville Zoo’s recent exhibits have won awards including Glacier Run, which was named the best new exhibit in North America in 2012 by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Zoo’s School at the Zoo program also won a Significant Achievement award for education from the AZA in 2013.
The Zoo was among 20 nominees for Best U.S. Zoo including zoos in Columbus, Cincinnati, San Diego, Denver, Toledo, Chicago, Orlando, St.Louis and Houston including Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Bronx Zoo.
To see the Top 10 visit: www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-us-zoo/
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About Louisville Zoo, The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
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