CONTACT: Christopher 2x
502-379-5292
healing2X@yahoo.com
ZOO CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
502-238-5331 (Media Cell 502-744-5639)
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
(Video can be downloaded here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdm0aObfc80)
Kids from 100 families can experience the therapeutic and healing power of nature and animals as part of a new club at the Louisville Zoo established by Christopher 2X Game Changers.
In partnership with the Zoo and an existing Community Access and Engagement grant they received from the Brown-Forman Foundation, the 100 Game Changers families were gifted family level memberships to the Zoo to enhance their connection and engagement as Planet Savers.
The annual membership provides the families flexibility to visit the Zoo and experience all it has to offer at times that are most convenient for them. During the year, families will be notified in advance of Zoo events and activities such as scavenger hunts and art projects. They will also have access to online family membership resources.
Most of the families are of color from low-income households throughout the metropolitan area, with the majority from West Louisville, said 2X, executive director of the non-profit Christopher 2X Game Changers. He said the families have a total of 300 to 400 kids who will benefit from Zoo visits.
“By allowing these families to embrace the Zoo, we are encouraging them to become humanitarian advocates, and it is wonderful this is starting during Black History Month, said 2X. “We thank the Zoo for this partnership and their support and the Brown-Forman Foundation for making this possible.”
“The Zoo is thrilled to team-up with Chris’ Game Changers,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “Starting early is the key to life-long engagement with nature and to helping young people learn how to live well with wildlife. We are so excited to welcome the children and their families to the Zoo and to share some very special experiences with our new partners.”
“I am so grateful for this collaboration between our beloved Louisville Zoo and Christopher 2X Game Changers. Animals teach us so much about how to survive, thrive and empathize, and our beautiful Zoo is just a wonderful respite for children and families,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “I cannot wait to see what our new Planet Savers learn and how they’ll use that learning in their daily lives.”
As Zoo members, the families have access to an online program, My Big Little Adventure, which contains activities to do at home or within the community and a calendar of opportunities for fun and engagement with community organizations that serve children.
The families also were provided a copy of the Louisville Zoo’s children’s book, “The Truth About Zoos: Annie’s Awesome Adventure,” written by Kim Allgeier, the Zoo’s education curator.
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