Press Releases
7/8/2010
CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO EXPANDS RECYCLING EFFORTS FOR PUBLIC
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens announces today the expansion of their Community Recycling Program, a recycling service the Zoo offers to the public.
In addition to accepting EPS foam (also known as Styrofoam), the Zoo will now collect electronics, aluminum and scrap metals. “The Zoo has developed an invaluable community partnership with ACME Recycling Industries and ARI Electronics. ACME has generously donated a large 20 yard collection receptacle which they retrofitted to accept the four different commodities- electronics, scrap metal, aluminum and EPS foam,” says Joe Montisano, Zoo CEO. 
“Over 2 million tons of electronic waste is disposed of each year, making it one of the fastest growing contributors to our waste stream. Unfortunately, less than twenty percent is actually recycled. It is imperative e-waste be disposed of correctly since harmful components such as lead and mercury contained within electronics are toxic to the environment. In addition to keeping e-waste out of the landfill, recycling electronics conserves valuable resources so raw materials aren’t necessary in the making of new products,” Montisano went on to say.
Electronics accepted will include computers, copiers, faxes, cell phones, DVD/VCR players, stereo systems, etc. Metals such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass, copper, lead, insulated wires, electric motors and household appliances will also be some of the materials now accepted. The location will be near the entrance to the Rainforest Pavilion. Start saving your electronics and metals now so you can drop them off at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and to engaging and educating our guests by sharing knowledge and celebrating our natural world.
3/03/2010
Zoo Deeply Saddened by Elephant’s Death
Sanford, FL (March 3, 2010) - The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ 63 year-old female Asian elephant Mary died late Tuesday evening March 2. Bonnie Breitbeil, Director of Animal Collections said, “This is a very sad occurrence. For her advanced age, Mary was a healthy individual with age-related illnesses, and due to her age, our staff monitored her activity hourly.
A necropsy is being conducted to determine the specific cause of death. Staff is deeply saddened as we feel we have lost a very dear friend. Additionally, elephants, just like people, go through a mourning process and Maude has been able to say goodbye to her following her death.”
Joe Montisano, CEO said, “Mary was a favorite among Central Florida Zoo guests and staff and a great animal. Her life was dedicated to educating children-of-all-ages about Asian elephants and certainly for a large percentage of our guests, who will never see an elephant in the wild, she represented that connection. She was a great ambassador and touched the lives of many people in her years on the planet. We will miss her.”
Mary was born in 1946 at the Nehru Zoological Park. She came to the U.S. in 1952 with the Polack Bros. Circus. She retired from the circus in 1956 to the Dallas Zoo before coming to the Central Florida Zoo in May 1983 where she was the matriarch of the group despite Maude outweighing her by 3,000 pounds. Mary was the third oldest Asian elephant on record at an AZA accredited zoo in the U.S.
Mary touched many people’s hearts throughout the years and zoo guests have enjoyed the annual birthday celebrations and seeing Maude and Mary during weekend elephant demonstration and encounters. Mary has a special place in the hearts of her animal keepers having enjoyed interaction with them especially having her stomach rubbed and sneaking up on new keepers.
“As with any geriatric animal, the Zoo has been preparing for this day for many years and the expertise gained from caring for Mary at her advanced age will contribute to the zoological community’s care of geriatric elephants, said Montisano. “Additionally, our staff has been working closely with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and the Elephant Species Survival Program (SSP) to look at the best option for Maude as we move forward.”
The Asian elephant is an endangered species due to centuries of hunting and habitat destruction. They inhabit the grasslands and jungles of Southeast Asia from western India east through the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra. Elephants are herbivores and feed on hay, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Asian elephants can live up to 60 years of age, can attain a weight of 11,000 pounds and can reach heights of ten feet at the shoulder.
Donations in her memory are being collected at the Central Florida Zoo and will be sent to the Elephant Conservation Program to help endangered elephants in the wild.
For more information contact:
Shonna Green
Director, Marketing and PR
407.323.4450 ext. 115
501.258.8707 cell
shonnag@centralfloridazoo.org
3/03/2010
IMAGINE 2010 Fashion Show Moves Downtown
Kate Saccone
International Academy of Design & Technology
(407) 515-5957
ksaccone@iadt.edu
IMAGINE 2010 Fashion Show Moves Downtown
(Orlando, FL) – The International Academy of Design and Technology is hosting their fourth annual fashion show, IMAGINE 2010, Saturday, April 10th at the Plaza in downtown Orlando. The show begins at 8:00pm with special guest Jayde from Johnny and Jayde in the Morning on XL 106.7. The Academy will collaborate with Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando, Paul Mitchell the School, and The Downtown Development Board to showcase student work from the three institutions and celebrate the city of Orlando.
This year, IMAGINE will journey to a secret city, and on Saturday the 10th of April, the beautiful city of Orlando will be that destination. VIP guests will begin the evening with a preshow event sponsored by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. This intimate gathering begins at 6pm in the Global Gallery at The Plaza where guests will enjoy panoramic views of Downtown as well as the full talents of the culinary students.
As doors open for general admission at 7pm, IADT and Paul Mitchell students will be busy at work backstage preparing models for the runway. This event provides industry experience for the students while showcasing the creativity of over 30 designers. Garments will range from traditional sportswear, to elaborate evening wear, and even a bit of avant garde couture.
As an added partnership, IADT will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Central Florida Zoo. The zoo has many rescued animals and is a Central Florida gem that locals have loved for years. In fitting with the theme of an undiscovered jungle city, the zoo will be providing an animal interaction experience for the audience. For those who want immediate animal attention, zoo representatives will run wild in the streets of downtown Orlando with animal companions as part of the Third Thursday events on March 18, 2010. Visit City Arts Factory on the corner of Orange Avenue and Pine Street where tickets will also be sold beginning on the 18th to see them. Tickets are available at the International Academy of Design & Technology – 6039 South Rio Grande Avenue Orlando, FL 32809 beginning Monday March 15, 2010.
For more information call 407.857.2300 or visit www.iadt.edu.