Zoo Atlanta Announces Opening Of Two New Exhibits

	Presented by Georgia Power

ATLANTA-March 19, 2007-Zoo Atlanta President and CEO Dennis Kelly, joined by Mickey Brown, Executive Vice-President Customer Service Organization for Georgia Power, announced today that construction on habitats for two new species is underway at Zoo Atlanta. The two new habitats will be home to a pair of warthogs and a family group of nine meerkats.

The warthog habitat is expected to open in mid-May and the meerkat habitat will open early summer.

“Georgia Power generously provided the Zoo with a gift that will enable us to further enhance our Member and guest experience,” said Dennis Kelly, Zoo Atlanta president and CEO. “Warthogs and meerkats are unique African species that guests are sure to enjoy.” 

Construction of the new warthog and meerkat habitats was funded through the generous support of Georgia Power. The company has supported Zoo Atlanta’s educational and conservation efforts over the last twenty years.

"We are delighted to partner with Zoo Atlanta to sponsor these new habitats for the enjoyment of everyone who visits the zoo," said Mickey Brown, Executive Vice-President Customer Service Organization, Georgia Power. "Our company is committed to helping Zoo Atlanta become a world-class facility to benefit the metro Atlanta area." 

The habitats are being constructed in the African Plains section of the Zoo, one of the country’s premier naturalistic environments for multiple species. The African Plains simulate the terrain of the East African savanna and features elephants, giraffe, black rhino, waterbuck, bongo, yellow-backed duiker, Thomson’s gazelle and zebra.

Zoo Atlanta will also welcome another mascot to its ranks with the addition of a meerkat costumed character. The meerkat character, which made its debut at the Zoo during today’s announcement, will be named as part of a contest hosted by Zoo Atlanta. The character will make appearances at most of the Zoo’s special events held throughout the year. Details will be available in coming weeks at online. 

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