U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Southeast Region News Release
April 17, 1997 Diana M. Hawkins or Vicki M. Boatwright
MEDIA ADVISORY
| WHO: | House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Regional Director Sam Hamilton, Zoo Atlanta Director Terry Maple along with exhibitors from more than a dozen Federal, State and private conservation agencies. |
| WHAT: | Will join the Zoo's impressive collection of wild species in an exciting and joyous celebration of Earth Day 1997. |
| WHERE: | At Zoo Atlanta, located at 800 Cherokee Avenue, SE, in historic Grant Park. |
| WHEN: | Tuesday, April 22 from 9:30 a.m - 3:30 p.m. |
BACKGROUND
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Zoo Atlanta will celebrate the 28th annual Earth
Day on Tuesday, April 22, from 9:30 a.m - 3:30 p.m. This year's theme is "Planet
Earth - The Time is Now," focusing on the importance of saving our planet.
Representatives from various conservation organizations will be present to teach visitors
about their efforts to save the Earth. Guests can learn about endangered species of
Florida and Georgia from the Save the Manatee Club, "Get to Know the Red-Cockaded
Woodpecker" with the U.S. Army Forces Command, and find out about the plants and
animals of Georgia from The Nature Conservancy of Georgia. Children will enjoy games from
the Fish and Wildlife Service, such as "Here a Quack, There a Quack" about bird
migration and "Home Sweet Home" about endangered species and their habitats. The
Service's "Suitcase for Survival" exhibit features examples of illegal wildlife
products seized by law enforcement agents in connection with cases involving poaching and
international smuggling operations. The U.S. Forest Service will also be unveiling its new
Woodsy Owl costume character.
| 9:30 a.m. | Zoo opens with Earth Day exhibits along the main walkways. |
| 9:20 a.m. | Atlanta Major Bill Campbell arrives at the Zoo. |
| 9:30-10:00 a.m. | House Speaker Newt Gingrich arrives with a group of third-grade students to tour exhibits. |
| 9:45 a.m. | Mayor Campbell presents Earth Day Proclamation at Flamingo Plaza. |
| 10.00 - 11:15 | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Regional Director Sam Hamilton available for interviews at the Service's "Suitcase for Survival" booth. |
| 3:30 p.m. | Earth Day Expo closes. |
| 5:30 p.m. | Zoo grounds close. |
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Release #97-40
1997 News Releases