99 Steele Hill Road, Utica NY 13501
www.uticazoo.org                                                    

Contacts:
Beth Irons – Utica Zoo
Phone (315) 738-0472
Fax  (315) 738-0475
beth.irons@uticazoo.org
Ann Cianfrocco – NYPA
(315) 792-8335
ann.cianfrocco@nypa.gov


September 13, 2010

THE UTICA ZOO HOSTS 7TH ANNUAL NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY
WILDLIFE FESTIVAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Utica Zoo will be hosting the New York Power Authority (NYPA) Wildlife Festival on Saturday, September 18, 2010.  This annual event is fully sponsored by NYPA and will be held at the Utica Zoo for the third consecutive year. The event features upstate New York artisans exhibiting creative skills with completed pieces available for purchase.  The wood chips will fly as Mark Tyoe, Northeast chain saw carving champion, will again be on site demonstrating his skill.  The intricacies of basket weaving, wood carving, candle making and jewelry making will also be part of the day.  And don’t forget the fun!  Smiley the Clown and Coco the Clown will both be here to face paint and put a twinkle in your eye, or on your cheek!  Music will be provided by the Blue Lightning Band.  Plus there will be an energy expo and animal presentations throughout the day.  And the best part is, the first 1,200 visitors get in FREE compliments of the New York Power Authority!

The Utica Zoo is also proud to announce that it is the permanent home of this festival!  “We are thrilled that New York Power Authority has decided to make the Utica Zoo the permanent home of this event.  There is a natural partnership between the Zoo and NYPA lending to the continued success of the Festival,” stated Beth Irons, Director of Development and Communications for the Utica Zoo.  “The New York Power Authority’s Wildlife Festival finally found a home at the Utica Zoo,” said Ann Cianfrocco, NYPA community relations specialist. “Its beautiful facility and friendly, professional staff make it a natural fit for us, and we look forward to many more years of this exciting collaboration.”        

The mission of the Utica Zoo is to foster public understanding and appreciation of wildlife species and their ecosystems through education, conservation and recreation.  Located in the Roscoe Conkling Park, the Utica Zoo was established in 1914 as part of a recreational complex made possible by the donation of land from Thomas R. Proctor.  The Zoo has grown from its beginnings with three Fallow Deer donated by the New York Zoological Society to its present collection of over 200 animals from around the world.  Plan a day at the Utica Zoo and enjoy a picnic in the Rotary Centennial Pavilion.  The Zoo is open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM Monday through Sunday.  Admission: Adults $6.75, Seniors (60+) $5.75, Children (4-12) $4.25, and members and children under 4 are FREE.

About NYPA:
■    The New York Power Authority uses no tax money or state credit.  It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity.  ■    NYPA is a leader in promoting energy efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives.  ■    It is the nation's largest state public power organization, with 17 generating facilities in various parts of New York State and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines.  ■    Nearly 80 percent of the electricity it produces is clean renewable hydropower.  Its lower-cost power production and electricity purchases support hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the state.  ■    For more information, www.nypa.gov