Grow Wild Society
You, Too, Can Grow Wild with ...
- Behind-the-scenes animal encounters
- Access to curators and animal keepers
- Exclusive Zoo tours and educational opportunities
Grow Wild Society members and their families were the very first to watch the polar bears swimming overhead from the tunnel before Water's Edge opened to the general public. Since then, members have participated in private behind-the-scenes tours, had cocktails on the Zoo's green roof and gardens, heard Zoo experts discuss the creation and challenges of maintaining the Water's Edge exhibit, and celebrated with us at the Polar Party, as well as other Zoo events.
This past year, Grow Wild Society members and their families had the opportunity to meet our new baby sea lion; participate in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of our International Conservation Center in Somerset County; and meet and talk with Greg Rasmussen, world-renowned African painted dog expert, as well as our staff expert on African painted dogs during an African wine tasting.
Most recently, members heard about our new sea turtle conservation program and were the first to meet the very first hatchling and yearling both of whom will live in the PPG Aquarium for two to three years until each is ready to be released back in the wild.
In 2010, we will host many family and adult events. Although our calendar of events is still in development, a tentative activities schedule includes:
July 15- Rendezvous with the Rhinos
August 8- Picnic at the International Conservation Center (ICC) in Somerset
September- Tour of Zoo Gardens and Green Roof, led by Curator of Horticulture Frank Pizzi
Each year, you will be invited to enjoy many private events at the Zoo, including behind-the-scenes tours with world-renowned experts, a family picnic, and other parties. These events are designed to give you experiences that are not available to the general public and to provide you with a greater understanding of the workings of our Zoo. In addition, you are recognized on signage in the Zoo.
New members are always welcome to join the Grow Wild Society. Membership commences when a gift or pledge of $5,000, $2,500 or $1,000 is made and expired 12 months later. For additional information on Grow Wild Society benefits, click here.