GEICO and AZA’s exhibit travels to Tampa; first 100 children to arrive on Saturday, June 5 receive free passes
TAMPA, Fla., June 3, 2010 – Following its tour across the United States, GEICO’s popular gecko exhibit is now back on the East Coast to spend time at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo through July 18.
GEICO will be giving away free passes to the first 100 children who arrive at the zoo on Saturday, June 5.
Tampa and GEICO officials were on hand to welcome guests to the exhibit earlier this week. Charlie Miranda, Tampa council member, introduced a proclamation from Mayor Pam Iorio, and GEICO’s Robin Burdick, assistant vice president, presented the opening remarks. The GEICO Gecko was also on hand for a special appearance at the grand opening celebration.
“We are pleased to welcome GEICO’s traveling exhibit to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo,” said Craig Pugh, executive director and CEO of the zoo. “The variety of animals you see firsthand at the zoo – whether a brilliant green gecko or enormous African elephant – makes every visit fascinating and reminds us of the richness of the diversity of life on earth. As an AZA-accredited organization that is a center for education, exhibits like this one encourage children to discover the wonders of wildlife and wild places.”
"This partnership has proven to be a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of animal and wildlife conservation," said Burdick. “The traveling exhibit got off to a great start in other parts of the country and we know that Tampa area residents will find that it’s a good way to promote wildlife conservation.”
In 2009, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo was rated the number one zoo in the United States by Parents Magazine. It was also recognized by the State of Florida as a center for Florida wildlife conservation and biodiversity. With more than 2,000 animals from Florida and similar habitats, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo makes the perfect attraction for children and families alike.
"By traveling to many different accredited zoos and aquariums, we've been able to reach thousands of people with our conservation message," said Jim Maddy, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). "Through this partnership with GEICO, we've already made an impact on the lives of many children who might not otherwise know about sustaining our precious wildlife.”
The traveling exhibit will feature Giant Day Geckos and is part of a three-year partnership between GEICO and the AZA. Through the partnership, the geckos have traveled around the country to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, helping children understand the importance of preserving the environment.
The exhibit will maintain the same hours or operation as the zoo; a schedule of the zoo’s hours can be found at: http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 11 million private passenger customers and insures more than 18 million vehicles (auto & cycle).
GEICO's online service center helps policyholders take care of policy sales, policy changes, claims reporting and to print insurance ID cards.
GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for boats, life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.
For more information, go to www.geico.com.
