Saint Paul, MN (February 19, 2009) - Como Park Zoo and Conservatory will open the Arctic Ambassador Polar Bear Photo Exhibition March 6 through April 26, featuring the photographic work of Daniel J. Cox, a Minnesota Native that has spent years photographing polar bears in their natural habitat of Churchill, Canada. The exhibit highlights polar bears and documents Dr. Steven C. Amstrup, a Research Wildlife Biologist with the United States Geological Survey at the Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, tagging and researching polar bears for population counts. Dr. Amstrup led the team of researchers which prepared 9 reports that became the basis for the recent decision to list polar bears as a threatened species.
Photographer Daniel J. Cox will be visiting Como Zoo to kick-off the exhibit and providing a slide presentation highlighting his extensive work photographing polar bears on Saturday, March 7 at 10:30am and 12:00pm. Cox will also be signing copies of his latest book and posters.
For 25 years, Cox has been pursuing his life long dream of photographing nature in all its elements. He’s traveled to all seven continents, plying his craft in search of the images that help tell the stories and inspire his art. Driving rain, spitting snow and howling wind are all part of the environment he calls home. For Cox bad weather means great light, unusual clouds and dramatic settings. Internationally recognized, Cox has used his exceptional vision and passion for nature to bring it to life for his viewers. His dedication and love for his photography and the environment has earned him high regard in his profession.
In 1990 and 1997, Cox was awarded with 1st runner-up in the annual portrait division in the prestigious British Broadcasting "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" competition. In 2003, he placed first in the Landscape category of Natures Best Photography contest. His natural history pictures have been feature in galleries such as Nikon House, NY and the Natural History Museum in London. He is a regular contributor to natural history publications worldwide. His most personally satisfying accomplishments have been the two cover stories he produced for National Geographic; Snowy Owl in December 2007 and the Great Gray Owl in February 2005. His is sole photographer to ten books.
Cox grew up on the outskirts of Duluth, Minnesota in the town of Twig. He graduated from Proctor High School and went on to college at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
The exhibit is provided by Como Friends and Polar Bears International.
Como Zoo is in the midst of building a new polar bear habitat, Polar Bear Odyssey opening in 2010. Como's resident polar bears, Neil & Buzz are vacationing at the Detroit Zoo while their new home is being built. For learn more, visit http://www.comozooconservatory.org/como_zoo/PBO.shtml.
Como Friends
Como Friends, formerly Como Zoo and Conservatory Society, is a nonprofit organization that raises funds from the private sector to invest in program expansions and facility improvements at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Since incorporating in 1999, it has contributed over $20.5 million to Como. www.comofriends.org
Polar Bears International
Polar Bears International's core mission is to conserve the world's polar bears through research and education. www.polarbearsinternational.org
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
For over 100 years, Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and Como Zoo in St. Paul, Minnesota has charmed, educated and entertained millions of children and adults while fostering an appreciation of the natural world. The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is open 365 days; 10am-6pm from March 31-October 1 and 10am-4pm from October 2-April 1 and Admission to both the Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is always free and a voluntary donation is appreciated.
