Oregon Zoo's Egyptian spiny mice exhibit opens May 5th

Media Release:

THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY'S BRONX ZOO
INVITES YOU TO PACK YOUR BAGS FOR
ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL'S® "CRUISE THE ZOO WEEKEND"

Supported by Toyota & PBS - MAY 17-18

Bronx, NY -May, 2008 -- No reservations needed, just bring your sense of adventure as the Bronx Zoo, headquarters for the Wildlife Conservation Society, invites you to Royal Caribbean International's® Cruise the Zoo Weekend on May 17 and 18. Zoo-goers can pick up their compass to get started at any one of the zoo's entrances plus learn how best to observe animals at the zoo or nature. There's even a rock-climbing wall to get you ready for the experience.

Then get started on a wildlife self-guided excursion that includes visits to the see grizzlies, sea lions, new world monkeys, plus an assortment of amphibians and reptilians.

And, there's a contest to win a free family cruise for four from Royal Caribbean International® to one of their exciting adventures from Cape Liberty. Plan a Bronx Zoo trip and even purchase ticket in advance on www.bronxzoo.com, the ship is about to set sail! Your boarding pass begins at 11:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There's even a spa treatment for mom!

Cruise the Zoo activities include:
Musical performances, give-aways, crafts, and spa treatments for Mom, plus a special Rock Wall climbing area at Royal Caribbean International® Cruise the Zoo station - 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Events Lawn

Sea Lion Pool Port-of-Call ~ California Coast
Watch as the zoo's popular sea lions participate in their animal enrichment behaviors with narration by our keeper staff. Learn how the Bronx Zoo's sea lions are kept mentally and physically stimulated.
11:00 AM and 3:00 PM - Sea Lion Pool on Astor Court

World of Reptiles Port-of-Call ~ Sao Paulo, Brazil
Learn about the amazing wildlife of Latin America through interactive storytelling.
11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. - Lawn adjacent to World of Reptiles

JungleWorld Port-of-Call ~ Nha Trang, Vietnam
Amazing Asian performers will demonstrate the beautiful traditional Asian dances.
Noon, 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. - Wild Asia Theater

Monkey House Port-of-Call ~ Belize City, Belize
Observe animal keepers at work with our new world monkeys during a primate training enrichment session.
3:30 p.m. - Monkey House on Astor Court

Tiger Mountain Port-of-Call ~St. Petersburg, Russia
Don't miss the Zoo's tiger enrichment demonstrations as keepers introduce visitors to this endangered species.
11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. - Tiger Mountain - In case of inclement weather, activities will be limited or cancelled.

The Wildlife Conservation Society proudly welcomes Royal Caribbean International® as a partner. Royal Caribbean's support of WCs reflects the cruise line's commitment to environmental research, wildlife preservation, and public awareness about conservation issues and initiatives. Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas(sm), one of the most innovative ships at sea, is now sailing year-round from Cape Liberty Cruise Port, Bayonne, NJ, only minutes from New York City. Log onto www.royalcaribbean.com for more information.

The Bronx Zoo is locations just off the Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road at Exit 6 and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays now through November 3, 2008. Adult admission is $15, seniors (65+) are $13, and $10 for children (3-12 years old), free for children 3 years old and under; and Wednesday is by donation. For directions, upcoming events, group rates, and other wild information, visit online at www.bronxzoo.com.

The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth. Visit: www.wcs.org.