Zoos & Aquariums -- One Stop Shopping for the Holidays

Avoid the mall, support wildlife conservation, and find unique gifts.

Silver Spring, MD (Vocus) November 20, 2008 -- This year, do your holiday shopping at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo or aquarium near you. Gift shops are always stocked with fun toys, tasty treats and unique products you won't find anywhere else.

"Spend Black Friday with a black rhino, do your shopping at the zoo or aquarium," said AZA Senior Vice President for Marketing Jill Nicoll. "Not only will you find gifts that will make your friends and family go wild, you also support wild animal conservation."

"While others are herded through the mall like animals, you can chill out with real animals - come to the zoo or aquarium for a peaceful shopping experience," Nicoll added.

Unique, affordable holiday shopping ideas from the AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium near you:

Zoo or Aquarium Family Membership

Membership is the gift that keeps on giving! Membership will give an entire family one full year of free entry to the zoo or aquarium and lots of other great benefits such as magazine subscription, in-store discounts, and special events tickets.

Children's Toys and Games

At the gift shop you'll find toys for boys, toys for girls, and toys for kids young and old. Whether your loved ones are into computer games, puzzles, stuffed toys, or sports, you'll be sure to find a suitable gift.

Eco-friendly Products

Zoos and aquariums are going green and have the gifts to prove it. With everything from beauty products and stationery to jewelry and kitchen ware, the gift shop is the place to go for environmentally friendly gifts.

Holiday Cards and Ornaments

Decorate your house with special holiday ornaments of your favorite animals and send holiday greetings with animal-themed cards.

Educational Resources

Find books about baby animals or how to become an expert birdwatcher. Whether you're buying for a new reader or an avid reader, the zoo or aquarium gift shop is bound to have a book that will interest them.

Adopt-an-Animal

Give the gift of honorary parenthood to your loved one. With your gift the zoo or aquarium can buy treats, toys, and medical supplies for their special animal.

Name-an-Animal

Name your favorite zoo or aquarium resident after a friend or family member and contribute to the zoo or aquarium's conservation efforts.

Enjoy a day at your local AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium this holiday season and find these gifts and more. Many zoos and aquariums are open 365 days a year, including on Thanksgiving. Find the great zoo or aquarium near you at www.aza.org/findzooaquarium.

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, the AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, please visit www.aza.org.

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