Oakland Zoo Participates in One World Futbol Project’s Zoo Pilot Program
Oakland, CA (PRWEB) September 13, 2013 -- **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
September 13, 2013
Contact: Nicky Mora, Senior Manager, Marketing/PR
(510) 632-9525 ext. 130
nmora(at)oaklandzoo(dot)org
Oakland Zoo Participates in One World Futbol Project’s
Zoo Pilot Program
Oakland Zoo today announced that it is participating as part of a pilot program designed for zoos, aquariums and other urban wildlife park systems. Through One World Futbol Project’s “Zoo Seconds” pilot program, Oakland Zoo will be using One World Futbols – the world’s first nearly indestructible ball designed specifically for use in the harshest environments – as part of its animal enrichment programs.
“Enrichment is a critical part of our everyday husbandry for zoo animals,” said Margaret Rousser, Zoological Manager at Oakland Zoo. “It provides mental stimulation as well as physical activity. Though it is difficult to find toys that will hold up under pressure of exotic animals, we have found One World Futbols to be a great asset for several species at Oakland Zoo.”
One World Futbol Project makes, sells and distributes the One World Futbol, a nearly indestructible ball that never needs a pump and never goes flat– making it ideal for play in all types of terrain and harsh environments. The Company’s mission is to make a meaningful impact by bringing the joy of soccer and play to youth around the world through the One World Futbol.
The One World Futbol is unique because it will not pop or deflate, even if punctured multiple times by thorns, barbed wire, glass, a bird’s beak, a cat’s claw or a lion’s teeth. With the donation of One World Futbols through the “Zoo Seconds” pilot program, One World Futbol Project is sharing the joy of sustainable play with animal enrichment programs around the globe. At the same time, zoos can further their mission of sustainability by reducing the need to constantly source and replace balls.
“It is particularly difficult to find an enrichment item that can withstand the weight of a 600-pound tortoise and it’s even more difficult to find something that a 100-year-old animal will become actively engaged in,” said Margaret Rousser, Zoological Manager at Oakland Zoo. “Ralph likes his One World Futbol and can even lay down on it – putting his full 600 pounds of weight on the ball which just snaps back into shape when he gets up. The resilience of the One World Futbol has made it much easier to enrich a 100-year-old tortoise – Ralph is getting some much needed exercise!”
Participants in the pilot program include: Zoo Atlanta, Blank Park Zoo (Iowa), Brookfield Zoo (Illinois), Central Florida Animal Reserve (Florida); Honolulu Zoo (Hawaii), Johannesburg Zoo (South Africa), Louisville Zoo (Kentucky); Oakland Zoo (California) and A Leg Up Pet Services (Canada) and others.
For more information about the One World Futbol Project, visit http://www.oneworldfutbol.com. Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/oneworldfutbol) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/oneworldfutbol).
ABOUT OAKLAND ZOO:
The Bay Area’s award-winning Oakland Zoo is home to more than 660 native and exotic animals. The Zoo offers many educational programs and kid’s activities perfect for science field trips, family day trips and exciting birthday parties. Nestled in the Oakland Hills, in 500-acre Knowland Park, the Zoo is located at 9777 Golf Links Road, off Highway 580. The East Bay Zoological Society (Oakland Zoo) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization supported in part by members, contributions, the City of Oakland and the East Bay Regional Parks. For more information please visit our website at http://www.oaklandzoo.org.
By donating an item on Oakland Zoo’s "Wish List," you can provide needed supplies and materials that enrich the environment for our animals and support the Zoo's many research programs and activities. http://www.oaklandzoo.org/Donate_Goods.php
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Nicky Mora, Oakland Zoo, http://www.oaklandzoo.org, +1 (510) 632-9525 130, [email protected]
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