LITTLE ROCK (September 29, 2005) – Jackie the African Penguin and her keeper, Kristen Silvers, will travel from the Fort Worth Zoo to Little Rock next Thursday for a series of public appearances and special events.  Jackie will appear at several private fundraisers for the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and will make a public appearance Thursday, October 6, at the Little Rock Police Department Downtown Patrol Division.  Jackie will help Police Chief Stuart Thomas make a special announcement for the Police Department at 2 p.m.

Jackie will also appear at a fundraiser at the Little Rock Zoo Thursday, October 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.  The “Penguin Picnic” will provide families an opportunity to meet Jackie and learn more about the Arkansas Zoological Foundation’s effort to raise 1.2 million dollars for a new African Penguin habitat at the Little Rock Zoo.  Cost for the fundraiser is $100 per family or $50 per individual.  Dinner will be served.  Reservations are not required.     

Jackie and her keeper will also travel to elementary schools in central Arkansas as part of the Fort Worth Zoo’s Wild Wonders program.  Students will get an up-close experience with Jackie and will learn more about African Penguins in the wild.  Jackie will visit Pulaski Academy Elementary at 12701 Hinson in Little Rock at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 6.  Jackie will then visit Forest Park Elementary at

Jackie will make a public appearance at Hoity Toity Fine Furniture Saturday, October 8, from 11 a.m. to noon.  Jackie the penguin plush toys will be available for a donation of $20 to the Arkansas Zoological Foundation.  Please contact Susan Altrui at 501-666-2406, ext. 108, for more information.

The Little Rock Zoo is accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA).  Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility 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, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.  For more information, visit www.aza.org.