FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 31, 2020
CONTACT:
San Diego Zoo Global
Public Relations
619-685-3291
WEBSITE: SDZSafariPark.org
NEWS RELEASE
September Is Firefighter Appreciation Month at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Firefighters Receive Free Admission All Month Long
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is offering free admission to all active firefighters throughout the month of September, to honor the hard-working men and women who help protect people, wildlife and structures across the region. During Firefighter Appreciation Month, guests who present their active firefighter identification card with photo (such as a department or union ID) along with their personal ID at any Safari Park ticket window will receive free admission—and up to six accompanying family members or friends can get 10 percent off the purchase of a 1-Day Pass.
“Firefighters are true heroes, and we are thrilled to be able to provide free admission to these hard-working professionals,” said Lisa Peterson, director of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. “It’s no question that firefighters run toward the danger that many others run from—with tremendous risk to their own lives. For that courage, we are grateful.”
Fire is an important element in maintaining diverse ecosystems, however climate change, habitat loss and invasive plant species have created situations where fires are occurring much more frequently and with higher intensity.
“This year’s fire season is only beginning; but so far, we’re seeing that it will be one of the worse in our state’s history,” said Shawn Dixon, chief operating officer for San Diego Zoo Global. “Added to the destruction of property and the loss of human life, wildfires occurring repeatedly in the same locations are displacing native wildlife and altering fragile habitats that could take decades to repair. It’s more important now than ever that we support those protecting us on the front lines.”
San Diego Zoo Global continues to work with local wildlife agencies to monitor native habitats, at times stepping in to help replant habitats and relocate vulnerable species. The organization supports more than 140 conservation projects in Southern California and worldwide, and encourages everyone to respect wildlife, help preserve their habitats, plant native plants and prevent wildfires.
Along with the opportunity to stroll among diverse habitats and experience the wonders of wildlife, guests at the Safari Park can now choose from a variety of special premium experiences and wildlife encounters—for an additional fee—that are especially designed for families and household groups. These include the Wildlife Safari, Behind-the-Scenes Safaris, Roar and Snore Safaris and the new Sun Up Cheetah Safari—an early morning stroll with an experienced guide that includes multiple wildlife encounters and brunch at the scenic Watering Hole restaurant and bar at Kijamii Overlook. For more information about Firefighter Appreciation Month, San Diego Zoo Global’s native wildlife conservation initiatives, and the many family experiences available at the Safari Park, visit SDZSafariPark.org.
Bringing species back from the brink of extinction is the goal of San Diego Zoo Global. As a leader in conservation, the work of San Diego Zoo Global includes on-site wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, as well as international field programs on six continents. The work of these entities is made accessible to over 1 billion people annually, reaching 150 countries via social media, our websites and the San Diego Zoo Kids network, in children’s hospitals in 12 countries. The work of San Diego Zoo Global is made possible with support from our incredible donors committed to saving species from the brink of extinction.
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