NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Foundation to Present Major Gift
to Zoo’s African Journey Campaign

The Madelon J. Rothschild Foundation will present a gift of $550,000 to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo African Journey Capital Campaign on Friday, November 17 at 2:00 p.m. at the zoo.

Zoo Director Jim Anderson will be on hand to receive the gift, which is designated for construction of the African Journey’s Entry Garden. Following the presentation, Anderson will outline details of the Entry Garden and provide an update on the African Journey project to the media.

The Madelon J. Rothschild Foundation was established by the late Madge Rothschild to support non-profit organizations in the Fort Wayne area. Ms. Rothschild was a true pillar of the community and an avid supporter of the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo in her lifetime, according to Marlene Buesching, a dear friend. “This gift represents the largest amount ever awarded to the Zoo by the Foundation,” says Buesching. “We are very excited to present this gift in support of the African Journey Entry Garden.”

“Madge was a wonderful friend of the zoo for many years. It is fitting that even after her passing, she continues to support the community and touch so many lives through her foundation,” says Anderson.

Tower Bank serves as the trustee for the Madelon J. Rothschild Foundation. Ms. Buesching and Ms. Rothschild's attorney, Bob Wagner, serve on the distribution committee.

In September, zoo officials announced plans to build the all-new African Journey exhibit. This project will completely renovate the existing African Veldt exhibit and create a new and exciting educational experience. Opening is set for 2009.

The zoo is currently closed for the season and will reopen on April 21, 2007.

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