Walmart, the Zoological Society of Florida and Zoo Miami have entered into a unique 16-month strategic alliance wherein Walmart will be the presenting sponsor of the current community- and education-focused Zoo Squad mascots at Zoo Miami. The financial specifics of the relationship were not disclosed.
This pioneering partnership will manifest itself as “Zoo Miami Zoo Squad presented by Walmart” on everything related to the mascots both on and off Zoo Miami grounds including, but not limited to, their Base Camp at Zoo Miami, their attire, in-park signage, advertisements, photos, social media efforts, and giveaways.
Originating in spring 2012, the Zoo Squad characters at Zoo Miami offer entertaining interaction and educational outreach with a focus on wildlife conservation to families and young children. Kaz the rhino, Gigi the giraffe and Pio the oxpecker are unique characters with background stories rooted in conservation. They make daily appearances from their Base Camp at Zoo Miami and are frequently requested to attend major events in South Florida and at the zoo.
“As South Florida’s most attended attraction, Zoo Miami continues to grow our offerings and access to the community. With support from Walmart, we will be able to create a stronger public presence for ourselves and expand our popular Zoo Squad program to engage and educate families while encouraging children to be the future caretakers of our wildlife and environment,” said Eric Stephens, Zoo Miami director.
“As large as Walmart is, they have truly demonstrated their commitment to the South Florida community through this gift to the zoo,” said Bill Moore, Zoological Society of Florida president and CEO.
“We greatly appreciate their gracious deed and look forward to sharing them with our visitors. One of our goals for growth at the Zoological Society of Florida is to continue to align ourselves with more family-friendly consumer brands like this.”
The Zoological Society of Florida is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that supports Zoo Miami through education, conservation and outreach programs; marketing and public relations; volunteer services and financial support for the construction of new exhibits. For more information please visit www.zoomiami.org or call 305-255-5551.
Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 St. General zoo admission is $15.95 per adult and $11.95 per child (3-12), plus tax. Children under age 2, zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; ticket booths close at 4 p.m. For more information visit www.zoomiami.org or call 305-251-0400.
