Gaming News - August 2004
Redmond, WA (August 3, 2004) - Microsoft Game Studios today announced
that they have begun a search for America’s Favorite Zoo. Fifty zoos have been
invited by a panel of expert judges to participate in the nationwide contest,
which will award the winning zoo a $25,000 (U.S.) grant to fund its habitat and
animal care.
From Microsoft:
Selected zoos that submit materials to Microsoft from Aug. 2 to Aug. 27 will
be considered by the panel of judges, which is composed of the former Ultimate
Zookeeper Challenge winner, a member of the National Wildlife Federation, a
Microsoft Game Studios employee and a Blue Fang Games LLC employee. Submission
materials can include press kits, case studies, articles, overviews,
presentations, videos and photos. Fifteen zoos chosen by the panel and announced
Sept. 20 will continue on to the semifinal round.
“Zoos are the gateway of information and exploration to some of the most
precious and scarce animals on the planet,” said Ben Arndt, marketing manager
for Microsoft Game Studios. “In participating in the ‘Zoo Tycoon’ search for
America’s Favorite Zoo, animal lovers across the country can recognize and help
contribute to their favorite zoo, thus furthering our efforts to improve animal
care and revitalize zoo habitats.”
From Sept. 20 to Oct. 15, the choice of America’s Favorite Zoo will rest in the
hands of animal lovers across the country, as zoo fans of all ages will be
invited to visit http://www.zootycoon.com/ to vote for their favorite zoo. The
top five finalists will be chosen by the exclusively online voting, and their
names will be announced and posted on the official “Zoo Tycoon” Web site Oct.
18.
“As the winner of the ‘Zoo Tycoon’ Ultimate Zookeeper Challenge in November
2002, I was honored to be recognized and thanked among zookeepers for our
tireless effort and dedication in maintaining these animal habitats,” said
Jonathan Gilmour, Ultimate Zookeeper Challenge winner from Zoo New England. “As
a judge in this year’s competition, I’m looking forward to helping award a zoo
the title of America’s Favorite Zoo. After all, there wouldn’t be any great
zookeepers without great zoos to create and nurture them.”
In the final round, America’s Favorite Zoo will be chosen by zoo aficionados
voting online from Oct. 18 to Nov. 2. The winner, to be determined exclusively
by the number of online votes received, will be announced Nov. 2. A $25,000
grant will then be awarded to America’s Favorite Zoo to assist in the upkeep and
maintenance of the zoo and its inhabitants. As part of the voting process,
visitors also will be able to enter a sweepstakes to win a variety of prizes.
Details will be available throughout the contest on the official “Zoo Tycoon”
Web site.
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