DUBLIN Zoo has
gone bananas with a major new sponsorship deal for its new Gorilla Rainforest.
Ireland’s most
popular visitor attraction has signed an agreement with international tropical
produce importer and distributor Fyffes, famous for its bananas.
The deal, under
the company’s Freddy Fyffes brand, will see the fruity firm become exclusive
sponsors of the zoo’s new world class Gorilla Rainforest, which will open on
September 28. The agreement also includes sponsorship of the neighbouring
Chimpanzee Island.
The Gorilla Rainforest
cost in the region of
?¬3 million to develop and is the biggest development
undertaken by Dublin Zoo in a number of years.
Dublin Zoo says
the partnership with Fyffes is a perfect fit for both organisations. The
sponsorship is part of Fyffes overall strategy to promote healthy eating for
people of all ages in a fun and engaging way.
By working with
Dublin Zoo, Fyffes hope to inspire children to choose a healthy snack like
Freddy Fyffes’ bananas as opposed to less nutritious snacks.
From the zoo’s
side sponsorship deals are crucial to finance vital developments for animals.
“This is a
really exciting time for everyone at Dublin Zoo and we are thrilled to welcome
Freddy Fyffes to the Gorilla Rainforest family,
? said Dublin Zoo director, Leo
Oosterweghel.
“This is one of
the biggest sponsorships Dublin Zoo has ever acquired and is a big boost for us
as we strive to make vital infrastructural improvements.
“The sponsorship
revenue will contribute to the care of the gorillas, running costs and further
development of the Gorilla Rainforest.
“Western lowland
gorillas are beautiful animals and the spacious habitat we have created will
provide the gorillas with a home to allow the troop continue breeding and to
encourage natural behaviours.
?
Emma Crewe
of Fyffes said the company was delighted
to be working in partnership with Dublin Zoo.
“The new Gorilla
Rainforest will be a must-see attraction for families and children and it is a
fantastic opportunity for us to be a part of such a memorable, positive family
experience,
? she continued.
“Dublin Zoo is
Ireland’s best loved and most visited attraction and we are thrilled to support
it with this development.
?
The Gorilla
Rainforest has 12,000 sq mts of rolling topography, rocky outcrops, streams and
dense vegetation. This natural environment will allow the gorillas to forage
and also move to private resting places away from fellow gorillas and zoo
visitors.
Visitors to the
zoo will be treated to an unrivalled example of gorillas in a natural habitat
with observation points hidden along the forest paths to allow them to observe
the animals.
The Gorilla
Rainforest will be opened by President McAleese on September 28.