1. Connect People with Animals at dickersonparkzoo.org
Dickerson Park Zoo | 3043 North Fort | Springfield, Missouri 65803 | P (417) 833-1570
Writing for Public Relations—Communication 379
Press Kit
Dr. Samuel Dyer
Blake Miller for Dickerson Park Zoo

2. Connect People with Animals at dickersonparkzoo.org
Dickerson Park Zoo | 3043 North Fort | Springfield, Missouri 65803 | P (417) 833-1570
Table
of
Contents
FACT SHEET
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3
NEWS STORY
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4
FEATURE STORY
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5
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
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15 SECONDS
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7
30 SECONDS
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8
60 SECONDS
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9
PRESS CONFERENCE
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10
PRESS STATEMENT
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10
PRESS CONFERENCE QUESTIONS
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11

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Connect People with Animals at dickersonparkzoo.org
Dickerson Park Zoo | 3043 North Fort | Springfield, Missouri 65803 | P (417) 833-1570
Fact Sheet
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Zoo Facts
• The Dickerson Park Zoo is located at 3043 North Fort, Springfield, MO.
• The Zoo is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM during the winter months. It will be closed if the
walkways are covered with snow
• The costs for vising the zoo will vary depending on age: adults and teenagers are $9, children (3-12)
are $6, seniors (60 and older) are $6 and children under two are free. There are group rates that can
be found online.
• The Zoo is home to 340 animals representing 120 species.
• The Zoo is divided into 5 different geographical regions: Africa, Australia, Missouri Habitats, South
America and Tropical Asia.
• The Zoo also is home of the Safari Trading Company Gift Shop to acquire a variety of souvenirs and
gifts.
• The Titus Express Train Ride is available at $2 per person for everyone 2 years and older. The train
tours the Zoo and stops at various points throughout to provide a unique experience for viewing the
animals.
• The Zoo also provides an establishment to provide food and drinks. Bush Country Café has an
assortment of food available: hot foods, snack foods, frozen treats and soft drinks.
• The Zoo also hosts a multitude of events throughout the year that cater to all ages.
• The Zoo has information available about each animal, exhibit and attraction for people to see on
their website, www.dickersonparkzoo.org.
Contact:
Blake Allan Miller
417-259-2587
Blake968@live.missouristate.edu
###

4. 4
Connect People with Animals at dickersonparkzoo.org
Dickerson Park Zoo | 3043 North Fort | Springfield, Missouri 65803 | P (417) 833-1570
News Story
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Life at the Zoo
(Springfield, MO) Jan. 24, 2014 – Dickerson Park Zoo’s mission statement is to connect people with
animals and to create adventures that encourage discovery and inspire conservation action. The Zoo has
been creating these adventures for people for almost 100 years.
The Dickerson Park Zoo was established in 1992, but little development occurred until the 1970’s. The
Zoo had become a liability for the city of Springfield and was on the cusp of being closed.
The next 10 years marked a growth period thanks to the group, Friends of the Zoo (FOZ).
FOZ’s main goals are to help care for the animals, create new exhibits, develop education programs and
allow participation in saving animals from extinction. This program is open for all individuals and has a
variety of incentives for joining.
A few of the changes that occurred during this decade included adopted Species Survival Plans,
education programs, conducting various studies to gain knowledge of the natural world and
revitalization of various displays throughout the park. The alterations marked changes in zoos
nationwide.
These changes generated traffic and attendance for the Zoo and helped create the Dickerson Park Zoo of
today.
Today, there are many programs that children and adults can become involved in and various animals to
see. Children can be involved in Zoo Tots, ZOOper Kids and other grade-oriented programs. Adults
and children are able to adopt an animal at the Zoo to help care for its needs.
Throughout the year, the Zoo hosts a multitude of events. The Dickerson Park Zoo is located at 3043
North Fort, Springfield, MO. To find more information about prices and hours of operation visit the
website or call them.
If you are interested in learning more about the Dickerson Park Zoo, visit their site at
www.dickersonparkzoo.org or by calling (417) 833-1570.
Contact:
Blake Allan Miller
417-259-2587
Blake968@live.missouristate.edu
###

5. 5
Connect People with Animals at dickersonparkzoo.org
Dickerson Park Zoo | 3043 North Fort | Springfield, Missouri 65803 | P (417) 833-1570
Feature Story
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Inside the Zoo
(Springfield, MO) Feb. 06, 2014 – Dickerson Park Zoo’s mission statement is to connect people with
animals and to create adventures that encourage discovery and inspire conservation action. The Zoo has
been creating these adventures for almost 100 years.
The Dickerson Park Zoo was established in 1922 by the Springfield Park Board. The 120 acres of land,
purchased from the Jerome Dickerson, Sr. estate, was developed by the WPA labor and funds and other
federal agencies.
Little development occurred until the 1970’s. The Zoo had become a liability for the city of Springfield
and was on the cusp of being closed.
The next 10 years marked a growth period thanks to the group, Friends of the Zoo (FOZ).
The FOZ developed a membership program, created education programs and found donors to help
support new projects and developments. Thanks to FOZ the City of Springfield devoted a budget to
help offset costs.
The changes that occurred in the Dickerson Park Zoo overlapped with modifications in zoos across the
nation. An emphasis on recreation, education, conservation and research was adopted as a leader for
zoos in the nation.
The Dickerson Park Zoo created a master plan in 1985 and revised it in 1996. The master plan outlined
new parameters on themes and development. Out of the 120 acres only 70 of these were available for
development, 54 acres in use, leaving 16 for future projects.
Other changes that occurred during this decade included adopted Species Survival Plans for elephants,
wolves, cheetahs and giraffes. Each of these survival plans were met with great success.
Education programs were developed to create an interest in the natural world. The Zoo also stressed the
importance of conducting various studies to gain knowledge of the natural world and revitalization of
various displays throughout the park.
These changes generated traffic and attendance for the Zoo and helped create the Dickerson Park Zoo of
today. Involvement with the Zoo continues to grow as more families gain an interest in furthering their
knowledge about the world.
The growth of tourism in the Springfield area also contributes to the attendance rising and offers a
unique experience in Springfield.

6. 6
Connect People with Animals at dickersonparkzoo.org
Dickerson Park Zoo | 3043 North Fort | Springfield, Missouri 65803 | P (417) 833-1570
The Zoo was recently reaccredited in 2012 and marks the Zoo as a professional establishment that
maintains high standards to the treatment of animals, facility management, education programs and
conservation contribution.
Today, there are many programs that children and adults can become involved in and various animals to
see. Children can be involved in Zoo Tots, ZOOper Kids and other grade-oriented programs. Adults
and children are able to adopt an animal at the Zoo to help care for its needs.
A few major displays include the geographical themed sections of the Zoo: Africa, Australia, Missouri
Habitats, South America and Tropical Asia. These geographical themed areas include animals native to
the regions.
The five geographical regions in the Dickerson Park Zoo are home to over 340 animals representing 120
species.
Throughout the year, the Zoo hosts a multitude of events. The events include Mother’s and Father’s
Day celebrations and other major holidays throughout the year. The next major event is the Party for the
Planet. Party for the Planet is celebration for Earth Day.
The Dickerson Park Zoo will have summer hours beginning on April 1, 2014. The hours of operation
will be from 9:00 PM to 5:00 PM daily.
The Dickerson Park Zoo is located at 3043 North Fort, Springfield, MO. To find more information
about prices and the various events visit the website or call them.
If you are interested in learning more about the Dickerson Park Zoo, visit their site at
www.dickersonparkzoo.org or by calling (417) 833-1570.
Contact:
Blake Allan Miller
417-259-2587
Blake968@live.missouristate.edu
###

7. 7
Connect People with Animals at dickersonparkzoo.org
Dickerson Park Zoo | 3043 North Fort | Springfield, Missouri 65803 | P (417) 833-1570
Public Service Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 Seconds
Summer Hours Begin at the Zoo
(Springfield, MO) Mar. 27, 2014 – THE DICKERSON PARK ZOO WILL BEGIN SUMMER HOURS
IN APRIL. THE SUMMER HOURS WILL BE FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. FOR MORE
INFORMATION ABOUT ZOO FACILITIES AND EVENTS VISIT DICKERSONPARKZOO.COM.
Contact:
Blake Allan Miller
417-259-2587
Blake968@live.missouristate.edu
###

8. 8
Connect People with Animals at dickersonparkzoo.org
Dickerson Park Zoo | 3043 North Fort | Springfield, Missouri 65803 | P (417) 833-1570
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
30 Seconds
Mother’s Day Celebration
(Springfield, MO) Mar. 27, 2014 – ARE YOU HAVING TROUBLE TRYING TO FIND THE
PERFECT GIFT FOR YOU MOTHER? FINDING THAT PERFECT GIFT CAN BE DIFFICULT
FOR THAT ONE SPECIAL PERSON CALLED YOUR MOTHER. EVERY MOTHER DESERVES
A PERFECT GIFT. COME CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY WITH THE DICKERSON PARK ZOO.
MOTHERS RECEIVE FREE ADMISSION ALL DAY. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
DICKERSONPARKZOO.COM. AND TO ALL YOU MOTHERS, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY.
Contact:
Blake Allan Miller
417-259-2587
Blake968@live.missouristate.edu
###

9. 9
Connect People with Animals at dickersonparkzoo.org
Dickerson Park Zoo | 3043 North Fort | Springfield, Missouri 65803 | P (417) 833-1570
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
60 Seconds
Earth Day Celebration
(Springfield, MO) Mar. 27, 2014 – THE EARTH IS HOME TO OVER 7 BILLION PEOPLE AND
ABOUT 7 MILLION SPECIES OF ANIMALS. THE EARTH HAS BEEN AROUND FOR A WHILE
AND IT WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO WITH THE HELP OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU. EARTH DAY
WAS CREATED TO HELP KEEP OUR ENVIRONMENT CLEAN AND HEALTHY FOR PEOPLE
AND ANIMALS ALIKE. EARTH DAY IS ALSO A DAY TO CELELBRATE OUR GREEN
EARTH. COME CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH US AT THE DICKERSON PARK ZOO. WE
HAVE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES. WE ARE ALSO HOME TO
340 ANIMALS REPRESENTING 120 SPECIES FROM ACROSS THE WORLD. THE ZOO IS THE
PLACE TO BE FOR EARTH DAY. FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE ZOOS
HOURS OF OPERATION AND PRICES VISIT DICKERSONPARKZOO.COM OR BY CALLING
417-833-1570.
Contact:
Blake Allan Miller
417-259-2587
Blake968@live.missouristate.edu
###

10. 10
Connect People with Animals at dickersonparkzoo.org
Dickerson Park Zoo | 3043 North Fort | Springfield, Missouri 65803 | P (417) 833-1570
Press Conference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Statement
Upcoming Events
Good morning everyone. I am Caitlin Shukwit and this is my colleague, Blake Miller. Today we are
here to discuss a few upcoming events that will take place at the Dickerson Park Zoo. The Zoo is
located on 3043 North Fort on the north side of Springfield, MO. We are excited to kick off our summer
by introducing our summer happenings for you and your family. We have a new event that we want to
discuss with you first.
This year we are going to host a Donor’s Day at the Zoo. The event is for anyone who has donated to
the Zoo in the past year. To be qualified for the Donor’s Day, your donation must have exceeded $200
throughout the year of 2013. The event will be happening on Saturday, June 14th
. The day is packed
with various activities starting at 9:00 AM. Bring your families for a free day at the Zoo, including
complementary lunch, free face painting, carnival games, and much more. Starting at 5:00 PM the Zoo
will host a cocktail hour to kick-off the evening event for the donors and their guests. Dinner will be
served at 6:30 PM, please RSVP for your choice of food and the number of guests being brought by
June 1st. There will be live music from 8:00 – 10:00 PM. We are thrilled to be able to offer this to our
exceptional donors to show our appreciation. If you are interested in becoming one of our donors, visit
our website for more information.
Before we premier our final event, we are going to discuss updates for our summer season. First, we are
switching to our summer hours. We are going to be open from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily. These hours
will last until September and then our winter hours will begin.
We will have our monthly Friday night Zoomberees, which is a kid’s night out full of activities and a
chance for the parents to take a night off. To register for this event visit our website for more
information.
Other summer surprises include a brand new exhibit ground breaking. The exhibit will feature an albino
tiger and a 30-foot long python. These exhibits were available by a generous donation from Charles
Michael Darwin.
We would like to thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the Dickerson Park Zoo.
Now is the time set aside to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

11. 11
Connect People with Animals at dickersonparkzoo.org
Dickerson Park Zoo | 3043 North Fort | Springfield, Missouri 65803 | P (417) 833-1570
Press Conference Questions
Are we able to attend the Donor Day this year without donating last year?
Unfortunately no, however, if you are interested in being a part of Donor’s Day next year we would love
to have you. Visit our website for more information on how to get involved with donations.
If we have donated in the past year, do we have to attend the entire day?
No you do not. The day is structured for our guests, please attend whenever is convenient for you and
your family. However, to get into the Zoo during the day, please bring your invitation.
During the evening, are children allowed to attend?
Unfortunately, after 5:00 PM, the event is exclusive to people 21 and older.
What are the details of the Zoomberees?
The event is $20 for the first child, and $15 for every child after that. The event is from 6:00 – 10:00 PM
and includes dinner.
Will there be a separate press conference for the ground breaking?
Yes there will be a separate press statement. The press statement will happen at August 1st
at 9:40 AM.