Brookfield Zoo Chicago to honor four conservation changemakers at 23rd annual Conservation Leadership Awards Dinner. Annual celebration on October 5 will recognize leaders advancing wildlife conservation while raising critical funds to support conservation efforts locally and around the world Brookfield, IL - Brookfield Zoo Chicago will honor extraordinary conservation changemakers whose leadership, innovation and commitment are helping create a better future for wildlife and wild places at its 23rd annual Conservation Leadership Awards Dinner. The October 5 event at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago brings together conservation leaders, philanthropists, business and community leaders, and Zoo supporters for an evening celebrating the people and partnerships driving meaningful conservation progress. Proceeds from the event support Brookfield Zoo Chicago's mission to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. "This evening is about more than recognizing extraordinary conservation leaders; it's about bringing people together around the work that matters," said Ann Grant, vice president of development at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. "Our honorees remind us that conservation takes many forms - from groundbreaking science and wildlife protection to philanthropy and partnerships that make lasting progress possible. By coming together and celebrating their accomplishments, we also highlight the role each of us can play in creating a future where wildlife thrives." A special fireside chat will bring Brookfield Zoo Chicago President and CEO Dr. Michael Adkesson together with Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Society and a 2026 Conservation Leadership Award honoree. Following the presentation of the awards, the two conservation leaders will share stories and insights from their work advancing animal welfare and conservation, offering guests an opportunity to learn more about the challenges facing wildlife and how compassion can inspire conservation action. The George B. Rabb Conservation Medal, the evening's most prestigious recognition, will be presented to Dr. Ganzert prior to the fireside chat. Since 2010, Dr. Ganzert has expanded the organization's global impact through innovative animal welfare programs spanning agriculture, film and entertainment, zoos, aquariums, conservation organizations and ecotourism. Under her leadership, American Humane Society has become the world's largest certifier of animal welfare, helping oversee the care of more than one billion animals annually and advancing humane standards that benefit animals around the globe. Kelsey Prediger, founder and executive director of the Pangolin Conservation & Research Foundation (PCRF), will receive the Rising Conservation Leader Award for her pioneering efforts to protect one of the world's most threatened mammals. As the only in-field researcher dedicated exclusively to pangolins, Kelsey leads an integrated conservation program combines field research, rescue and rehabilitation, community-led protection, law enforcement training and more to combat wildlife trafficking and build a stronger future for pangolin conservation. The Edith Rockefeller McCormick Partnership Award will be presented to the Gerald A. & Karen A. Kolschowsky Foundation for its longstanding commitment to expanding access to wildlife and nature. For nearly a decade, the Foundation has served as a lead supporter of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Zoo Adventure Passport (ZAP!) program, helping thousands of children and families experience the Zoo while removing barriers to participation and fostering meaningful connections to wildlife and conservation. The Corwith Hamill Lifetime Achievement Conservation Award will be presented to Marcena W. Love and family in recognition of more than six decades of leadership, philanthropy and service to Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Marcie is an active champion for the Zoo's mission through her service on the Society Leadership Council and support of the Next Century Plan. Along with Mike Love's decades of service as a Trustee and the family's continued commitment to advancing the Zoo's conservation initiatives, the Love family's legacy demonstrates how a lifelong connection to wildlife can inspire generations of conservation leadership. Together, this year's honorees represent the many ways conservation advances - from scientific discovery and animal welfare leadership to philanthropy, education and community engagement. Their work reflects a shared belief that meaningful conservation progress is only possible through collaboration, compassion and a commitment to wildlife and wild places. Established in 2005 by the Zoo's Board of Trustees, the Conservation Leadership Awards honor the lifelong legacy of George Rabb, Ph.D., president emeritus of the Zoo. His vision and leadership helped redefine the role of modern zoos in global conservation, inspiring new generations of scientists, advocates and supporters to take action. Over the past 23 years, the event has raised more than $8 million to support conservation, education and animal care initiatives that advance Brookfield Zoo Chicago's mission. Tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more information are available at brookfieldzoo.org/conservation-leadership-awards. Media Note: Journalists interested in covering this year's event or interview opportunities with honorees should contact Zoo PR Director Julianne Olivo in advance at [email protected] or 708-688-8351.Photos from the 2025 award dinner are available for download here, with credit to " (C) Brookfield Zoo Chicago" for media use only. About Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Connect. Care. Conserve. Since 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has been a global leader in animal well-being and conservation, inspiring conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Zoo is a private nonprofit organization that operates on 235 acres of land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County and is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species - including many of Earth's most endangered. Brookfield Zoo Chicago was the first zoo in the world to be Humane Certified(TM) by the American Humane Society for the care and welfare of its animals, and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and ArbNet. For more information, visit www.brookfieldzoo.org or follow @BrookfieldZoo on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Threads.

American Humane Society and University of Tennessee convene Live Animal Mascot Symposium to advance excellence in animal welfare. July 2, 2026, Knoxville, TN American Humane Society and the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine welcomed representatives from collegiate athletics, professional sports organizations, veterinary medicine programs and animal welfare experts from across the country for the Live Animal Mascot Symposium, held June 22-23 in Knoxville, Tennessee. "As a science-based organization dedicated to promoting the welfare and well-being of animals, American Humane Society was honored to convene this gathering of leaders committed to providing exceptional care for their mascot animals," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. "The thoughtful discussions, exchange of best practices, and collaborative spirit demonstrated throughout the symposium reflect a shared commitment to ensuring that live animal mascots receive exceptional care while continuing to serve as beloved ambassadors for their institutions." The gathering brought together leaders responsible for some of the nation's most recognized live animal mascot programs to share knowledge, discuss emerging challenges, and explore opportunities to further enhance animal welfare, health, safety and quality of life for mascot animals. "Caring for live mascots is a great privilege and responsibility. I'm thankful to the professionals from around the country who came together to share best practices and standards of care for the animals that we all love so much," said UT Chancellor Donde Plowman. "I'm grateful to Dean Paul Plummer and his colleagues at the College of Veterinary Medicine for their leadership in this area and to the American Humane Society for their partnership in making this event happen." Hosted by American Humane Society and the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, the symposium featured participants representing a variety of species of mascot animals from more than 30 universities, athletic programs, zoological institutions and professional sports organizations. Throughout the symposium, attendees participated in program presentations and collaborative working sessions focused on the many dimensions of mascot care and management. Discussions addressed topics including handler qualifications and training, transportation and event safety, preventive veterinary care, enrichment and behavioral wellness, housing and daily management practices, emergency preparedness, strategies for continuously improving quality of life and more. This was followed by a keynote presentation by renowned human-animal interaction expert Dr. Aubrey Fine, which further explored the human-animal bond and the importance of prioritizing welfare in public-facing animal programs. Participants also engaged in structured focus groups examining current practices and identifying opportunities to establish shared standards and evidence-based approaches that support the long-term welfare of live animal mascots across institutions. Insights gathered during these collaborative discussions will inform the development of a white paper, which stands to be the most comprehensive assessment of live animal mascot programs conducted to date. The publication is expected to help advance animal welfare research, identify emerging best practices, and provide valuable guidance for institutions committed to meeting high standards of care for live animal mascots. Organizers anticipate that the symposium will serve as the foundation for continued collaboration among participating institutions and inform future efforts to advance best practices in live animal mascot care nationwide. About American Humane Society American Humane Society is the United States' first national humane organization and the world's largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals. For more information or to support its life-changing work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org, follow American Humane on Facebook, X and Instagram and subscribe to its channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom American Humane share its Earth. About the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine The UT College of Veterinary Medicine educates students in the art and science of veterinary medicine and related biomedical sciences, promotes scientific research, and enhances human and animal well-being. July 2, 2026

American Humane Society and Frontier Airlines launch sweepstakes featuring dream vacations to Certified zoos and aquariums. American Humane Society is partnering with Frontier Airlines to launch an exciting summer sweepstakes offering unforgettable travel experiences to some of the American Humane Certified(TM) zoos and aquariums. Beginning May 27 and running through August 27, participants will have the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation to Cancún, Mexico, including a visit to Delphinus to swim with dolphins, and additional "flash prizes" featuring trips to Denver Zoo and Georgia Aquarium. The grand prize includes round-trip airfare for four provided by Frontier Airlines, a four-night stay at The Pyramid Cancun all-inclusive resort, and a VIP experience at Delphinus Punta Cancún, where winners will go behind the scenes with marine animal experts and enjoy an unforgettable dolphin experience focused on conservation and animal care. "American Humane Society is dedicated to inspiring people to celebrate and protect animals everywhere," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. "This sweepstakes gives families the opportunity to experience firsthand the incredible work being done by humane-certified zoos and aquariums while creating lifelong memories together and celebrating the human-animal bond." Additional flash prizes throughout the summer will include: * A trip for four to Denver Zoo, including flights, hotel accommodations and zoo admission. * A trip for four to Georgia Aquarium, including flights, hotel accommodations and aquarium admission. "With a different animal on every one of our plane tails, many of them endangered or threatened species, it is no secret how much we care about wildlife at Frontier," said Greg Krummenacker, director of brand marketing, Frontier Airlines. "We are proud to partner with the American Humane Society to support their important work, and offer round trip flights to Mexico, Colorado, and Georgia so our lucky sweepstakes winners can visit amazing, humane-certified zoos and aquariums." Participants may enter the sweepstakes by making a donation to support American Humane Society's lifesaving work to protect animals around the world. A free, no-donation method of entry is also available. American Humane Society's Global Humane Certified(TM) program provides independent, third-party verification of animal welfare practices at zoos and aquariums through rigorous, science-based standards designed to help ensure animals in human care receive exceptional treatment. The sweepstakes officially launches May 27, 2026, and ends August 27, 2026. For official rules and to enter, visit: https://www.americanhumane.org/sweepstakes/ About American Humane Society: American Humane Society is the United States' first national humane organization and the world's largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals. For more information or to support our life-changing work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth. About Frontier Airlines Frontier Airlines, Inc. (Nasdaq: ULCC) is a value-focused airline operating one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the United States. With a growing network and continued investment in product upgrades, including the introduction of First Class seating and enhanced loyalty benefits, Frontier is giving customers more comfort, flexibility, and rewards while keeping fares low.