Center for Biological Diversity

For Immediate Release, February 22, 2018

Contact:  Sarah Baillie, (520) 623-5252 x 308, sbaillie@biologicaldiversity.org

Today: Hundreds of Endangered Species Condoms to Be Given Away at Denver Zoo Adults-only Event

Program Highlights Effect of Human Population Growth on Wildlife

DENVER— Hundreds of free Endangered Species Condoms will be given away this evening at The Watering Hole, an adults-only educational event at the Denver Zoo. The distribution is a part of the Center for Biological Diversity’s “Pillow Talk” program, created to get visitors to zoos, museums and science centers across the country talking about the effect of human population growth on wildlife.

The Watering Hole is an opportunity for visitors to learn about what it takes to care for the thousands of animals that call the zoo home. The Center’s Endangered Species Condoms, which will be given away at the event by volunteers, feature colorful packages depicting species threatened by population growth. They bear slogans like “Wrap with care, save the polar bear” and “When you’re feeling tender, think about the hellbender.”

“Denver Zoo is committed to protecting wild species and wild places as we advance our mission of securing a better world for animals through human understanding,” said Jake Kubié, spokesperson for the Denver Zoo. “This means partnering with other like-minded organizations, like the Center for Biological Diversity, to engage our audience while conveying a solution-oriented message.”

In the past 50 years, as human population has more than doubled, wildlife populations have been halved. The United Nations predicts that global population will reach 9.8 billion by 2050 and exceed 11 billion by 2100. At the end of 2017, there were nearly 326 million people living in the United States. There are more than 7.6 billion people on the planet, with the United States ranked as the third-most populous country.

“Pillow Talk helps people understand how conscientious family planning can protect wildlife in our increasingly crowded world,” said Sarah Baillie, Endangered Species Condoms coordinator at the Center. “As our population grows and urban sprawl and agricultural development destroy wild spaces, species we know and love pay the price.”

Pillow Talk events have taken place at dozens of venues across the country since its launch in July 2017. At the events Center volunteers distribute hundreds of condoms, answer questions and help visitors get a better understanding of the environmental costs of daily actions.

The Center’s Population and Sustainability program uses creative media to promote a range of common-sense solutions, including access to family planning and reproductive health services, as well as education, opportunity and equal rights for women and girls.

Endangered species condoms

Endangered species condoms. Art by Shawn DiCriscio. Package design by Lori Lieber. Images are available for media use.

The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.6 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.

About Denver Zoo: Home to 3,700 animals, representing nearly 600 species, Denver Zoo is committed to species conservation by bringing science education to life and providing extraordinary experiences that foster human and animal connections. It is the most visited cultural destination in Colorado, serving more than 2 million people per year. Located in Denver’s City Park, the Zoo is a nonprofit organization accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which assures the highest standards of animal care. With the mission to secure a better world for animals through human understanding, Denver Zoo dedicates more than $2 million annually to zoo-led programs aimed at protecting animals within their natural habitats around the world.

www.biologicaldiversity.org

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