Today, September 4th, 2012, was the ceremonial groundbreaking for the International Orangutan Center at the Indianapolis Zoo. Construction gets underway later this month, and the whole complex opens Memorial Day weekend in 2014.
I was really moved by today’s event – and so were about 200 people who attended.
Board Chair Allen Cohen gave a terrific intro, and set the stage perfectly. Governor Mitch Daniels talked about the endangered status of wild orangutans – I was impressed. What a positive thing to have our governor express care and concern about one of the world’s most endangered primates. Well done Mitch.
Mayor Greg Ballard was also there, and genuinely enthusiastic about the project. He noted that the project will be a jewel for the city, and a great way to introduce science to kids. Correct on both counts!
Mike Crowther, CEO of the Zoo, was inspirational. He’s dedicated to the conservation of orangutans, and is finding innovative ways to get the job done.
When it comes to the conservation of orangutans, good news is hard to come by – but not if you were in Indianapolis today.