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Hacker Group Anonymous Claims Break In of EXPO Milano 2015 Ticketing System

Milan, Italy (May 18, 2015) — Jeff Stone reports in the International Business Times:

“The Anonymous hacking collective claims to have stolen 1 terabyte, or 1,000 gigabytes, of data from Best Union, a European company that manages online ticketing for the Expo 2015 Universal Exposition festival in Milan, Italy. The data breach has not been confirmed by any official sources, though a series of tweets from recognized Anonymous accounts claim responsibility for stealing what could be millions of passwords.

“Anonymous’ Operation Italy, known on Twitter simply as #OpItaly, launched an April 30 distributed denial of service attack on the world’s fair festival, protesting the idea of globalization. The cyber attacks continued on and off for two days, then largely ceased until reports Monday that Anonymous infiltrated Best Union’s password storage. Screenshot images of the purported passwords first appeared on Twitter Saturday accompanied by messages threatening Best Union and Expo 2015 organizers.”

FULL STORY

Finding Nemo Themed Simulator to Replace StormRider at Tokyo DisneySea

Urayasu, Chiba, Japan (May 19, 2015) — Oriental Land Co., Ltd. announced that a new attraction will open in Port Discovery at Tokyo DisneySea Park in spring 2017. The new attraction will be themed to the world of the Disney/Pixar films Finding Nemo and Finding Dory (to be released in 2016). This indoor attraction will immerse Guests in the underwater world of these popular stories by using a ride system that seamlessly blends visuals from the films with a motion system.

Boarding a submarine that “shrinks” to the size of a fish, Guests can explore the vast underwater world from the same point of view as Nemo and Dory. Guests can meet different characters and make new discoveries when they ride.

Fish themed submarine
Fish themed submarine

In addition, the production staff of Finding Dory (to be released in July 2016) will be involved in the creation of visuals for this attraction. Beautiful ocean scenery can be enjoyed on screen in this attraction.

With the opening of this attraction, StormRider will close permanently around mid-May 2016.

 

CBRE Lists 60.8 Acre Parcel Including Former Proposed Sites of Las Ramblas Resort and W Las Vegas

ABOVE: Concept artwork for W Las Vegas.

Las Vegas, NV (May 18, 2015) — John Knott, executive vice president, CBRE Las Vegas, and Michael Parks, first vice president, CBRE Las Vegas, who, together head CBRE Las Vegas’ Global Gaming Group, announce their listing of a 60.8-acre parcel located on the northeast corner of Harmon Ave. and Koval Lane within the city’s famed resort corridor between Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

The 60.45-acre property is the consolidation of three sites that were previously slated for the Las Ramblas Resort, the W Las Vegas (wlasvegas.com) and an urban D.R. Horton development. The Las Ramblas Resort, a proposed hotel, resort and casino project owned by a group of investors that included George Clooney and Rande Gerber, called for 11 towers encompassing a 4,400 room luxury hotel, condominium residences, a spa and health club, nightclubs and a casino. The Las Ramblas project was cancelled in 2006. The W Las Vegas, which also did not come to fruition, was a proposed condo-hotel project that was to include 4,000 hotel rooms and residences with a casino and an assortment of shops and restaurants [EDITOR’S UPDATE 12 January 2017: The W Las Vegas is now open as part of the SLS Las Vegas Resort, formerly The Sahara]. The planned D. R. Horton development was slated to include 1,000 residential units over a ground-level grocery store and retail strip.

The entire 60.45-acre property was purchased by a large investment firm in 2007.  In 2009, this group obtained a special use permit for over 8 million square feet of development.  That use permit is still valid today. In 2014, the site was subsequently foreclosed upon by a consortium of lenders. CBRE is representing the owners in the sale of the property.

According to Knott, this is one of the most exciting properties to become available in Las Vegas in many years.  “Situated between two iconic properties – Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock – this parcel is ripe for development,” said Knott.  “As the global and local economy rebounds and 2014 visitation to Las Vegas topped 41 million tourists, the time is perfect for the right visionary to realize the potential of this incredibly valuable piece of Las Vegas real estate.  The possibilities are endless and exciting.”

In addition to proximity to the Las Vegas Strip and a prime resort location, the property is located close to the Las Vegas Convention Center, one of the busiest convention venues in the country.  The area will soon be transformed as the Las Vegas Global Business District via a planned 10-year, $2.5 billion expansion and redevelopment initiative that will significantly enhance the Convention Center, add a World Trade Center and improve the entire area via aesthetic enhancements and technology upgrades.

CBRE is the world’s largest full service commercial real estate services and investment firm with 90 employees in Las Vegas.

Newest LEGOLAND Hotel Opens in Florida

Winter Haven, FL, USA /PRNewswire/ — LEGOLAND Hotel at LEGOLAND Florida Resort opened on Friday, May 15, marking the expansion of the resort to become an immersive, multi-day experience for families. The grand opening was honored with thousands of colorful LEGO minifigures blasting out of cannons atop the hotel and a child discovering a key to open the hotel built for kids.

The LEGOLAND Hotel debuts several features unique to LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

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The Hotel offers the only LEGO Friends themed guest rooms in the U.S., and the only LEGO Friends themed suite in the world. Based on the popular LEGO Friends product line, this room theme is closely modeled after the five LEGO Friends.

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LEGOLAND Hotel is also offering Hotel guests exclusive access to a Master Model Builder Workshop by being the first LEGOLAND Resort to move its Model Shop inside the Hotel. Hotel guests will be able to build side-by-side with a Master Model Builder during daily build sessions.

“LEGOLAND Florida Resort is continuously expanding, making it an awesome place for families with children to stay for multiple days. The addition of LEGOLAND Hotel makes that possible,” said Adrian Jones, General Manager, LEGOLAND Florida Resort. “The hotel is a fully immersive experience, with a number of exclusive features unique to LEGOLAND Florida Resort. We’re excited to welcome families to stay and play with us for the first time in Florida!”

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LEGOLAND Hotel features 152 guest rooms and suites across four themes: Pirate, Kingdom, Adventure, and LEGO Friends. Guests of the Hotel also enjoy early access to LEGOLAND Florida Resort, free full breakfast daily, interactive play areas, daily/nightly entertainment, disco elevator, resort pool and much more.

Each room sleeps up to five, and offers a king-sized bed for adults and a separate sleeping area for up to three children, featuring a bunk bed, trundle bed, and two flat panel TVs. VIP Suites feature a king bed, living room, pull out sofa, kids’ play area and three flat panel TVs. Suites can sleep up to nine. All rooms and suites feature LEGO models and a treasure chest, which can be unlocked only by completing a hotel scavenger hunt.

Room rates begin at $219/night. For reservations, visit LEGOLANDHotel.com.

New Retail and Dining Venues Announced for Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort

Lake Buena Vista, FL (May 15, 2015) — New high-profile tenants, including fashion retailers Zara, Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, UNIQLO and PANDORA, are the latest to sign on as Downtown Disney continues its expansion into Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.

Today, a total of 13 new tenants were announced, including eight retail shops. With new retailers already aboard and new restaurants either open or coming soon, Downtown Disney is transforming into an exciting new waterfront district for world-class shopping, unique dining, and high-quality entertainment.

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By the time it’s complete in 2016, Disney Springs will double the number of shops and restaurants currently found at Downtown Disney and grow to more than 1 million square feet, including 350,000 square feet of new leasable space. Disney Springs will include four distinct, outdoor neighborhoods with a high-quality, diverse mix of retailers – including premium, affordable luxury and fast fashion options. Sophisticated restaurants will provide experiences for families and convention-guests alike.

“Over the past few months we have opened several new dining and retail locations, which have quickly become the top producers in their chains,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “This type of momentum builds on the historical strength of the Downtown Disney area and its popularity with our guests from around the world as it evolves into Disney Springs,” he said.

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Announced today coming to Disney Springs:

RETAIL

Zara: Owned by the Inditex Group, one of the world’s largest fashion retail groups. Zara is known for its men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories, and how it expertly interprets current fashion and style trends of the season, delivering original designs to the consumer in a matter of weeks.

Tommy Bahama: Iconic island lifestyle brand Tommy Bahama embodies relaxed sophistication. The hallmarks of this casual collection include island-inspired sportswear, denim, and swimwear for men and women in luxuriously soft silks and cottons, richly woven textures and eclectic prints.

Lilly Pulitzer: The authentic American resort wear brand, Lilly Pulitzer, is landing in the heart of Disney and will be offering their clothing and accessories, optimistic outlook, and happy prints to those who’ve loved the brand for years and new Lilly Girls out there. 

UNIQLO: Leading global retailer UNIQLO designs, manufactures, and sells casual apparel that comes from the company’s Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. The simplest design hides the most thoughtful details in clothing that is constantly being innovated to bring more warmth and lightness, better design and comfort to people’s lives.

PANDORA: Building on its existing relationship with Disney Parks, the popular jewelry brand offers classic yet modern charm bracelets, along with necklaces, rings and earrings, as well as a line of exclusive Disney-themed jewelry.

UGG: The UGG® brand is recognized as a premium lifestyle brand offering men’s, women’s and kid’s footwear as well as loungewear, outerwear, home products, cold weather accessories and handbags.

L’Occitane en Provence: L’Occitane en Provence is an international skincare and beauty line celebrating the culture and beauty of Provence, France.

Edward Beiner: A leading eyewear designer, purveyor and retailer, Edward Beiner offers today’s aspiring lifestyle-oriented customer the world’s most original, authentic and innovative designer, fashion and high performance eyewear.

DINING

Edison: Inspired by The Edison venue in Los Angeles, this lavish “Industrial Gothic” -style restaurant, bar and nighttime destination is themed to a 1920s-period power plant, recalling an exuberant era of invention and imagination. It will feature exceptionally good classic American food, craft cocktails and live entertainment including cabaret and music.

Sprinkles: The world’s first cupcake bakery, as named by Food Network and others, serves up handcrafted cupcakes, slow churned ice cream and homemade cookies. Their innovative Cupcake ATM satisfies sweet-toothed epicureans 24/7.

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza: Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza is a modern day “pizza joint” known for its custom-built artisanal pizzas, freshly made salads, blood orange lemonade and s’more pies. The fast-casual restaurant features an interactive assembly-line format that allows guests to customize their pizza, choosing from over 40 fresh, artisanal toppings – all for one price. The generously sized, 11-inch pizzas are “fast-fired” in a blazing hot open-flame oven and ready to enjoy in just 180 seconds.

Vivoli Gelateria: Vivoli Gelateria serves expertly crafted gelato made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, panini sandwiches and espresso drinks.

Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’s: Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’s specializes in premium loose-leaf teas (hot, iced, blended) featuring customs blends, accessories and packaged teas from all over the globe; created to go or for a tea experience in the café.

Nine venues have opened over the past few months at Disney Springs and include:

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The BOATHOUSE: An upscale waterfront dining experience showcasing steaks, chops, fresh seafood and a raw bar. Built over the water, the 600-seat, nautically themed restaurant also features a display of rare dream boats from the 1930s -1950s, a beautifully crafted water taxi and a fleet of amphibious autos, called amphicars. This unique restaurant was designed by Shussler Creative, which created other restaurant / retail attractions at Walt Disney World Resort, including Rainforest Café, T-REX and Yak & Yeti Restaurant. The BOATHOUSE is managed by Gibsons Restaurant Group.

Erwin Pearl: Offering a fine selection of enamel, precious and semi-precious fashion jewelry marked by style, creativity and outstanding quality.

APEX by Sunglass Hut: Offering the latest in sports and activewear sunglasses. Guests can try on frames and use a lens simulator to test how their lens would perform in a variety of outdoor environments and weather conditions.

Chapel Hats: Specializing in fashion hats and headwear for all ages. The store carries a variety of hats including fedoras, floppy hats, fascinators and more.

Art of Shaving: Premium shaving shop offering men’s grooming essentials.

Sanuk: The Sanuk brand is known for its street-style casual footwear inspired by a Southern California heritage and a “never uncomfortable” attitude.

Sound Lion: Offering the latest technology in headphones, ear buds, speakers, wireless music players and other digital sound and music products.

havaianas: Specializing in a wide array of fun footwear and accessories, including a station where guests can create their own flip-flops.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC: Offering a full selection of gluten-free, vegan baked goods such as award-winning donuts, cupcakes, cookies, bagels (with vegan butter) and savory items.

Recently announced and opening in Fall 2015:

Morimoto Asia: World-renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto and the Patina Restaurant Group will open Morimoto Asia, Morimoto’s first Pan-Asian restaurant at Disney Springs. Morimoto Asia’s culinary elements will provide flavors from across Asia, while exhibition kitchens will showcase the continent’s traditions. Included among them are street-food stalls, Peking duck carving, and dim sum.

STK Orlando:  STK Orlando will offer a modern twist on the traditional American steakhouse featuring an innovative menu mixed with a high-energy atmosphere, complete with a sleek lounge with a DJ and rooftop dining.  At approximately 14,000 square feet, the Orlando outpost will be one of the largest STK locations.

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Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar: With a storyline centered on the pilot from the “Indiana Jones” films, this aviation- themed lounge will feature unique drinks and small plates. Themed décor like propeller-based ceiling fans, vintage travel posters and correspondence between Jock and Indy will immerse guests in a world of adventure.

Existing Downtown Disney properties making significant investments include:

Paradiso 37: Undergoing an expansion, Paradiso 37 is capitalizing on its beautiful waterfront setting. As part of its renovation, the restaurant is doubling its seating, adding more terrace dining and building a new outdoor performance stage.

Planet Hollywood: Transforming its flagship venue, Planet Hollywood will become a star-themed Planet Hollywood Observatory to match the look and feel of Disney Springs. As part of the makeover, the venue will add a new outdoor terrace and bar space called Stargazers and feature live entertainment.

BRC Imagination Arts Joins Forces with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop to Create Mobile Mascot for EU Pavilion at EXPO Milano 2015

Eindhoven, The Netherlands (May 13, 2015) — BRC Imagination Arts, an experience design agency that “Turns Brands Into Destinations,” has partnered with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, the pre-eminent character-building and visual effects group, to create the world’s first mobile mascot for a World Expo. The mascot will extend the message of “Growing Europe’s Future Together for a Better World” to attendees anywhere on the Expo grounds, as well as into the streets and piazzas of Milan.

“BRC Imagination Arts has created World Expo experiences for more than three decades, but until now we have been constrained by the physical confines of the expo pavilion itself,” said BRC Imagination Arts Executive Creative Director and Vice President Christian Lachel. “From our earliest conversations, the European Union wanted a deeply engaging, emotionally evocative, transmedia experience that could touch the greatest number of people possible. By partnering with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop to create this traveling mascot, we transcend the Expo’s physical boundaries and make people part of the story in ways that have never been done before.”

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The mascot is based on the litter of puppies from the film “The Golden Ear” which is part of the overall story-driven media and asset package recently completed and delivered by BRC Imagination Arts for the Expo.

“This mascot experience is very interactive. We created animatronic versions of the puppies, and a custom bicycle with integrated controls that animate them in their engagement with guests,” said Peter Brooke, Creative Supervisor of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. “This experience perfectly represents Jim Henson’s Creature Shop’s brand and the stellar integration fans have come to expect. We are inspired by innovative ways to bring characters to life and this project takes the story beyond the screen and makes it completely immersive, so everyone who encounters it shapes the story in their own way.”

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In addition to the film and physical mascot, the characters also extend to digital games, social media and physical merchandise.

BRC Imagination Arts has created award-winning World Expo experiences for more than 30 years. The company’s World Expo client list includes the United States at Aichi Expo 2005 and Shanghai Expo 2010; China Mobile and China Telecom at Shanghai Expo 2010; as well as 16 others.

Color Reflections Supplies Graphics to Atlanta’s New College Football Hall of Fame

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Las Vegas, NV, USA — Color Reflections Las Vegas is proud to be part of the team that brought the new College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience onto the playing field. After nearly 18 months of construction and its move from South Bend, Indiana, to Atlanta, the CHF opened on August 23 – the first weekend of college football season.

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The amazing facility features historic and contemporary artifacts, interactive multimedia displays, kids’ activities, a theater with an ultra-high-def 4K film, meeting facilities and private event spaces. Radio frequency identification technology is embedded in each ticket so that you can personalize your experience with your favorite teams.

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Color Reflections Las Vegas and Atlanta played a big part in getting fans into the game, producing several different graphic media. Our full-color window graphics, wallpaper graphics, print direct-to-glass panels, duratrans and cut vinyl window graphics are found throughout the 94,000 square-foot space.

Audubon Institute Joins with AZA to Bring Attention to Endangered Species

ABOVE: Whooping Crane. Courtesy National Audubon Society.

New Orleans, LA, USA (May 15, 2015)  — Today is the 10th anniversary of Endangered Species Day, and to highlight the growing importance of working to save endangered species from extinction, Audubon Nature Institute will have endangered whooping cranes and African penguins “vanish” from their exhibits.

“This is a critically important time for the future of wildlife. Audubon Nature Institute works in partnership with programs around the world to boost numbers of disappearing species,” said Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO Ron Forman.  “Today, we are asking our visitors to pause and consider what extinction looks and feels like in a collaborative effort to motivate and inspire them to join Audubon Nature Institute and other accredited zoos and aquariums in our efforts to save animals from extinction.”

The “vanishing animals” from Audubon Nature Institute are part of a larger, national effort organized by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, of which Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium are members. Specifically, the 229 accredited members of the AZA are coming together in a variety of ways to raise awareness of the efforts to save animals from extinction and to help launch AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE).

For decades, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have been leaders in species survival, and already are working to restore more than 30 species to healthy wild populations, including the American bison, the California condor and a variety of aquatic species.

Through SAFE, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums will convene scientists and stakeholders globally to identify the factors threatening species, develop Conservation Action Plans, collect new resources and engage the public.

In 2015, SAFE will focus on 10 species and then add an additional 10 species each year for the next 10 years. The inaugural 10 species include: African penguin, Asian elephants, Black rhinoceros, cheetah, gorilla, sea turtles, vaquita, sharks and rays, Western pond turtle and Whooping Crane.

“AZA aquarium and zoo conservationists have identified more than 100 species facing the greatest threats and where accredited zoos and aquariums have unique conservation and science knowledge to contribute,” Jim Maddy, AZA President and CEO, said.  “Today, we’re demonstrating just how profound the loss would be if we don’t take action now to protect wildlife. More importantly, we are also explaining to the public just what AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are doing to save animals from extinction.”

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Audubon Nature Institute is involved with conservation efforts including:

  • African Penguin breeding program – As a Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding facility, Audubon works to build genetically-diverse captive populations to ensure the survival of threatened or endangered species. Audubon has raised 51 penguins since opening in 1990. Audubon broke its record in 2013 with 11 chicks hatched in one year.
  • Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center – works to boost dwindling populations of disappearing animal species. In large, minimally-developed enclosures, species such as sandhill cranes, whooping cranes, several species of endangered storks, clouded leopards, Mexican grey wolves, red wolves, bongo antelope and eland have lived and bred in seclusion.
  • The Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program (LMMSTRP) – coordinated by Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, is the primary response partner for the state of Louisiana for rehabilitating marine mammals (dolphins, whales and manatees) and sea turtles.
  • Audubon whooping crane recovery program – critical research and animal care efforts that will help restore this endangered species to its native Louisiana.
  • Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries (G.U.L.F) – works to assure the Gulf region’s seafood is sustainable and to provide leadership in the field of responsible management.
  • Amur leopard  – part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP),  Audubon has heralded the births of 12 leopard cubs since 1998. In addition to the efforts of our captive breeding program, Audubon Zoo has made financial contributions to aid in habitat protection and in situ research of this magnificent animal.
  • Louisiana Pine Snake – Audubon is one of the most important participants in this SSP, consistently reproducing multiple clutches each year, several of which have been released into the wild. The Louisiana Pine Snake is considered to be the most endangered vertebrate in North America.
  • Mississippi Gopher Frogs  – Mississippi Gopher Frogs are generally considered extinct in Louisiana and are an endangered species in Mississippi. Audubon Zoo is one of only four zoos maintaining this critically endangered amphibian. In addition, Audubon Zoo has made financial contributions to aid in research and habitat protection.
  • Alliance for Sustainable Wildlife (ASW) – the newest program to launch at the Survival Center, ASW is a partnership between Audubon Nature Institute and San Diego Zoo Global. This program will devise strategies to ensure sustainable populations of zoo animals as a haven for more than two dozen mammal and bird species that are declining in population.

Public Asked to Help Save Animals from Extinction
One of the easiest ways that the public can take part in conservation efforts is to visit Audubon Nature Institute attractions.  Doing so directly supports the collaborative efforts of hundreds of researchers, field conservationists and scientists from AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums working to save animals from extinction.

For more information about SAFE, visit www.azaanimals.org/savingspecies.
To learn more about Audubon’s work to save animals from extinction, visit www.auduboninstitute.org/conservation and follow the online conversation on May 15 via #savingspecies.

Busch Gardens and SeaWorld Celebrate Endangered Species Day

Tampa, FL, USA (May 15, 2015) Today is the 10th Anniversary of Endangered Species Day and SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks are working with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) to highlight species threatened with extinction.

SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are partnering with AZA, as well as AZA-accredited facilities around the country, to raise awareness for the Saving Animals From Extinction, or SAFE, program on Endangered Species Day.  This new collaboration builds on the existing conservation efforts by the nation’s 229 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.

In 2015, SAFE will focus on 10 species, including the sea turtle, sharks, African penguins, cheetahs, Asian elephants, black rhinoceros, gorillas, vaquita porpoises, western pond turtles and whooping cranes.

SeaWorld and Busch Gardens together maintain one of the largest zoological populations in North America — more than 89,000 animals — and are directly working to help protect eight of these 10 species.

Efforts include species display, education and awareness, species breeding programs, and financial support through the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.  The parks also are encouraging their many fans to follow the online conversation on social media  through posting new content and by using the hashtag #savingspecies.

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The eight species directly helped by the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks include:  

  • –Sea turtle
  • –Shark
  • –African penguin
  • –Cheetah
  • –Asian elephant
  • –Black rhinoceros
  • –Gorilla
  • –Vaquita

At Busch Gardens today, in addition to regular “keeper talks,” guests will have the opportunity to learn specifically about cheetahs and African penguins and hear how they can help sustain these endangered species:

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Since its inception, the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has contributed over $300,000 and supported nearly 30 cheetah conservation projects across the globe. Additionally, Busch Gardens recently welcomed two cheetah cubs as part of the AZA Species Survival Plan® (SSP). The mission of the SSP is to cooperatively manage specific, and typically threatened or endangered, species populations within AZA-accredited facilities. Busch Gardens’ participation helps create genetically diverse, self-sustaining populations to guarantee the long-term future of these animals.

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The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund also has contributed more than $116,000 to support several African penguin conservation initiatives in South Africa. The conservation and education work continues back at Busch Gardens with the addition of a brand new habitat, as well as three penguin hatchlings since December 2014, as part of the park’s participation in the AZA SSP.

SAFE harnesses the collective power and infrastructure, along with additional funding and resources, to target specific endangered species and save them from extinction by restoring healthy populations in the wild. Through SAFE, AZA and its members will convene scientists and global stakeholders to identify factors threatening species, develop Conservation Action Plans, collect new resources and engage the public.

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund was established as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit private foundation in 2003, and initially provided resources for a wide variety of conservation programs worldwide that aligned with four key areas: animal rescue and rehabilitation, conservation education, habitat protection and species research. Since its creation, the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has awarded over $11 million in conservation grants to over 800 organizations.  Currently, the Fund provides over $1 million each year to conservation programs. For more information, visit swbg-conservationfund.org.

PHOTOS: Opening of Voyage to the Iron Reef from Knott’s Berry Farm and TRIOTECH

Buena Park, CA, USA (May 15, 2015) — On Wednesday, May 13, Knott’s Berry Farm held its opening ceremony for Voyage to the Iron Reef, the park’s new 4D dark ride shooter designed by Knott’s in conjunction with TRIOTECH. InPark News Editor Joe Kleiman was there and here are some of his photos of the event.  A behind the scenes look at the design of the new attraction will appear in an upcoming issue of InPark Magazine.

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Knott’s General Manager Raffi Kaprelyan speaks with Disney Legend and former Imagineer Bob Gurr before the ceremony.  Gurr recounted to the crowd his experience working on Kingdom of the Dinosaurs in the 1980’s, a dark ride which occupied the same space as Voyage to the Iron Reef.  He also gave high accolades to the new attraction from Knott’s and TRIOTECH.

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The opening ceremony begins.

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Knott’s GM Rafi Kaprelyan welcomes the crowd.

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The captain and his friend prepare to christen the new ride.

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Costumed characters welcomed us onto the ride and encouraged us to destroy the Kraken Queen and her minions.

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The forgotten heroes of opening ceremony confetti blasts.

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Christian Martin of TRIOTECH (Right) is interviewed for a podcast.

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Steampunk inspired nautical costumes were created by Lara Hanneman, Knott’s Director of Entertainment Production, and her team, who also came up with the concept for Voyage to the Iron Reef.