The Palm Beach Zoo held it 2nd annual “Save the Panther 5k “ on Jan. 3, 2015.
Advocating on behalf of panthers, the Palm Beach Zoo gave participants a fun and unique opportunity to help protect this endangered and iconic species in a way to rally up your friends, family and even the kooky neighbors down the street to participate in an event that represents something more.
As participants lined up for race day check-in, they were greeted by explosive and high-volume music to be sure to pump up even the most tired of racers.
Save the Panther 5K Event at Palm Beach Zoo
Starting at 7:30 a.m., participants set their mark at the Zoo’s parking lot and go through Dreher Park, entering the Zoo on the west side. Getting a sneak peak into the Zoo’s wildlife, the running path passed by the Wallaby Viewing station, Fennec Fox exhibit, Ocelots, Siamang Island and more on the way to the finish line. Runners celebrated their big finish and cooled down by ending in the Interactive Fountain by the Zoo’s entrance.
For the first time, the Palm Beach Zoo used chip time instead of gun time. For all the competitive runners out there and maybe those who enjoy keeping track of their progress, they had a more accurate account of true running talent. Typically attached to the race bib or shoe, the chip registered their start of the race as they moved across a special mat at the starting line. Then, as runners crossed the finish line, the timing technology recorded exactly when they finished.
The Palm Beach Zoo isn’t just about protecting the wildlife, but the life they live in as well. As a green certified race, the Zoo recycles everything from banners to barricades. They strongly minimize the use of paper, plastics or anything that isn’t recyclable friendly. They donate old, worn-out running shoes, leaving no foot behind. Their top three medals are even produced from recycled metals. But, there’s more to this race than collecting a medal or gloating to your friends about your record beating time. We’re talking about the Florida panthers.
About the Florida Panther
Florida Panthers are usually found in pinelands, hardwood hammocks, and mixed swamp forests, but with an increase in human expansion a large portion of their habitat has been destroyed. What these big cats once called home, has now been developed into mining and mineral extraction sites, roadways and housing developments.
Decreasing in numbers every year, there are less than 100 wild panthers in Florida. This makes them one of the most rare and endangered mammals in the world. Collisions with motor vehicles are the leading human cause of panther deaths, reaching a record high of 19 deaths in 2012 alone.
Everyday the Palm Beach Zoo educates guests about how important the Florida panther is to our ecosystem and what you can do to help protect them. Register NOW and join the Zoo in their fight to saving Florida’s state animal.
During the rate today (Saturday, January 3rd, 2015), the first 500 participants to register received a free t-shirt that marked a day filled with giving and supporting the Florida panthers.
Save the Panther 5K Event at Palm Beach Zoo was an event by the Palm Beach Zoo on January 3, 2015.
