Monterrey Hotels Unite in Effort to Help Save La Pastora Zoo Park – Mexico

“Hampton(R) Hotels’ (www.hampton.com) “Explore the Highway with Hampton Save-A-Landmark”(R) has expanded its award-winning program into Latin America for the first time, in a nod to the United Nations’ International Volunteer Day on December 5. Monterrey Hampton Hotel volunteers restored portions of Parque Zoologico La Pastora, the largest zoo in north Mexico and home to more than 150 animals. Zebras, tigers and crocodiles have benefited from the much-needed improvements to the zoo’s physical structures and landscaping as well as the Hampton brand’s contribution of $40,000 toward the continued upkeep of La Pastora zoo.

More than 100 volunteers from Hampton hotels in the Monterrey-area combined forces with the Parque y Vida Silvestre de Nuevo Leon at this prized landmark to ensure the preservation of the zoo. Coats of fresh paint were applied to several buildings, bigger than life animal statues were polished until they glistened and the center fountain was restored. All together, an estimated 300 hours were spent in meticulous preparation and careful execution of these tasks.

“Our Save-A-Landmark work extends globally to help to preserve and restore important historic and cultural sites,” said Judy Christa-Cathey, vice-president of brand marketing for Hampton. “It’s not just these locations that we are assisting – it’s providing the assurance that generations of visitors will experience the zoo with
their families.”

The Parque Zoologico La Pastora is a “must see” for anyone visiting the city of Monterrey. Part of a larger park, the zoo is surrounded by a vast expanse of natural terrain, creating a secluded habitat. The animals reside in spaces designed to simulate their natural environment, creating a unique educational opportunity for visitors who would otherwise be unlikely to stand in the presence of these powerful creatures or experience the awe of the exotic locations they come from. In July of 2006, La Pastora became the first zoo in all of Mexico to welcome the birth of an African Elephant.

For those interested in wild animals and local landmarks, they can access the Hampton “Hidden Landmarks” Web-site (www.hamptonlandmarks.com) of more than 1,000 other landmarks, such as:

– The Big Duck, Flanders, N.Y.: This 20-foot-tall, 40-foot-wide gift shop was built in 1931 to lure travelers to purchase Peking ducks. Known as the “world’s largest duck,” the Big Duck is not only a treasured Long Island landmark, but is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

– Everglades Alligator Farm, Florida City, Fla.: Known as the first commercial alligator farm in the state of Florida, this attraction features more than 3,000 alligators and daily snake, alligator and reptile shows.

– Henry’s Rabbit Ranch, Staunton, Ill.: Constructed in the early 1990′s to resemble a 1940′s-era gas station, this attraction is a modern day addition to the rich tradition of Route 66, complete with Mother Road memorabilia, exhibits and, of course, rabbits.

– American Rattlesnake Museum, Albuquerque, N.M.: Host to more snake species than the Bronx, Philadelphia, National, Denver, San Francisco and San Diego Zoos combined, the Rattlesnake Museum showcases numerous artifacts, memorabilia and the world’s largest collection of live rattlesnakes presented in beautifully recreated habitats.

From helping the 80-foot Blue Whale in Catoosa, Okla. to the historical National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Mass., the Hampton brand’s Save-A-Landmark program has spent the past six years preserving historical, fun and cultural landmarks across the U.S. and Canada. During this time, the program has helped research landmarks in need, promoted landmark sites and their importance, facilitated thousands of volunteer hours, donated hundreds of supplies and worked with matching grants — all at an investment of nearly $2 million. Banding its hotels together in those communities it serves, Hampton employee-volunteers provide the labor while the Hampton corporate office provides the dollars to refurbish selected sites, sometimes up to five locations per year.

Hampton Hotels encourages submission of local treasures in need to its Save-A-Landmark program; nominations can be submitted online by clicking the Save-A-Landmark icon at www.hamptonlandmarks.com or by mailing recommendations c/o Save-A-Landmark to 8730 Sunset Blvd, Fifth Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90069. “

Comments are closed.