New “staff” help spread the word                 

Norfolk, VA (SEPT. 3, 2009) – The Virginia Zoo will go smoke free today, September 3, and has brought on some special, new staff members to help spread the word.

“They are two dimensional,” notes executive director Greg Bockheim, “but are vibrant additions to the Zoo staff, and we are certain that they will be effective in spreading the word of the Zoo’s no smoking policy in a friendly way.”

The flat, new staff members are new signs drawn in the likeness of an actual zookeeper. These fun, life-size “zookeeper cutouts” will make smoke free signage friendly and visible.

Previously, smoking was permitted outdoors at the Zoo, but prohibited in buildings. As of September 3, all smoking is banned throughout the entire Zoo.

If necessary, visitors needing to leave the Zoo to smoke and then return, may request a hand stamp at the front entrance for easy access back into the Zoo.

By inspiring our visitors and others to care and act, the Virginia Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.

Executive director Greg Bockheim welcomes a new “staff” member who will help spread the word about the Virginia Zoo going smoke free.

The life-size cut-out signs are designed to look like zookeepers. Our giraffe can’t even tell the difference!