The Society to Save Endangered Species to Host a "Petting Zoo" for Children

GREAT EVENT!!!!!!

EUGENE, OREGON - June 12 - The Society to Save Endangered Species and its founder, Fred Smilek, are excited to be working on a petting zoo project to help educate young children on the importance of preserving the world's endangered species. This isn't your typical petting zoo, however. Instead of interacting with the real animals, kids will have a chance to see life-like model replicas of them. These models are either made out of clay molds or stuffed, with the option to purchase the stuffed animals with proceeds benefiting the Society to Save Endangered Species. "It would be impossible to track down the thousands of endangered animals all over the world and tour Oregon with them", says Fred Smilek. "Therefore, the next best idea was to have realistic models and stuffed toys that the children can relate to."

This is sure to be an event that will be fun and educational for both kids and their parents. Along with the models on display, there will be animal videos playing, delicious food and drinks, fun games and contests, and a silent auction. There will also be surprise guest appearances by TV and movie celebrities associated with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). "It is the dream of this organization to spread the message that these animals can't convey for themselves, but in a fun and lighthearted setting", claims Smilek.

The Society to Save Endangered Species began as a small group with only five students but with the support of the community is has grown to almost fifteen members. The society was started by Fred Smilek out of his garage two years ago. So far this year they have done a remarkable job in raising money to benefit endangered species. In the two years since the society was formulated they have been able to raise nearly $25,000. Fred Smilek is working closely with other organizations such as the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) in order to give rare species of animals, now bordering on the brink of extinction a fighting chance at survival.

While nothing is definite as of yet, in the coming weeks there will be set dates for the Petting Zoo as it makes its way to various cities throughout the state of Oregon. The Society to Save Endangered Species believes the tour will begin around the middle of July. More information about the Society to Save Endangered Species' Petting Zoo will be posted as it becomes available at www.fredjsmilek.com.