Hess Corporation announced today that it has given out $23,500 in donations over two years to the New Habitat for a New Century capital campaign at the Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot. The zoo campaign donations will go toward the public announcement system to aid zookeepers at both the new lion and tiger exhibits and educational signage to help the zoo staff tell the story of the majestic animals they are helping to preserve.

“This Hess donation will go a long way in terms of conservation and education, two critical elements of our mission as we are working hard to promote wildlife understanding at the zoo,” said Becky Dewitz, Roosevelt Park Zoo director. “The Roosevelt Park Zoo Centennial Capital Campaign is an investment in the culture of our community and through generous donations from corporations like Hess and others we can achieve the goal of enriching lives in the greater Minot area.”

The campaign is focused on improving aged 1970s infrastructure that houses the zoo’s big cats. Dewitz says the zoo has currently $4.7 million pledged toward the $5.8 million goal. The Amur Tiger and African Lion exhibits will be upgraded in a big way as a result of these exhibits, with one exhibit growing from 1,200 square feet to nearly 16,000 square feet.

“We are proud to do our part in the conservation of these amazing big cats, as we take pride in what the Roosevelt Park Zoo is doing for animals,” said Brent Lohnes, Hess general manager. “With construction on the zoo improvements starting to wrap up soon, the final product will be an asset many in the region will be able to enjoy. We are pleased to support programs that aim to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in the communities where we live and work.”

For more information on the New Habitat for a New Century: Roosevelt Park Zoo Centennial Capital Campaign go to www.rpzoo.com.