Chattanooga Zoo has entered a conservation partnership with local brewery and restaurant, Terminal Brewhouse. For the next six weeks, beer fans can visit Terminal Brewhouse and enjoy a pint of its special seasonal, Hellbender Heifeweizen. Ten percent of all proceeds from sales of this special brew will go directly to support the Chattanooga Zoo’s hellbender conservation and research efforts.
“We are excited to have a conservation partner in Terminal Brewhouse”, says David Hedrick, lead ectotherm keeper. “The Hellbender has suffered extreme decline throughout most of its range and the Chattanooga Zoo is part of the effort to assess east Tennessee's wild populations and establish husbandry techniques to breed them in captivity. Support from the sale of Hellbender Hefeweizen will go directly to support our work with this species and hopefully preserve the eastern Hellbender for generations to come”.
Terminal Brewhouse founder, Matt Lewis adds, “Terminal Brewhouse is thrilled to partner with the Chattanooga Zoo in the effort to save the native Hellbender salamander. We look forward to raising research funds for this amazing animal through our Hellbender Hefeweizen sales. Saving a life has never tasted so good.”
Hellbender Heifeweizen is currently available on tap at the Terminal Brewhouse. Fans will have a chance to also sample this conservation cocktail at the Chattanooga Zoo’s upcoming Banana Ball event on Saturday, Oct. 13. For more information on Hellbenders, visit: www.hellbenders.org. To contribute or help support the Chattanooga Zoo’s critical conservation work, visit www.chattzoo.org or purchase your tickets for Banana Ball at: www.bananaball2012.com
The 14-acre Chattanooga Zoo (historically referred to as the Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park) is accredited by the national Association of Zoos and Aquariums, assuring high standards of animal care and husbandry. The Zoo is dedicated to its mission of engaging and inspiring all citizens of the community to better understand and preserve wildlife by creating meaningful connections between people and animals. With its intimate, innovative exhibits, wide-ranging education offerings and commitment to conservation, the Chattanooga Zoo fills a unique niche within the community. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. In 2012, the Chattanooga Zoo will be celebrating its 75th anniversary. For more information, visit www.chattzoo.org.