TARONGA'S 'OCEANS 13' PLEDGE MORE THAN $230,000 AT ICEBERGS LAUNCH FOR MARINE WILDLIFE

Of all the cats the Snow Leopard has the thickest coat which provides warmth during the extreme winters.

The Taronga Foundation launched its OCEANS 100 fundraising campaign at Bondi's Icebergs Dining Room & Bar on March 14, raising more than $230,000 for marine wildlife.

This campaign invited 100 key supporters to help raise a million dollars for Taronga Zoo's conservation, research and education programs for the marine animals and birds of the Great Southern Oceans. The contribution is vital to the completion of Taronga's new Great Southern Oceans exhibit.

The Taronga Foundation Chairman, Maurice L Newman AC, said: "I am delighted to be one of the first thirteen who have pledged at least $10,000 each towards this new appeal."

The appeal's 'OCEANS 13', who pledged their support in advance, include Foundation Chairman Maurice L Newman AC, Zoo Chairman Len Bleasel AM, Antonia Kidman and Angus Hawley, Nigel Adams, Rebel Penfold-Russell, Prue and Andrew Kennard, Camilla Boyd, Bradley Trevor Greive, Dawn O'Donnell and Jeremy Garling. At the event, additional pledges were received from Bob and Judy Swan, Paul and Sandra Salteri, and Steve and Linda Fanale, with each couple taking home a gorgeous life-sized Emperor Penguin as a thank you for their generosity.

"It is fantastic that people are prepared to make such a significant contribution to help the Zoo make a difference to the future of our marine environment. We are hoping that by June 2008 we will have been joined by others so we can turn '100 into a million' and provide some of the world's finest breeding, rehabilitation and display facilities for Taronga Zoo's marine animals and birds" Mr Newman said.

"In the face of the potentially grim impact of climate change, Taronga Zoo has a real mission to help people understand the importance of the oceans that surround us. I believe that our wonderful supporters acknowledge this, which is why they have responded so generously to this appeal."

There are many other ways in which you can support The Taronga Foundation's Great Southern Oceans appeal, including attending the Establishment Dinner at Establishment Hotel on Thursday 24 May 2007.

Other ways to support the Taronga Foundation's Great Southern Oceans appeal: