FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                             August 25, 2009

A “ZOOPER” JOB: OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO NAMES EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

CONTACTS:      

Tara Henson: (405) 425-0219, cell (405) 919-9038 or thenson@okczoo.com

Candice Rennels: (405) 425-0298, cell (405) 412-6172 or crennels@okczoo.com

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden proudly announces the 2009 Ralph D. Harris Employee of the Year, Marketing and Public Relations Manager Candice Rennels.  The Employee of the Year award is selected each year by the Zoo’s Employee Recognition Committee and management staff.

Rennels began her Zoo career in 1994 when she served as an intern for the Zoo’s public relations department. After completing her internship, she remained with the department as a part-time PR assistant before becoming a full-tine public relations associate in 2001. She was promoted to Manager of Marketing and Public Relations in 2007.

“Candice is an excellent employee,” said Zoo Director/CEO Dwight Scott. “She is extremely self-motivated, has a positive attitude no matter what the situation and always represents the Zoo in a professional manner.”

During her tenure, Rennels has witnessed many milestones in the Zoo’s history. She assisted in coordinating the 50^th birthday party of Judy the Elephant and grand opening activities for two major exhibits – Cat Forest/Lion Overlook in 1997 and Oklahoma Trails in 2007. She helped build the Jungle Gym playground, a 30,000 square foot playground built with the help of over 6,000 members of the local community. Rennels also coordinates more than 500 volunteers annually for the Zoo’s Haunt the Zoo for Halloween, the largest Halloween celebration in the state. She also serves as the co-chair for Dreamnight, a member of the ScienceFest committee and acts as liaison to many outside agencies, companies and individuals to build events and activities at the Zoo.

“Candice comes to work because she loves this institution, and cares about the success of our Zoo and the guests that she serves,” said Tara Henson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. “She is a pleasure to work with daily, a consummate professional, and approaches work with a smile and enthusiasm that is contagious. She is a tremendous representative for the Zoo in all settings.”

A member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Rennels was on the AZA Mid-Year conference committee and assisted with planning and coordinating various aspects of the conference, which was held at the OKC Zoo in March of 2009. She also co-hosted a round table during this conference and has been accepted to present at this year’s national conference.

Aside from her Zoo duties, she also maintains membership in the Junior League of Oklahoma City (JLOC).

Rennels currently resides in Mustang with her husband and son.

Along with the title of Employee of the Year, Rennels will receive a plaque, 16 hours of paid leave, a $25 Zoo gift card, a $200 VISA gift card and lunch or breakfast with the Zoo’s Executive Director.

Recognized as one of the top three family friendly zoos in the nation and the state’s #1 attraction, the Oklahoma City Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with exhibit buildings closing at 4:45. Through September, the Zoo will remain open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays only, with exhibit buildings closing at 7:45 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages three to 11 and seniors age 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. For more information, call the Zoo at (405) 424-3344 or visit www.okczoo.com.

-okczoo-