November 14, 2011

ZOO AND POSTAL OFFICIALS UNVEIL NEW STAMP TO SUPPORT ENDANGERED SPECIES
Zoo Orangutans Receive Enrichment to Celebrate, Orangutans Benefit from the Stamp

Denver Postmaster Mark Talbott joins Denver Zoo Area Supervisor Michael Stern to unveil the Save Vanishing Species semipostal stamp that will help support endangered species. Proceeds will go to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support its Multinational Species Conservation Funds that support the Great Ape Conservation Fund, African Elephant Conservation Fund, the Asian Elephant Conservation Fund, the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund and the Marine Turtle Conservation Fund.

"Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered and are in desperate need of our help. Many want to help, but don't know how they can support endangered wildlife. These stamps provide an easy way for everyone to support wildlife conservation. We're so grateful for this stamp." says Zoo area supervisor Michael Stern.

The semipostal stamp is the fourth issued by the Postal Service. The Multinational Species Coalition - an alliance of 16 animal conservation groups with 15 million members representing conservationists, zoos, veterinarians, humane interests, circuses and sportsmen - has been created to support the funds designated by Congress. The Coalition also is committed to bringing greater attention to the Save Vanishing Species semipostal stamp to help raise money for its cause.

Five million stamp sheets will be printed initially and reprints will be based on customer demand. The stamp will sell for 55 cents each - 11 cents more than a First-Class Mail stamp - and $11 for a sheet of 20.

Legislation creating the semipostal stamp was passed and signed into law last September as the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act of 2010.

To order the Save Vanishing Species stamps, go to to  www.usps.com/shop. A Save Vanishing Species note card set also is available. The set contains 10 blank cards featuring the image of the stamp, 10 envelopes and 10 stamps for $15.95.

Denver Zoo will celebrate orangutan caring week with daily keeper chats at 1:30 through November 20. Primate Keeper Cindy Cossaboon will also be answering questions live on the Zoo's Facebook page Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.