ASHEBORO, N.C. - The North Carolina Zoo Society is asking its current membership of over 26,000 member households to help add another 1,000 members to its ranks in 2010. For bringing in new members, the Zoo Society is offering its current membership the opportunity to win a $1,000 shopping spree at the Society's two gift shops. For each friend, co-worker or family member recruited into the Society's "wild family," the recruiter's name will be entered into a drawing.

"Each new member furthers the Society's support of the N.C. Zoo and its missions in conservation, education, research and recreation," said Stephanie Gee, Society Membership Director. "We can't say ‘thank you' enough to our members for what they have already helped accomplish for their zoo."

The "Member Get a Member" campaign begins March 1 and will end Sept. 30, 2010. A drawing for the $1,000 shopping spree at the two Zoo Society gift shops (Wolf Bay Traders and The Leopard Spot) will be held in early October 2010.

For more information on how to participate visit the Society Web site at www.nczoo.com and click on Member Get a Member or contact the Society offices at 336-879-7250. You can also visit any Zoo Society member booth during your next visit.

The North Carolina Zoological Society is a private non-profit organization that supports the North Carolina Zoo and conservation. The zoo is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Dee A. Freeman, Secretary; Bev. E. Perdue, Governor.

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