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FedEx Brings Penguins, Sea Otters Home to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans
Special delivery from Oakland to New Orleans marks the latest step in Gulf Coast recovery assistance from FedEx
NEW ORLEANS, La.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 22, 2006—FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) today returned 21 of New Orleans’ favorite residents to their home at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, following an eight-month stay at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, Calif. where they took refuge following Hurricane Katrina. The 19 penguins and two sea otters that survived the hurricane returned home today on a specially chartered FedEx Express plane, which was donated for the transport.
“Since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast more than eight months ago, FedEx has been on the ground and actively engaged in local organizations and businesses throughout the region to help rebuild and restore the community,” says Dave Bronczek, president and chief executive officer, FedEx Express. “Today’s special delivery is an illustration of the way FedEx can help make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”
The rescued animals flew back to New Orleans on an Airbus A-310 airplane, specially routed for the delivery from the FedEx Oakland hub to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Accompanied by a staff of veterinary professionals, each animal received a warm welcome upon arrival.
“The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas worked tirelessly to rescue our prized animals following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina,” says Ron Forman, chief executive officer, Audubon Nature Institute. “Thanks to the help of FedEx, we are now able to bring our survivors home.”
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas will reopen its doors to the public on May 26, 2006, following months of facility reconstruction and collaborative efforts designed to rebuild the aquarium’s collection of marine life.
Likewise, FedEx continues to move forward with its dedication to assisting with the economic and cultural recovery of the Gulf Coast region, donating both its expertise and the use of its global express transportation network for the benefit of the communities in which we work. Additionally, FedEx has made a donation of $100,000 to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas for the penguin exhibit.
FedEx actively participated in recovery efforts immediately following Hurricane Katrina and the catastrophic 2005 hurricane season. FedEx and its more than 250,000 employees have a long tradition of responding to emergencies and natural disasters and helping local communities through the donation its facilities, expertise, aircraft and vehicles. To date, FedEx has donated transportation for more than 1,000 tons of relief aid to those affected throughout the Gulf Coast region.
About FedEx
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $32 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 260,000 employees and contractors to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit www.fedex.com.
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About Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Audubon Nature Institute is 501(c)3 not for profit that operates a family of museums and parks dedicated to nature. These New Orleans facilities include: Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Entergy IMAX® Theatre, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Audubon Nature Institute Foundation and Audubon Wilderness Park. Construction is underway for the opening of Audubon Nature Institute's 10th facility, Audubon Insectarium, which is scheduled to open in 2007.
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