Singapore, 3 May 2007 - National Geographic WILD and the Singapore Zoo have initiated an urgent conservation and education effort to raise awareness of the detrimental effects of global warming on the Arctic the importance of taking care of our earth before it is too late.

As a result of this effort, 10,000 pledges have been collected from the public to conserve the Arctic and its endangered wildlife.

Pledgers came from all walks of life comprising of visitors from the Singapore Zoo. The pledges were collected from various areas over the last four months from 1 December 2006 to 1 April 2007. The public made their pledges at the exhibition booths at the Singapore Zoo or online at www.ngwild.com and www.zoo.com.sg. 70% pledges were made on-site at the Singapore Zoo and 30% were collected online.

A draw was held to pick 50 pledgers who will each receive a limited edition National Geographic WILD journal. The names of the winners will be published on www.ngwild.com by 11 May 2007.

Said Mr Basil Chua, Marketing Director of National Geographic Channel Asia (Singapore), "Singaporeans have responded well to our call to save the Arctic. We want to give Singaporeans an opportunity to do their part and these pledges are essentially 10,000 individuals acknowledging the fact that the effects of global warming are very real. It is a commitment on their part to curtail actions that will harm our environment. It is both positive and encouraging, as it goes to show that Singaporeans do care for the earth that we all share and live in."

Ms Isabel Cheng, Marketing Director of the Singapore Zoo said, "We are very happy to see Singaporeans step up on this important and pressing cause. The conservation and preservation of endangered animals have always been top priority for us and we are extremely pleased that National Geographic WILD is a great partner in stepping forward to lend us support in this huge task to help in Arctic conservation."

The effects of climate change are ominous - with potential increases in extreme weather conditions ranging from intense hurricanes and storm surges to heat waves, fires and drought. Even more unsettling, more than one million of the Earth's land-dwelling plants and animals may head towards extinction because of rising temperatures, partially due to human production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

Humans are also at serious risk from climate change. By 2010, more than 50 million people around the world could become 'environmental refugees', abandoning their homes because of storms and droughts, according to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

National Geographic WILD is part of National Geographic Channels International (NGCI), a leader in providing strong and innovative conservation programming. Illustrating the beauty of our natural world, NGCI and National Geographic WILD also share the stories of our most vulnerable species whose extinction would be a great loss to the planet's fragile ecosystems.

About National Geographic WILD
Experience the best, most intimate encounters with wildlife ever seen on television. Backed by its unparallel reputation and blue-chip programming, National Geographic Wild brings viewers documentaries entirely focused on the animal kingdom and the worlds they inhabit. From the most remote environments, to the forbidding depths of our oceans, to the protected parks in our backyards, National Geographic Wild uses spectacular cinematography and spellbinding storytelling to take viewers on unforgettable journeys into the wild world. National Geographic Wild is part of National Geographic Channels International (NGCI).

For more information, please visit http://www.ngwild.com.

About National Geographic Channels International
National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) invites viewers to re-think the way they see television - and the world - with smart, innovative programming. A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Television (NGT), FOX Entertainment Group and the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education.

Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S. which is a joint venture of NGT and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in over 290 million homes (including day-part households) in 164 countries and 27 languages.

Singapore Zoological Gardens
Set in a rainforest environment, Singapore Zoo's world famous "Open Concept" offers the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature. Home to over 2,500 animals from 315 species, 16% of which are threatened, the Zoo has attained a strong reputation internationally for its conservation initiatives and breeding programmes. To better meet the healthcare needs of its animals and working towards its aspiration to become a leading global centre of excellence for veterinary healthcare and research, a purpose-built Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre was set up in March, 2006. In 2006, 1.4 million visitors enjoyed the experiential learning experience at the 28-hectares award-winning Zoo. Singapore Zoo is part of Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

For more information, please contact:

National Geographic Channel Asia
Angie Tan
Tel : +65 6325 3821 / +65 9696 2922
Email : angiet@ngcasia.com

Singapore Zoo
Pauline Tan
Tel : (65) 6360 8659
Email : pauline@zoo.com.sg

Fulford Public Relations
Stephanie Liu / Pamela Wu
Tel : +65 6324 2533 / +65 6324 5302
Email : sliu@fulfordpr.com / pwu@fulfordpr.com