Singapore, 6 December 2006 – National Geographic WILD and the Singapore Zoo are jointly initiating an urgent conservation effort to save the Arctic. The public is invited to pledge their support for the preservation of polar bears and other Arctic animals.

Basil Chua, Marketing Director of National Geographic Channel Asia (Singapore), said, “National Geographic WILD is proud to partner the Singapore Zoo in this significant initiative. We both have a shared mission and a common belief in caring for and preserving the fast disappearing wildlife sanctuary in our midst. National Geographic WILD would like to call out to Singapore and the world to understand that our actions today have a direct impact on the world we live in – our actions contribute to global warming and are pushing the polar bears to extinction. We need to step up our conservation efforts now more than ever, before it is too late.”

Exhibition booths have been set up at the Singapore Zoo in support of the polar bear conservation effort. National Geographic WILD has put up educational displays in various locations around the Singapore Zoo where visitors can learn more about polar bears and the effects of global warming on the Arctic.

Documentaries on the Arctic will be screened at the booths to educate visitors on the plight of the polar bears and the need for urgent conservation efforts. Members of the public can also catch a series called “WILD ARCTIC” which will be shown on the National Geographic WILD, available on StarHub Digital Cable Channel 77, in the month of December.

To aid this worthy cause, visitors are encouraged to pledge their support for polar bear conservation. Pledging is free, quick, and simple. One can pledge at the exhibition booths at the Singapore Zoo or online at www.ngwild.com and www.zoo.com.sg. A draw will be held, where 50 pledges will be picked to receive limited edition National Geographic WILD journals. The winners will be announced after the close of the draw which concludes at the end of February 2007.

Ms Isabel Cheng, Marketing Director of the Singapore Zoo said, “We are very happy to work with National Geographic WILD 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 save the polar bears.”

This is the first initiative of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) recently signed between National Geographic WILD and the Singapore Zoo, which aims to educate, encourage and promote animal conservation efforts to the public.

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 3,000 specimens from 290 species, 21% 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 2005, 1.3 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 WILD
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
Winston Ng / Pamela Wu
Tel : +65 6324 2504 / +65 6324 5302
Email : wng@fulfordpr.com / pwu@fulfordpr.com