“Grus Americana”
Mary’s KeepSafe box represents the Whooping Crane’s life cycle and the need to protect their habitat for continued survival (including an egg and nest cradled within the box).
Medium: Acrylic
New York artist Paola Bari has combined forces with the Trevor Zoo in Millbrook, New York and local businesses around the Hudson Valley to form the KeepSafe Project in support of cranes and other endangered species. The KeepSafe Project is symbolized by wooden “keepsake” boxes (right, example of a KeepSafe box highlighting Whooping Cranes), representing the project mission to keep wildlife safe by protecting them and their natural environments. Artists from around the Hudson Valley and students and faculty of the Millbrook School have transformed 100 keepsake boxes into works of art, which are being auctioned online (April 1 – 30) and during a special event at Millbrook School on May 4, 2013.
The Trevor Zoo, located at Millbrook School, is an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoo located within the high school. With its collection of more than 180 animals, the Trevor Zoo offers unique opportunities for students to develop an appreciation of wildlife and a conservation ethic through the direct care of zoo animals and through associated academic classes. The zoo, along with ICF, participates in the Species Survival Plan for the White-naped Crane and decided to donate a quarter of the funds raised through the KeepSafe Project to support ICF’s campaign, Forty Years of Conservation Leadership.
The KeepSafe event will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm at Millbrook School, offering a reception, refreshments, and a presentation and discussion session with Dr. Laurie Marker, Founder and Executive Director of the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia. Personal tours will be available of the Trevor Zoo, hosted by Millbrook students. During the reception, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction of the KeepSafe boxes. Net proceeds from this effort will be shared between the Cheetah Conservation Fund, ICF, and the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society Red Wolf Recovery Project.
This update was adapted from a press release prepared by the KeepSafe Project