WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today announced a gift agreement with the Smithsonian's National Zoo that will help support the Zoo's conservation programs in Asia, an important destination for zoological research and United's passengers alike.
As the exclusive airline sponsor of Asia Trail, a new six-acre habitat for seven species including giant pandas, United will also facilitate worldwide travel for the Zoo's scientists and staff. Asia Trail represents the most significant improvements at the National Zoo in animal care, visitor experience and habitat development in nearly 40 years.
"United's critically important sponsorship will facilitate the exchange of ideas between the National Zoo and our counterparts in Asia and accelerate scientific discovery," said John Berry, director of the National Zoo. "We are thrilled United's gift will enhance our conservation research on behalf of giant pandas and other Asian species."
At Asia Trail's public celebration today, visitors will meet exhibit designers, architects, horticulturalists and builders who created the habitat. Guests will also meet with zoo scientists and staff who study and care for the animals. Asia Trail includes an expanded habitat for the Zoo's giant pandas and new habitats for six additional species: sloth bears, fishing cats, red pandas, clouded leopards, a Japanese giant salamander and Asian small-clawed otters.
"We understand the importance of connecting Asia and America and of continuing to foster our relationship through scientific collaboration, an endeavor that supersedes geopolitical and economic borders," said Sonya Jackson, managing director of Corporate Social Investment at United. "United has long been dedicated to serving Asia and has long recognized the importance of connecting it with the United States. We are proud to collaborate with such a significant effort to raise awareness about conservation."
United, which has served Asia for more than two decades, is proposing the first-ever nonstop service between Washington and Beijing. The capital-to- capital route is endorsed by more than 100,000 travelers and more than 1,000 government officials, policy experts and leading corporations.
About United
United Airlines operates more than 3,700* flights a day on United, United Express and Ted to more than 210 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 841 destinations in 157 countries worldwide. United's 56,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com.
*Based on the flight schedule between May 1, 2006 and Dec. 31, 2006.
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