Seattle-based HomeStreet Bank will contribute a total of $77,770 to Northwest zoos through its “Wild About Zoos” partnership with Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo and Oregon Zoo. The money will be used to support zoo programs and operations.

Through “Wild About Zoos,” HomeStreet Bank donated $10 to Northwest zoos for every new bank account, mortgage, loan, and insurance policy opened between May 1 and July 31, 2003. HomeStreet generated 7,777 new accounts in that time, nearly doubling its minimum financial commitment of $40,000 to the zoos.

This is the second year of “Wild About Zoos.” Last year, HomeStreet contributed $54,780 to Northwest zoos through the program.

“We are pleased to partner with HomeStreet in support of education programs and conservation initiatives at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium,” notes Kathleen Olson, executive director of The Zoo Society, the nonprofit organization that raises funds to support the zoo.  

HomeStreet Bank’s tradition of community involvement dates from its early years, taking the form of community leadership, volunteerism, and charitable contributions.

Each year, HomeStreet contributes 2 percent of its annual pre-tax profits to organizations in its communities. The “Wild About Zoos” partnership is a major element of the bank’s corporate focus on parks and open spaces.

The 29-acre Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium offers close encounters with beluga whales, polar bears, anteaters, penguins, sea otters, sharks, reindeer, birds of prey, and other exciting animals.

The zoo is a national leader in captive breeding and reintroduction efforts for the endangered red wolf and takes an active role in the Species Survival Plan for the endangered Asian elephant, Clouded leopard, Bali Mynah, radiated tortoise, and golden lion tamarin.

For more information about Point Defiance Zoological Society, visit
www.pdza.org.