The El Pomar Foundation has contributed $1.25 million to support the Denver Zoo's planned 10-acre exhibit for Asian animals, including elephants, Indian rhinoceros and Malayan tapirs, which will be known as "Asian Tropics."

The Colorado Springs-based El Pomar Foundation was established in 1937 by Spencer and Julie Penrose to enhance, encourage and promote the current and future well-being of the people of Colorado through grants and community stewardship.

"Denver Zoo has been and continues to be an integral part of the Front Range Community, " says El Pomar Foundation Chairman and CEO William J. Hybl. "It is a great pleasure for El Pomar Foundation to support an organization that provides a hands-on learning experience and educational outreach to the young and young-at-heart."

El Pomar Foundation's gift will be matched by Zoo Improvement Bond funds that Denver voters approved in a 1999 $62.5-million bond issue for the Denver Zoo. All funds raised through the first two phases of the zoo's Millennium Campaign will be matched dollar for dollar by bond dollars.

A 5,370-square-foot facility that will house indoor displays of a riparian ecosystem, showcasing flying fox (fruit bats), binturong (Asian bearcats) and fishing cats, will be known as the El Pomar Asian Pavilion.

With the gift from El Pomar Foundation, Denver Zoo has raised over $5.5 million towards its $25 million private fund-raising goal for Asian Tropics. With matching bond funds, the total raised is more than $11 million.

If you are interested in finding how you can help support Asian Tropics, contact Janet McFarland at 303-376-6707 or at jmcfarland@denverzoo.org