Snyder: Jennifer Oglesby (501) 324-5943
August 7, 2003
Press Release
 

SNYDER WILL ANNOUNCE GRANT FOR ARKANSAS ELEPHANT SANCTUARY MONDAY IN GREENBRIER

WASHINGTON, D.C. - United States Representative Vic Snyder (AR-02) will announce a $48,250 federal grant awarded to Riddle's Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary on Monday, September 8 at 10:30 am.

Associate Director of Research, Dr. Bets Rasmussen and Scott Riddle, Executive Director, have been awarded a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Asian Elephant Conservation Fund, whose mission is to assist the conservation of Asian elephants worldwide.

The project is entitled "Pheromones as aids to the prevention of crop raiding by Asian elephants in range states: Part II - developing and testing a pheromone-enhanced mechanical device". The grant will fund the continuation of a project initiated at the sanctuary to develop safe, non-toxic and effective chemical elephant repellents in conjunction with a mechanical device created by Mr. Riddle. The repellent would prevent wild elephants from crossing into areas of potential conflict with humans, such as when elephants raid farmers' crops.

WHO: Congressman Vic Snyder and Riddle's Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary

WHAT: Announcing grant on grounds of Elephant Sanctuary

WHEN: Monday, September 8 10:30 am

WHERE: Riddle's Elephant & Wildlife Sanctuary (directions below).

Riddle's Elephant & Wildlife Sanctuary is also the proud home to two African calves. Birth in captivity is very difficult. In the last year, less than 10 elephants have been born in the US, including baby Maximus, an African male born April 16. Last year, baby Batir, an African female, was born January 21, 2002.

Directions from Little Rock:
Take I-40 to the 3rd Conway exit (Exit 125) to Greenbrier. Take a right onto Hwy. 65 North. Continue on 65N through Greenbrier. Turn right onto Hwy 25 North toward Heber Springs. Go through town of Guy. One mile out of Guy you will see Rowlett's Cattle Farm and when you see the silver metal fence end, take the first gravel road on the left-Millbridge Road. 1/4 mile down you will come to a Y intersection. Take the right fork onto Rowlett Rd. and go 1.5 miles to a T intersection. Turn left onto Pumpkin Center Circle. Go to top of hill and it's about the 3rd home down. There will be a ceramic elephant by the mailbox. The gate will be open for you. Drive time: 1hr.

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