MUNDELEIN, Ill., Dec. 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medline Industries, Inc. and the Saint Louis Zoo today celebrated the naming of the "Medline Elephant Oasis," a spacious habitat that supports the zoo's herd of nine Asian elephants.
Medline received the naming rights to the elephant oasis as part of the company's $5.8 million donation in support of the zoo's expansion efforts. In addition to being the largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical and surgical supplies in the United States, Medline provides a broad range of veterinary medical supplies to vets across the country.
"We are excited to be part of the zoo's expansion plans and are honored to support one of the best zoos in the country," said Jim Abrams, Medline's chief operating officer. "We are proud to support the elephant oasis to ensure they flourish forever and so people from all over the world can enjoy these magnificent animals."
The Medline Elephant Oasis is one of the key habitats of the Saint Louis Zoo's family of Asian elephants located in the River's Edge section of the zoo where elephants, rhinos, hippos and many other species live in natural areas. The oasis features a babbling stream with trees, downed logs and a small pond. The Asian elephant is an endangered animal; it is estimated there are as few as 35,000 left in the wild.
"We are thankful to Medline for their generous gift and proud of the newly named Medline Elephant Oasis," said Cynthia Holter, vice president of external relations for the Saint Louis Zoo. "Elephants in zoos, like the ones in our Medline Elephant Oasis, directly benefit elephants in the wild by providing an invaluable source of information about elephant behavior, physiology and physical and emotional needs."
About Saint Louis Zoo
Named America's #1 Zoo by Zagat Survey and Parenting Magazine, the Saint Louis Zoo is widely recognized for its innovative approaches to animal management, wildlife conservation, research and education. One of the few free zoos in the nation, it attracts about 3,000,000 visitors a year.
About Medline
As the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of health care products, Medline manufactures and distributes more than 125,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centers, physician offices and home care agencies and providers. Named one of the country's "Best and Brightest Companies to Work For," Medline is headquartered in Mundelein, Ill. and has more than 1,100 dedicated sales representatives to support its broad product line and cost management services. For more information on Medline go to www.medline.com.
Media Contact:
John Marks (847) 643-3309
jmarks@medline.com
Ann Fahey-Widman, (847) 643-3011
afahey@medline.com
This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com
http://www.cisionwire.com/medline-industries--inc-/r/medline-expands-animal-health-leadership-with--5-8-million-donation-to-saint-louis-zoo,c9352960