Hong Kong, 12 August 2006 – National Geographic Channel reptile expert Dr. Brady Barr was appointed as honorary advisor of the University Sponsorship Programme in Wildlife Conservation of Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong (OPCFHK) during an event hosted by National Geographic Wild; the newly launched 24-hour English/Cantonese Wildlife channel; at Ocean Park today. Dr. Barr will work with OPCFHK to further the mission of motivating local students to contribute to wildlife conservation work in the region.

Dr. Barr is the first person ever to capture and study all 23 species of crocodilians in the wild. He has also participated in other research projects with leading scientists throughout the world including his ongoing research, supported by the National Geographic Society, into conservation of the American crocodile in Costa Rica, and his dietary study of alligators in the Florida Everglades.

During the event, Mr. Thomas Mehramm, Chief Executive of Ocean Park Hong Kong presented Dr. Barr with a certificate of appointment.

“ I am delighted to become honorary advisor of OPCFHK. For many years, I have been educating young minds and trying to inspire and encourage them to play an active role in conservation. My new role will give me an opportunity to help local youngsters to understand the importance of the crocodile to their ecosystem,” said Dr. Brady Barr.

It is heartening to see that more and more of our local youngsters are increasingly environmentally aware these days, as can be witnessed by the enthusiastic response to the different animal learning and encounter programmes that we run throughout the year. Certainly, more efforts will be made in this direction, and this is truly a perfect synergy for Ocean Park to be working with Dr. Barr. We are very pleased that Dr. Barr has agreed to be the Honorary Advisor to OPCF. We look forward to working with him to strengthen public awareness to sustainable development through the National Geographicr channel, and through the education programmes we run here. Said Tom Mehramnn, Chief Executive of Ocean Park Hong Kong.

As part of the launch activities for National Geographic Wild, the Channel specially invited Dr. Brady Barr to host a consumer event for over 500 customers at Ocean Park Hong Kong.

At the event, Dr. Barr shared his experiences with crocodiles and offered tips on how to care for them. He also talked about filming with crocodiles, snakes and other reptiles.

About National Geographic Wild

Experience the best, most intimate encounters with wildlife ever seen on television. Backed by its unparalleled reputation for quality and blue-chip programming, National Geographic Wild brings viewers documentaries entirely focused on the animal kingdom and the worlds they inhabit. From the most remote environments, to the forbidding depths of our oceans, to the protected parks in our backyards, National Geographic Wild uses spectacular cinematography and spellbinding storytelling to take viewers on unforgettable journeys into the wild world. National Geographic Wild is part of National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and is now available in Hong Kong with further expansion expected globally.

About Ocean Park

Ocean Park is Hong Kong’s unique home-grown theme park with a heritage of delivering family fun and fond memories. Since its opening in January 1977 as a non-profit organization, Ocean Park has developed itself to be a world-class attraction connecting people with nature, and recognized for its animal husbandry, research and relationship with the community. Over 76 million people have visited Hong Kong's premier park since its inception and Ocean Park has remained committed to offer adults and children experiences that blend entertainment with education and conservation.