New York, NY – February 27, 2010 – The second annual "Naked" Polar Bear Cruise took place Saturday, February 27. The Coney Island Polar Bear Club and Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises invited participants to test how long they could withstand the chilly February temperatures in their bathing suits to raise money for the Wildlife Conservation Society. “The Coney Island Polar Bear Club is proud to partner with Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises to support an organization as amazing as the Wildlife Conservation Society,” said Dennis Thomas, President of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club. “We commend their local work at places like the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium as well as their global efforts to save wildlife and wild places. Additionally, this was a great opportunity to remind all New Yorkers that New York Harbor is as awesome in the winter as it is in the summer.” Taking off from Pier 83 in Manhattan, the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise floated down the Hudson River with eager participants challenging their stamina in the freezing morning temperatures. Participants stayed active, dancing and hula hopping on deck. An extreme test of endurance, every minute spent on deck raised funds for WCS. “This is a really fun way to raise awareness and support for WCS,” said Jim Breheny, Director of WCS’s Bronx Zoo. “I want to thank Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and the Coney Island Polar Bear Club as well as all who participated on this fun ride.” Cruisers were encouraged to seek individual sponsors for the event to help WCS save wildlife and wild places worldwide. For those passengers who needed a break from the frosty ride, there was an indoor area where they could bundle up and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate.
Contact: Max Pulsinelli: (o) 718-220-5182; mpulsinelli@wcs.org Sophie Bass: (o) 718-220-6853; sbass@wcs.org Steve Fairchild: (o) 718-220-5189; sfairchild@wcs.org
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises: Sailing since 1945, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises at 42nd Street has hosted more than 60 million passengers in New York City. Owned and operated by New York Cruise Lines, Inc., Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises is New York's oldest and largest provider of scheduled and chartered sightseeing and special function cruises. Cruises are not only designed to provide the best viewing opportunities, but to also be informative, comfortable and entertaining as well. Today, the company is recognized as one of the most famous boat rides in the entire world and is one of the oldest 42nd Street landmarks. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises is not affiliated with Circle Line Downtown. The Coney Island Polar Bear Club, founded in 1903, is the oldest winter bathing organization in the United States. Our members swim in the Atlantic Ocean at Coney Island every Sunday from November through April. www.polarbearclub.org The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth. Special Note to the Media: If you would like to guide your readers or viewers to a web link where they can make donations in support of helping save wildlife and wild places, please direct them to: www.wcs.org/donation
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