NEW YORK - November 10, 2006 - Last night, Wildlife Trust held its annual Conservation Awards Gala & Auction at The Lighthouse located at Chelsea Piers in New York City. Wildlife Trust (www.wildlifetrust.org) is an international conservation organization pioneering the innovative field of Conservation Medicine and is working to understand the links between ecosystems, wildlife and human health.

"Animal ambassadors," animals that have been rescued and rehabilitated by SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, greeted guests. The animal ambassadors included a kinkajou, armadillo, alligator, fox and a caracara. Guests were able to view the animals close-up and learn more about the creatures' primary habitats.

The honorary event chairmen included acclaimed singer/songwriter Art Garfunkel, philanthropist Virginia C. Mars and Lynn Sherr, well-known correspondent on ABC TV's 20/20 news show.

Wildlife Trust presented the Wildlife Trust Conservation Award, the organization's highest honor, to Virginia Busch, president of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund for the Anheuser-Busch Companies and to Dr. Damayanti Buchori of PEKA Indonesia for her work with insect studies and conservation.

A special recognition award was presented to Martin S. Kaplan, Esq. and the law firm Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, LLP for their generous and unwavering support and pro bono work for Wildlife Trust.

Dr. Mary Pearl, president of Wildlife Trust and presenter of the evening's awards spoke of the importance of recognizing scientists and corporate leaders who advance environmental causes. Proceeds from the annual Gala will continue to support Wildlife Trust's work on behalf of endangered species and its pioneering work in Conservation Medicine around the world.

About Wildlife Trust

Wildlife Trust empowers local conservation scientists worldwide to protect nature and safeguard ecosystem and human health. Wildlife Trust is a conservation science innovator and leverages research expertise through strategic global alliances. Wildlife Trust pioneered the field of Conservation Medicine, a new discipline that addresses the link between ecological disruption of habitats and the effects on wildlife, livestock and human health.

Founded in 1971 by British naturalist and author Gerald Durrell, Wildlife Trust has built its reputation on 35 years of global research, education, training and experience. Research and conservation work in the United States include programs in the metropolitan New York area, Florida and along the coast of the Southeastern U.S.

Internationally, Wildlife Trust trains and supports a network of scientists around the world to save endangered species and their habitats and to protect the health of vital ecosystems. Wildlife Trust created the first egalitarian international network of science-based conservation organizations called the Wildlife Trust Alliance and is a founding partner organization of the Consortium for Conservation Medicine, a unique think-tank of prestigious academic institutions.

Visit www.wildlifetrust.org to read more.

Media Contact:
Anthony Ramos, Wildlife Trust
Director for Marketing & Communications
ramos@wildlifetrust.org
212/380-4469

# # #