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Coloring Contest Ends with a Rainbow of Artwork Bound for Papua New Guinea

Posted by Kirsten Pisto, Communications
Our summer art contest is complete and all of the incredible entries were so creative and wonderful to see! Thank you everyone for helping us thank the Junior Rangers! 

Young people are the future of our communities and the future stewards of our planet. There is no better example of this than the Junior Rangers of Papua New Guinea. An integral part of the success of Woodland Park Zoo’s Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, these youth are the real conservation heroes who are learning about and working towards a sustainable and balanced ecosystem in their own communities.

These are the conservation stewards of tomorrow and we salute their dedication and passion for protecting endangered species like the Matschie’s tree kangaroo. Photo by Chris Banks, Zoos Victoria
All of the artwork from the contest will be sent to the Junior Ranger Program in Papua New Guinea to show our appreciation for the Junior Rangers and their commitment to saving wildlife and protecting habitat. Gibson Sil Galla’h, from the Papua New Guinea Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program’s Education and Leadership team, is visiting Woodland Park Zoo this summer and we'll hand off your artwork so he can bring back our gratitude to the Junior Rangers on his return home.
Thank you to all the artists for your submissions—what a colorful way to show our community appreciation for these incredible kids and the successful community programming that inspires us all.

It was very hard to decide on the winners in each age category, but here they are...

Adults (13+)

Grand Prize: Diane Rudholm, 34,  will receive a tree kangaroo-themed treat basket complete with sustainable coffee and chocolate, a pour over coffee maker, zoo coffee mugs and some delightful eco-friendly treats! Plus, a framed print of Ecki the tree kangaroo joey.


Diane Rudholm
"I am thankful for the Junior Rangers because conservation helps keep our world beautiful, healthy and whole. Young people will always be important in shaping the environment. Your education, community building and stewardship make our planet better. Thank you!" - Diane.

Runners Up: Camryn Morris, 13 and Marilyn Kennelly, 69, will each receive a Tree Kangaroo Conservation themed prize. 

Camryn Morris
"I am thankful for the Junior Rangers because of their commitment and desire for building a positive future. I love the passion they have for learning about and protecting the environment, species and community around them. The Education and Leadership team has helped develop amazing young leaders so I appreciate all the hard work and time they have put towards this cause. They have inspired so many people to help the environment and I look forward to seeing what these Junior Rangers do in the future. Thank you!" - Camryn

Marilyn Kennelly

"I am thankful for the Junior Rangers because of your passion for the earth." - Marilyn

Kids Ages 8-12

Grand Prize: Tali Bennett, 9, will receive a ZooParent adoption and t-shirt, plus a framed photo of tree kangaroo Ecki.

Tali Bennett

"I am thankful for the Junior Rangers because they help animals and their habitat!" - Tali

Runners Up: Kate O'Meara, 10, and Sophia Schmitz, 10, will each receive a Tree Kangaroo Conservation themed prize. 

Kate O'Meara

"I am thankful for the Junior Rangers because they are helping the earth and animals like the tree kangaroo, that live in the earth. They help the earth through many different cool activities. the Junior Rangers are also making their communities better." - Kate

Sophia Schmitz

"I am thankful for the Junior Rangers because they take care of the environment, which is earth, which is where we live, so we need to take care of it. I am also thankful for the Junior Rangers because the program teaches kids about what is happening in the world. I think that teaching kids what is happening is very important. I am thankful for the Junior Rangers." - Sophia

Kids Ages 2-7

Grand Prize: Devon Hoeft, 6, will receive a ZooParent adoption and t-shirt, plus a framed photo of tree kangaroo Ecki.

Devon Hoeft
 "I am thankful for the Junior Rangers because I enjoy animals and I enjoy being in nature. Thank you for your hard work." - Devon

Runners Up: Ciya Zhang, 4, Bea Nguyen, 4, and Naomi McMeekin, 7 will each receive a Tree Kangaroo Conservation themed prize. 

Ciya Zhang
"I am thankful for the Junior Rangers because they help the environment and the tree kangaroo's habitat." - Naomi

Naomi McMeekin
"I am thankful for the Junior Rangers because love, thank you." - Bea

Bea Nguyen

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