Record Breaking 25 Rescued Bolivian Lions Arriving at Denver International Airport Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Bob Barker and CSI Actress Jorja Fox to Greet Lions

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Animal Defenders International:

WHAT:	‘OPERATION LION ARK’ TO LAND AT DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
	Animal Defenders International Media Briefing/Photo Opportunity/Record Breaking Rescued Bolivian Lion Arrival
	A world record breaking airlift carrying 25 lions rescued by Animal Defenders International (ADI) following Bolivia’s ban on animal circuses is scheduled to arrive at Denver International Airport via TAB Airlines on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at approximately 2:00 p.m. This event is open to the media only; please see RSVP instructions below.
	The lions will then travel to The Wild Animal Sanctuary (TWAS) in Keenesburg, CO where they will be released into the first phase of what will be a wonderful new 80 acre purpose built enclosure. The lions that were seized during the last three months by ADI from deplorable conditions in circuses will taste freedom in Colorado. The lions range from cubs of just three months old to an elderly lion aged 15.
	CSI actress Jorja Fox will be participating in the rescue operation along with TV personality Bob Barker, who funded the rescue. Fox, Barker and other ADI personnel are available to brief media about the operation and journey from Bolivia in advance of the arrival. Spanish spokespersons are also available.
VISUALS:
	•	TAB Airlines cargo aircraft lands, taxis and parks and crates unloaded
	•	Lions being off-loaded and positioned 6’ in front of press area
	•	Lions being checked by veterinarian Dr. Mel Richardson, Jan Creamer (ADI), Pat Craig (TWAS)
	•	Bob Barker and CSI actress Jorja Fox will greet and water the lions
	•	Lions being loaded onto trucks to be taken to The Wild Animal Sanctuary
	•	Video and photo updates will be available of the loading operation which will commence in Bolivia 24 hours prior to arrival in the USA
WHERE:	Denver International Airport – United Airlines Hangar
	From Tower Road, go east on 96^th Avenue which turns into 114^th. Turn right on Queensburg, follow to the United Airlines Hangar.
	Free onsite parking for media available in front of the United Airlines Hangar. Please notify us if you will be using a live satellite truck.
WHEN:	Wednesday, February 16, 2011
1:00 p.m.	Media requested to arrive; clear security and be positioned in hangar and/or film landing (pool crew). ***Please remember your ID (driver’s license or passport)***
2:00 p.m.	Rescued Bolivian lions scheduled to land at Denver International Airport
2:30 p.m.	Veterinary checks by Dr. Mel Richardson and Pat Craig
2:45 p.m.	Welcome media briefing, photo opportunities and Q&A by ADI President Jan Creamer, Vice President Tim Phillips, Bob Barker and CSI actress and ADI Ambassador Jorja Fox
SPOKESPERSONS:
	ADI President Jan Creamer, Vice President Tim Phillips and ADI personnel
	TV Presenter Bob Barker and CSI actress and ADI Ambassador Jorja Fox
	ADI Project Veterinarian Dr. Mel Richardson
	TWAS Founder Pat Craig
	(Spanish speaking spokespersons are available)
RSVP:	Since this event will take place beyond security checkpoints, media cannot attend without a proper RSVP and pre-clearance by security. Please RSVP to Agnes Huff ASAP at 310 641-2525 or [e-mail]
	You will need to provide a full name, date of birth, driver’s license number and expiration date for each person you plan to send to this event; be sure to include this information with your RSVP. If you do not RSVP ASAP with the proper information, we will have a difficult time pre-clearing you and you might not be able to pass through security.
NOTES TO MEDIA:
	For additional information:
	http://adirescuediary.com/
	http://www.ad-international.org/animal_rescues/go.php?id=2027&ssi=24
	Broadcast quality footage and photographs of the lions with the circus as well as the rescue operation in Bolivia are available. Broadcast quality footage and photographs of the lions with the circus; the dramatic ADI seizure operation; recuperation in the ADI compound in Santa Cruz are available to download in advance – please e-mail [e-mail]
	Video and photo updates of this incredible journey will be available direct from Bolivia when the operation commences early Wednesday morning.