<p><strong><em>AAZK Award Nominations Are Now Being Accepted for 2009</em></strong></p>

<p>The AAZK Awards Committee is accepting nominations for the <em>Jean M. Hromadka AAZK Excellence in Animal Care Award</em>, The Lutz Ruhe Meritorious Achievement - AAZK Professional of the Year Award, <em>The AAZK Chapter of the Year Award</em>, <em>Lifetime Achievement Award (LA)</em>, the <em>Lee Houts Excellence in Enrichment(LHEE) Award</em>, <em>The Certificate of Merit for Zoo Keeper Education (CMZE)</em>, <em>The Certificate of Excellence in Exhibit Design Renovation (CEER)</em>,  and the <em>Mazuri Animal Nutrition Award (MANA)</em>. Nomination criteria for these eight awards are listed below. These awards will be presented at the 2009 AAZK National Conference in Seattle, WA. The deadline for all award nominations is <strong>1 May 2009</strong>. Information concerning the qualifications, nomination procedure, selection procedure and an explanation of the awards may be obtained by contacting  Janet McCoy, Chair, AAZK Awards Committee, Oregon Zoo, 4001 S.W. Canyon Rd., Portland, OR 97221. <a href="/blindemail.php?name=Janet" target="_blank">Send Jan an email.</a></p>

</p>The character of the AAZK awards includes either a plaque or certificate, letter of notification to the institution"s  director and national recognition by professional journals. Such journals include: the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) Newsletters, and the Animal Keepers" Forum (AAZK). Some categories may include monetary awards.</

</p><strong>Award Nominations should be submitted to:</strong><br>
  Janet McCoy, Awards Chair<br>
  The Oregon Zoo<br>
  4001 SW Canyon Road<br>
  Portland, OR 97221</p>

<p><strong>Deadline for Nominations is 1 May 2009</strong></p>