Can a Cow Save a Penguin? Stonyfield Says 'Let's #ImagineHow'

Can a cow save a penguin? Stonyfield, the country's leading organic yogurt maker, is confident that it can and wants to inspire families to find out how they can help endangered species too. Today, on World Penguin Day, Stonyfield YoKids is pleased to announce its support of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program which fosters conservation efforts for 10 endangered species, including the African penguin. As a proud supporter of AZA SAFE, Stonyfield has committed funds that will be used to help reverse the decline of the African penguin and drive conservation awareness. As part of a year-long effort, Stonyfield will not only be contributing funds to fieldwork but will also aim to encourage kids and their families to see animals and conservation projects first hand at zoos, aquariums, and on the ground where the research is happening.

"AZA SAFE's conservation work is keenly aligned to Stonyfield's longstanding mission of healthy food, healthy people, healthy planet," says Andy Sundberg, Stonyfield YoKids Senior Brand Manager. "Each year Stonyfield keeps over 185,000 pounds of toxic persistent pesticides out of the environment, helping to safeguard species and their ecosystems, but we know there is always more to be done. More than ever before, we want kids to learn about these animals so they can become better stewards for generations to come. That's why we're thrilled to work together with AZA to help foster passion and an interest in saving endangered species like the African Penguin."

The lovable African Penguin and other endangered species will be featured prominently on various Stonyfield YoKids packaging this year (kids can collect them all!), along with an on-pack offer to get families out to visit AZA member zoos and aquariums in their communities. Now through the end of September, families who buy two YoKids yogurt packs can visit azasafe.stonyfield.com to get a free kid's admission to a participating AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium with the purchase of a full-price adult ticket.

"African penguins decreased in population size and are listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Support for conservation projects from brands like Stonyfield YoKids is essential to our success," says Dan Ashe, President and CEO of AZA. "People are more willing help what they love, so the earlier we can nurture that innate sense of wonder and appreciation for animals through visits to zoos and aquariums, the more we inspire the next generation to save them."

#ImagineHow: Can a Cow Save a Penguin?
That's the question Stonyfield YoKids asked over 25 kids and their parents in a video series that found both humor and heartwarming answers to showcase the optimism and imagination of children, but also the need for meaningful action to save endangered species.

"Stonyfield believes that engaging children's curiosity can help fuel a lifetime of ecological awareness and the belief that they can help save these amazing animals," continues Sundberg. "As symbolized in these videos by our brand mascot the cow, we believe we can all be planet heroes. We want people to be inspired by the possibility they see in these videos as well as the spirit and creativity found in the minds of the Earth's young stewards."

The videos and resources for families to learn more about AZA SAFE are available beginning today at http://www.stonyfield.com/azasafe. Additionally, Stonyfield will be asking fans to join in the campaign and submit videos to their own social platforms using the hashtag #ImagineHow.

"The support Stonyfield is providing to the AZA SAFE African penguin project will help advance scientific discovery and our knowledge about the birds," said Ashe. "There is no question that their support will help with the recovery of the species."

Live from Mystic Aquarium!
To commemorate World Penguin Day, kids and their parents can get a firsthand look at these majestic seabirds, as well as the conservation work being done to save them, with a Facebook Live broadcast today, direct from Mystic Aquarium's Penguin Encounter. During the broadcast a penguin trainer will provide insight into the care, behavior and conservation of African penguins, and viewers will also have the opportunity to see real African penguins firsthand as well as ask the trainer questions in real time. Consumers should tune into the @Stonyfield Facebook page at 12:00 PM EST today to catch the broadcast.

For more information, please visit: http://www.stonyfield.com/azasafe and http://www.aza.org/aza-safe.

About Stonyfield
As the leading organic yogurt maker, Stonyfield takes care with everything it puts into its yogurts and everything it keeps out. By saying no to toxic persistent pesticides, artificial hormones, antibiotics and GMOs, Stonyfield has been saying yes to delicious, healthy food for more than 30 years. With their direct milk supply program, Stonyfield helps to grow the number of organic dairy farms in New England and through their support of the Wolfe's Neck Dairy Farmer training program, Stonyfield works to train the next generation of organic farmers. To learn more about all Stonyfield products and more, visit www.Stonyfield.com.

About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and eight other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.

About SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction
SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction combines the power of zoo and aquarium visitors with the resources and collective expertise of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums and partners to save animals from extinction. Together we are working on saving the most vulnerable wildlife species from extinction and protecting them for future generations. To learn more, visit http://www.aza.org/aza-safe.