RIVER'S EDGE GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION ON APRIL 27-28 
TO FEATURE INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT, ACTIVITIES

What:	River's Edge Grand Opening Celebration

When:	Opening Ceremony - Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m.
	Exhibits & Activities - Saturday-Sunday, April 27-28, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. 

Where:	River's Edge is west of the South Gate facing highway 40/64. Entertainment and activities throughout the Zoo grounds.

	The St. Louis Zoo will begin its grand opening celebration of River's Edge on Saturday, April 27, at 9 a.m. with a ceremonial "pouring of the rivers," honoring the world's great waterways, the givers of life.  Beginning at the Zoo's South Gate, visitors will follow "Taste of Guadalupe" drummers to the dramatic new entrance of River's Edge.

	Visitors will pass a series of cascading waterfalls pouring into the river at this 10-acre multi-species immersion exhibit with natural habitats of South America, Africa, Asia and North America.  Underwater viewing of hippos, warthogs, capybaras (pronounced CAP-ee-BARE-ah), giant anteaters, bush dogs, black rhinoceros, carmine bee-eaters, Asian elephants, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, and dwarf mongoose are part of the River's Edge experience, along with educational "field stations" that invite visitors to learn more about the world in which we live.

	Grand opening activities will take place throughout the Zoo grounds on both Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28.  Activities include a variety of international music and dance performances, a cultural fashion show, storytelling by "Ozark Molly" and "Grandma Coyote," Chinese painting demonstrations and more.  Visitors can learn how to write their name in "Hanji" calligraphy, make origami creations and African shaker instruments to take home.  Trail's End food stand will add international fare to the menu for the weekend.

	Admission to the St. Louis Zoo and River's Edge is free.  For more information, call 314/781-0900 or visit on line at www.stlzoo.org.