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Makamae Hawai'i Offers Limited-Edition Cookie to Help Raise Funds for Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals
Non-releasable Hawaiian Monk Seals will soon call the Minnesota Zoo home.
BIG ISLAND, HAWAI’I MAY 20, 2015 – Makamae (Ma-ka- my) Hawai’i, a Hawai’i-based company dedicated to supporting native Hawaiian arts, culture and causes, is offering a limited-edition cookie to help raise funds for Hawaiian monk seals, one of the most endangered mammals in the world. The cookie’s release coincides with the arrival of Hawaiian monk seals at the Minnesota Zoo, which will offer a sanctuary for the non-releasable animals within its newly renovated Discovery Bay exhibit starting this spring.
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Hawaiian monk seals are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and exist nowhere else in the world. Unfortunately, only about 1,100 survive in the wild today, in part because of increasing threats to their natural habitat. The seals coming to Minnesota are elderly and have vision impairments, and therefore cannot survive on their own in the wild. Their acquisition was a result of close coordination between the Minnesota Zoo and the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA.)
Fifty percent of the profits from the sale of the special Makamae Hawai’i cookie goes directly to the Hawaiian Monk Seal Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving this endangered mammal. The cookie is made fresh with real butter and locally grown macadamia nuts by the famous Punalu’u Bake Shop on the Big Island. Local artist Shannon Weaver designed the artwork for the package.
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“Macadamia nut shortbread cookies are a Hawaiian classic,” said Laurel Andersen, co-owner of Makamae Hawai’i. “They are a delicious treat, of course, but more importantly, these cookies are the only consumer products illustrating the desperate plight of monk seals. We are thrilled to partner with the Monk Seal Foundation to help build awareness of this critically endangered species and lend much-needed financial support for their preservation.”
“We are so grateful to Makamae Hawai’i for recognizing the importance of preserving Hawaiian monk seals and creating a wonderful product to help advance our cause,” said Pat Wardell, director of the Monk Seal Foundation. “Our hope is that others, near and far, will take time to learn more about monk seals and demonstrate their support through the purchase of the Makamae Hawai’i cookies.”
The cookies are individually wrapped and available for sale in multiple quantities at www.makamaehawaii.com, or you can call 612-810-3091 to place an order. In addition, customers who save their cookie wrapper will receive $2 off the price of adult admission to the Minnesota Zoo (or $1 off child/senior Zoo admission). This offer is valid for daytime admission only. It is not valid with any other discounts or promotions or for separate charge attractions. Additional restrictions may also apply.
About Makamae Hawai’i
Makamae Hawaii LLC promotes the uniqueness that is Hawai’i. Through a partnership with the Monk Seal Foundation, half of the profits from the sale of its macadamia nut shortbread cookies goes directly to the Monk Seal Foundation and its dedication to the preservation of the endemic and critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Makamae Hawai’i also sells Kona coffee and artwork by local artists. Keep up to date with all Makamae Hawai’i news by liking them on Facebook and following them on Twitter.
About the Monk Seal Foundation
The Monk Seal Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the critically endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal. We actively work with volunteers, government agencies, and other non-profits to both protect the monk seals and to engage and educate the public. Our goal is clear, to preserve the monk seals for current and future generations to come.
About the Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo is a year-round destination located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. Its mission is to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
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Media Contact:
Christine Scroggins
