Joplin, Missouri – July 31, 2025 – Stick out your paw to help save lives. Dickerson Park Zoo and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at over 40 area healthcare facilities, are partnering together for the annual Go Wild. Give Blood. promotion. This collaborative effort aims to boost the local blood supply and encourage lifesaving donations throughout August and September.
Successful donors in August and September will receive two free admissions to Dickerson Park Zoo, a $38 value. Zoo admissions are valid through July 31, 2026. Donors will also receive a limited-edition zoo-themed T-shirt.
To participate, give blood at any mobile blood drive or one of four CBCO donor centers located in Joplin, Mo., Springfield, Mo., Bentonville, Ark., or Springdale, Ark.
“Every day, around 200 donations are needed to meet the needs of patients across the Ozarks region,” said Michelle Teter, Media Relations Representative for Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. “Once again, we are thrilled to partner with Dickerson Park Zoo to inspire our community to ‘Go Wild and Give Blood!’ From August 1 through September 30, every donor will receive a free T-shirt and two general admissions to the zoo – a fun way to thank our lifesaving heroes. Together, we are not only saving lives but also celebrating the spirit of the Ozarks with one of our most beloved local attractions.”
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks to support their lifesaving mission,” said Joey Powell, Public Relations and Marketing Director for Dickerson Park Zoo. “Several of our animals are trained for voluntary blood draws as part of their veterinary care, and we are excited to share that Yona and Lil Bear are two of our newest donors. Just like our animals help one another, we hope this inspires our community to roll up a sleeve and donate for local patients in need.”
For more information about donation locations, hours, and to schedule an appointment, visit www.cbco.org/zoo or by calling 417-227-5506.
About Dickerson Park Zoo
Dickerson Park Zoo is where animals and people connect. It’s an adventure of discovery where friends, families and students of all ages can get outdoors and explore the beauty of the Ozarks while seeing and learning about animals around the world. The giraffe feeding deck and petting zoo provide up close encounters and help with the zoo’s efforts to educate the public and protect animals worldwide.
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks 30 Years of Lifesaving Service
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks celebrates 30 years of lifesaving service. Founded in 1995 as a local solution to overcome challenges from being dependent on a national provider, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) is the exclusive provider of blood, platelets, and plasma to over 40 hospitals across southwest Missouri, northwest Arkansas, and southeast Kansas. For nearly 30 years, CBCO has proudly served the region, ensuring that local patients receive the critical, lifesaving blood products they need. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2025, we remain committed to our mission of saving lives, made possible through the generosity and support of our community’s blood donors, donor groups and community partners. To learn more, visit CBCO.org.
Contact:
Joey Powell
Dickerson Park Zoo
Public Relations and Marketing Director
417-860-3303
Michelle Teter
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks
Media Relations Representative
417-224-4898
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