Fostering wildlife appreciation and education, contest encourages Miami-Dade middle school students to submit their best photograph of a Zoo Miami animal for a chance to win a $2,000 prize

Mercantil Commercebank, one of the largest banks headquartered in Florida, today announced the 2016 launch of its Zoolens^SM Photography Project.Developed in partnership with Zoo Miami and the Zoological Society of Florida, the Bank’s month-long contest encourages middle school students of both public and private schools in Miami-Dade County to visit Zoo Miami, creatively photograph their favorite animal and enter the photo for a chance to win great rewards, including a $2,000 grand prize.

Mercantil Commercebank’s Zoolens ^SM Photography Project was developed in 2010 to foster wildlife awareness among students while encouraging artistic expression and education through photography. The 2016 project will run from Saturday, Oct. 1 through Monday, Oct. 31 and students interested in participating must submit an original, artistic photograph of a Zoo Miami animal before 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31. Submissions can be made through a student’s school or at any Mercantil Commercebank banking center, and further guidelines are available at Zoolens.com.

A panel of distinguished judges will then choose three grand prize winners and 10 honorable mention winners, which will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday, December 8. The first place winner will receive a $2,000 savings account, second place will receive a $1,500 savings account, and third place, a $1,000 savings account. The top three winners will also receive a professional camera andstudent membership to the North American Nature Photography Association and their respective schools will receive a donation courtesy of Mercantil Commercebank. The 10 honorable mentions will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card.

Additionally, the Bank will present a “Zoolens ^SMFans’ Choice” social media contest via the Zoolens Facebook page. A Facebook photo album of the top 30 finalists’ submissions will be posted to the page in mid-November and open to all page followers for voting.

“We are so proud of the Zoolens Photography Project’s growth over the years and how it continues to bring the community together,” said Mercantil Commercebank Vice-Chairman and CEO Millar Wilson. “It has always been a consistent mission of ours to strengthen our relationships with the local community by supporting the arts. The Zoolens Photography Project is very special to us because it provides students with an opportunity for artistic development while encouraging an appreciation for nature and wildlife.”

In celebration of the project, on Oct. 1, Mercantil Commercebank will host a special event for students at Zoo Miami. Starting at 10 a.m., students will join Ron Magill – Nikon® Ambassador, Zoo Miami’s Director of Communications and noted wildlife photographer – for an exciting tour on a tram and enjoy exclusive animal experiences and wildlife photography tips.Nikon® representatives will provide access to loaner digital Nikon ® photography equipment for up to 40 students. Additionally, representatives from Pitman Photo Supply will be on hand to offer gift memory cards to participants, as well as gift certificates for free photo printing, while supplies last.

“As a contest judge for the past six years, I continue to be amazed at the talent and creativity of the Miami-Dade County students who participate in the Zoolens Photography Project,” said Ron Magill, who serves as the spokesperson of the contest. “It is an honor to be a part of this vital program that promotes wildlife awareness and offers students educational and creative outlets.”

In 2015, Tristin Bolles, a student from Westminster Christian School, earned first place for her captivating photo of two donkeys in Zoo Miami kissing. Her submission, titled “Motherly Love,” was among more than 300.

The panel of judges for the 2016 Zoolens ^SM Photography Project includes Mercantil Commercebank Vice President, Marketing Services Manager Grizzel Gonzalez; Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Patrick Farrell; internationally acclaimed photo-artist María Martínez-Cañas; New World School of the Arts visual arts professor and curator Rosario Martínez-Cañas; WPLG Local 10 anchor Eric Yutzy; and Ron Magill. 

As one of the largest banks headquartered in Florida, one of Mercantil Commercebank’s key initiatives is to give back to the community by supporting the arts. In order to further this initiative, the Bank will also participate in the Learning Through Art program, hosted by The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, TX.

To learn more about Mercantil Commercebank, visit www.mercantilcb.com, and follow the Bank on Twitter and Instagram at @MercantilCB. For more information on the 2016 Zoolens^SM Photography Project, as well as the special Oct. 1 event, visit www.Zoolens.com.

ABOUT MERCANTIL COMMERCEBANK:

Mercantil Commercebank N.A. is one of the largest banks in South Florida serving its community for over 35 years. Mercantil Servicios Financieros (MSF), a Venezuelan company, beneficially owns the Bank through U.S. bank holding companies. MSF is the largest provider of financial services in Venezuela with more than 90 years of experience. Mercantil Commercebank has assets of $8.3 billion. The Bank is headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida and has 23 Banking Centers - 15 located in South Florida, one in New York, and seven in Houston, Texas. The Bank offers a www.mercantilcb.com.

ABOUT THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF FLORIDA AND ZOO MIAMI: The Zoological Society of Florida is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that supports Zoo Miami through education, conservation and outreach programs; marketing and public relations; volunteer services and financial support for the construction of new exhibits. As of October 1, 2015, the Zoological Society of Florida will officially change its name to Zoo Miami Foundation to better state its mission. Visit www.zoomiami.org for additional information. Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177. General Zoo Admission is: $17.95/adult and $13.95/child (3-12), plus tax. Also as of October 1, 2015, admission prices will change to $19.95/adult and $15.95/child, plus tax. Children under two, Zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s hours are 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays; ticket booths close at 4 p.m. For more information please visit www.zoomiami.org.