WASHINGTON MYSTICS TO UNVEIL NEW MASCOT

Players: �� Tamara James, Coco Miller, DeLisha Milton Jones and Nikki Teasley

WHAT: �� New Mascot Unveiling at the National Zoo

WHEN: �� Thursday, May 18 at 5:30 PM

WHERE: �� ZooFari 2006, �Black & White Night� Smithsonian�s National Zoological Park 3001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. � The Washington Mystics and the Smithsonian�s National Zoo are joining forces to unveil the Mystics� newest mascot on Thursday, May 18, at ZooFari 2006, �Black and White Night,� the 23rd annual fundraising gala hosted by Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ). Mystics President and Managing Partner Sheila Johnson will make remarks and unveil the new mascot during a private, VIP reception at 5:30 p.m. in the Zoo�s Elephant House. Mystics� players DeLisha Milton-Jones, Nikki Teasley, Coco Miller and Tamara James also will be in attendance.

ZooFari is a casual, exciting evening of gourmet foods, fine wines, and fabulous entertainment. Guests can enjoy delicacies prepared by master chefs from more than 100 of the D.C. area�s finest restaurants, as well as wine served by vintners from around the world. Admission is $120 for FONZ members and $150 for nonmembers. Proceeds benefit a variety of Zoo initiatives, including conservation and science projects and exhibit development. Media wishing to cover the event must contact Matt Olear at FONZ at (202) 633-4085.

As part of a new partnership with the National Zoo, the Washington Mystics will donate a portion of the proceeds from their July 9th game against the Chicago Sky to FONZ, the Zoo�s non-profit support organization.