The Stillwater Mining Co. donates $1.25 million to Billings zoo for bear exhibit

The Stillwater Mining Co. and its corporate parent on Sunday announced the donation of $1.25 million to ZooMontana to fund construction of a brown bear exhibit and operate it for a decade.

Officials said the donation was suggested by members of the state’s congressional delegation after Norilsk Nickel acquired 55 percent interest in Stillwater Mining Co. in June 2003. It’s a gesture of good will to the people of Montana, company officials said.

"We appreciate the assistance and counsel we received from the Montana congressional delegation, state and local officials and from community groups during the transaction with Norilsk Nickel," said Frank McAllister, chairman and CEO of Stillwater Mining.

By the Associated Press

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/articles/2005/06/26/breaker/doc42bf61adaf7b0503084267.txt