NEW YORK, New York, September 11, 2002 (ENS) - The Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo has dedicated a special 23 foot high "Healing Totem" to commemorate the tragedy of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

On September 5, the Bronx Zoo hosted the dedication of the totem pole, created by disadvantaged youth from Monterey, California, and donated to New York City.

The Totem was made from an ancient cedar log from Port Chicago, California, site of a primary naval weapons depot during World War II. The depot used 1,100 year old Alaskan yellow cedar trees to construct its piers and dock.

In July of 1944, a massive explosion rocked Port Chicago, killing 320 naval personnel and damaging 14 California counties. This incident was the largest homeland disaster of either of the two world wars.

Ten of the ancient Alaskan logs survived the blast and were salvaged 50 years later from the Suisun Bay, northeast of San Francisco. Spiritual and environmental groups recovered and purchased these logs to create healing totems to be gifted throughout the world.

The One Voice Arts and Leadership Program, a Monterey County, California organization that works with disadvantaged youth, received a 23 foot, 6,000 pound log and agreed to involve these young people in the ancient art of totem carving. They promised that the totem would be given to a community in need of healing and recovery, as a gift of peace and hope to all of those who have suffered from the events of September 11th.

The Wildlife Conservation Society teamed up with One Voice and agreed to accept the totem sculpture at its flagship Bronx Zoo on behalf of the people of New York City.