MONS, Belgium - Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) held a press conference, on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 to launch a cooperative campaign with Pairi Daiza, a local zoological garden, and unveil the Allied Command Operations (ACO) mascot “Sentinel” in celebration of NATO’s 75th Anniversary.
During the press conference, Mr. Jay Janzen, SHAPE J10 Strategic Communications Director, and Colonel Andrew Croy, SHAPE Base Support Group Commander, delivered remarks about the collaboration.
“Both SHAPE and Pairi Daiza share a rich history and a strong presence within this community, and we look forward to this opportunity to work together,” said Croy. “Today marks the start of what we hope will be an exciting and rewarding partnership with Pairi Daiza to celebrate NATO’s 75th anniversary,” Croy added.
Mr. Jay Janzen, SHAPE J10 Strategic Communications Director, briefs the media during a press conference at local zoo and botanical garden, Pairi Daiza on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 about the "Sentinel" 75th Anniversary campaign - NATO Photo by SHAPE Public Affairs Office
Janzen, also delivered an overview of the mascot initiative, and outlined the various reasons behind the selection of the grey wolf.
“First, they are found in most NATO countries, and second, wolves and military troops have many qualities in common. For example, both are intelligent, they work in teams, they have effective night vision, they are good swimmers, and they can easily cover long distances with stealth. Our hope is that younger audiences and people not normally drawn to traditional NATO topics will be curious about Sentinel, and will thus become aware of NATO’s 75th anniversary and a bit of our history.”
“Sentinel” will visit as many NATO countries as possible, including many of the exercises and events throughout the 75th Anniversary campaign.
Follow our social media platforms to keep up with Sentinel’s journey.