2008-09-17 23:28:02 -
- Thousands of people have seen the famous Ripley's Believe It or Not! fertility statues during their first several weeks on exhibit at the Ripley's Odditorium in Times Square.
Some are serious about touching the statues, believing in their powers to help them conceive.
"Some will rub every part of the statues multiple times. Others say a prayer
while touching the statues," said Michael Hirsch, General Manager of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square.
Others keep their distance.
"I'm constantly getting questions from men wanting to know if they can help the process by touching it or are in danger if they actually do touch it."
Since their magical powers were discovered in 1994, more than 2,000 women have reported they became pregnant shortly after touching the wooden statues. Many had been told by doctors they would never be able to conceive!
The statues are on display through October 26 in the lobby of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square. Would-be parents are invited to come in and touch them for FREE during regular business hours.
The statues will spend November at Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Grand Prairie, Texas, and December at the Believe It or Not! in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Visit www.ripleys.com/fertility for downloadable high resolution photos and additional press material.
About Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square
Situated in the heart of Times Square in Manhattan, New York, Ripley's Believe It or Not! offers visitors the ultimate insight into the world of the odd and bizarre. Hundreds of weird and unusual artifacts are displayed in more than 20 themed galleries spanning two floors. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square (www.ripleysnewyork.com) is located at 234 West 42nd Street and is open daily 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Call 212-398-3133.
About Ripley Entertainment Inc.
Ripley Entertainment Inc. (www.ripleys.com), keepers of the venerable Ripley's Believe It or Not! brand, is a global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 13 million guests visit its 65-plus attractions operating in 12 countries annually. The Orlando-based company also has divisions that oversee publishing, licensing and broadcast operations. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the third-largest privately held company in Canada.
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
Tim O'Brien, VP Communications, 615-646-7465
Cell: 615-496-5949
Obrien@ripleys.com 
