ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 26, 2006 - The Detroit Zoo will host a “beary” special day on Saturday, June 3, when children are invited to bring their stuffed bears for Teddy Bear Day.

Bear-themed activities will take place in the Picnic Grove from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., including arts and crafts, storytelling, and costumed characters.  Prizes will be awarded for the most-loved (that is, worn-out) and best-dressed teddy bears as well as for the bear that looks most like its owner.

In addition, “doctors” and “nurses” will see “patients” at the Teddy Bear Hospital and Clinic, sponsored by Beaumont Hospital, where worn-out teddy bears in need of special attention will be mended for free.   

The Detroit Zoo is home to 13 bears, including its own “Teddy,” a female grizzly. Children are encouraged to visit the bear habitats to learn more about the Zoo’s four different species, including the polar bears residing at the award-winning Arctic Ring of Life. 

The Detroit Zoological Institute is comprised of the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Founded in 1928, the Institute is committed to celebrating and saving wildlife.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily April through October, with extended hours 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August.  Admission is $11.00 for adults 13 to 61, $9.00 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7.00 for children ages 2 to 12; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 398-0900 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056.  The Detroit Zoological Society works to promote the general welfare and interests of the Institute.  Financial support has allowed the Zoo to open new exhibits, develop important education and conservation programs and implement major beautification projects.  To help the Detroit Zoological Society through financial support, partnership opportunities, membership or volunteering, call (248) 541-5717.

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