Royal Oak, Mich., February 8, 2006 – The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) today announced the appointment of Patricia Mills as Communications Manager.  She is responsible for all public relations and communications activities for the Detroit Zoo.

Mills joins the Zoo from Equest Racing Stables where she served as Investor Relations Director.  Before that, she was Assistant General Counsel for Championship Auto Racing Teams.

“It is with much enthusiasm that we welcome Patricia to this important post.  Her unique combination of skills and experience will prove invaluable in communicating our message that the Detroit Zoo is a valuable community resource and a world-class institution dedicated to celebrating and saving wildlife,” said DZS Chairman Gail Warden.

Prior to practicing law, Mills served as Public Relations Manager for Detroit TV stations WXYZ/Channel 7 and WJBK/Channel 2.  Before that, she held positions with various Metro Detroit advertising and public relations firms.

Mills earned a J.D. from Detroit’s Wayne State Law School and is a member of the Michigan State Bar.  She received a B.A. from Oakland University in Rochester, Mich., where she later developed and taught a course in public relations.

Mills is an avid equestrienne who has served as a reserve deputy with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Mounted Division and volunteered with the Michigan 4-H Horseback Riding for the Handicapped.

A lifelong resident of Metro Detroit, Mills lives in Franklin, Mich.

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 open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through March, with several indoor viewing areas. The Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak. 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 currently undergoing renovation but provides some programming, with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on weekdays with advance reservations by calling (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, please call (248) 541-5717.
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