ROYAL OAK, Mich., October 7, 2006 – Detroit Zoological Society officials and Congressman Joe Knollenberg (R - Bloomfield Hills) today announced that the Society has been awarded a 2006 federal special projects appropriation of $100,000 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The funds will be used to install lighting equipment in the Zoo’s Ford Education Center Theater.  Knollenberg, who serves on the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee and chairs a subcommittee on HUD, was instrumental in securing the funding.

“The Detroit Zoo and the Ford Education Center are great resources for the continuing education of adults and children alike.  Learning is always easier in a fun environment, and I know the students who visit the Center leave with new understanding and inspiration,” Congressman Knollenberg said.  “I’m proud to have helped the Zoo receive this funding, and I look forward to seeing the Theater in full operation.”

The 38,000-square-foot, two-story Ford Education Center opened in October 2005; however, a few areas within the Center require further interior build out to allow maximum use.  One such area is the 240-seat Theater and the Marlene and John Boll, Sr. Stage.  The federal funds will be applied to outfitting the Theater with essential lighting equipment, including a complete dimming and control system, required light fixtures, two follow spots, and a chain motor lift set.  The funds will also cover costs for installation and labor.   

“We’re grateful to Congressman Knollenberg for his leadership in securing these funds for the Ford Education Center,” said Detroit Zoological Society Chairman Gail Warden.  “This appropriation puts us one step further in outfitting the Theater with the technology and equipment to enhance events such as concerts and theatrical performances.”

The Ford Education Center provides a comprehensive facility for the Zoo’s renowned educational programs.  Each year more than 425,000 children visit the Zoo.  “The Ford Education Center enhances the educational experience of these students by inspiring heightened awareness of the need for conservation and stewardship of nature while providing a forum to promote science learning among students of all ages,” said the Society’s Executive Director Ron Kagan.

The Ford Education Center boasts several features which provide state-of-the-art educational experiences for visitors.  In addition to the Theater, highlights of the Center include four immersion studios (themed classrooms), a Humane Science Lab, an Arts and Crafts Studio, the Handleman Discovery Studio, a 2,500-square-foot Exhibit Gallery, and the Wild Adventure Ride. 

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  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 daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March.  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 daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March, and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 
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