ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 15, 2006 – The Detroit Zoo will unveil its latest exhibition on May 19 when The Peregrine Falcon: Return of an Endangered Species debuts at the Exhibit Gallery of the Ford Education Center.  Featuring photos, dioramas, interactive displays and video, the 2,000-square-foot exhibit looks at the biology, behavior and near-demise of the peregrine falcon.

Powerful and swift, the peregrine falcon hunts medium-sized birds, swooping down on them from tremendous heights.  Virtually exterminated from eastern North America by pesticide poisoning in the middle 20th century, conservation efforts have made the peregrine falcon a regular, albeit uncommon, sight in many large cities.

The Peregrine Falcon: Return of an Endangered Species was developed by the Bell Museum in collaboration with the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota and other raptor conservation groups throughout North America.

The exhibit runs through September 8, 2006 and is open daily during regular Zoo hours at no additional charge. 

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 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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