ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 25, 2006 – A $4-million grant from the State of Michigan to the Detroit Zoological Society to help cover transition and operating costs in 2006 was approved Wednesday by the Legislature. 

The approval marks an important step in an agreement reached in March that transfers operations of the Detroit Zoological Institute from the City of Detroit to the Zoological Society.  Under the agreement, the City will retain ownership of the physical assets and property.  The transfer of operations will take about two weeks to complete.

“This is only the first step in a long process that will ensure the continued vitality of the Detroit Zoo, and we have a lot of work ahead of us in order to achieve our goals,” said Detroit Zoological Society Chairman Gail Warden.  “Now we must focus on fostering growth in revenue programs and attendance, increasing private donations from the community, and establishing a recurring, regionally based public funding source.”

Without City of Detroit operating subsidies, the Institute faces a $7-million annual gap in its operating budget.  The Society will use the State funding to help cover that gap in 2006.  The City has earmarked $5 million in 2006 to assist in capital improvements and $900,000 to cover the cost of insurance and security of its assets.  Society officials have asked the City and State for additional funds in 2007, which will allow the Society to achieve a long-term regional funding plan. 

“This transition signals a new chapter in the future of the Zoo and we are grateful for the legislature’s and the governor’s help,” said Detroit Zoological Institute Director Ron Kagan.  “With our excellent staff, dedicated board and devoted volunteers and members, we will continue to celebrate and save wildlife.”

Founded in 1928, the Detroit Zoological Institute is comprised of the Detroit Zoo and the 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 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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