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ROYAL OAK, Mich., July 11, 2007 – Beginning today, July 11 the new version of the Detroit Zoo’s popular “Zoo Stars” television commercial will make its debut on Fox2 News Morning.
The new spot, which features various Detroit Zoo animals as they get ready to audition for the new Zoo television commercial, uses archived footage and a mix of professional and amateur voice actors. Dave Coulier, comedian, actor and voice-over artist, best known for his portrayal of Joey Gladstone on Full House can be heard in the spot reading the line, “I’m ready for my close-up, too close.” Legendary radio personality and Detroit Pistons announcer John Mason also contributed to the new spot by lending his voice for the giraffe, reading the line, “Deeee-troit an-i-mals.” The Detroit Zoological Society teamed up with Doner, the Zoo’s advertising agency, Fox 2 and National City to recapture the excitement and nostalgia of the original “Zoo Stars” campaign by remaking the popular commercial with the help of the community. The public had its first opportunity to help shape the updated version by writing lines for the new spot. Two lines were selected from among over 3,000 entries submitted by the public. “Deeee-troit an-i-mals,” was entered by both Mark Goldstein of Farmington Hills and Christopher Adams of Clarkston. “Badgers! We don’t need no stinking badgers,” was submitted by Russel Woodruff of St. Clair Shores. The public had its next chance to participate in the updated version by auditioning to voice lines in the new spot. Frank Connelly of Livonia and Abigail Rondo of Auburn Hills were chosen from among 180 participants who competed in an open audition in early June. The original “Zoo Stars” spot was created by Doner and first aired in 1982 winning every national advertising award at the time, including the coveted CLIO. An adapted version of the spot was used by more than 25 other zoos around the country. The new “Zoo Stars” campaign, sponsored by National City, will air exclusively on Fox 2 through July 31. To view the spot, click on www.MyFOXDetroit.com. 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 – with extended hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August – 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) 541-5717 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. ### |
