ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 7, 2007 – The miniature railroad has always been one of the Detroit Zoo’s most popular and beloved attractions, providing wonderful memories for over 40 million Zoo guests who have ridden the rails since the train was introduced in 1931.  One such guest is Joel Tauber of Bloomfield Hills, who as a child loved riding the train at the Zoo and over the years brought his own children and grandchildren to enjoy the experience. 

Those fond memories spanning four generations have inspired Tauber and his family to help the Detroit Zoological Society preserve this symbol of the Zoo’s rich heritage.  In recognition of a $750,000 gift from the Joel and Shelley Tauber Family, the Society today announced it has renamed the train the Tauber Family Railroad. 

“We would hope that, because of our gift, millions of future Zoo guests from a broad cross section of our metropolitan community will be able to enjoy the Tauber Family Railroad,” said Joel Tauber, who is a member of the Detroit Zoological Society Board of Directors.  “It is an opportunity to bring families together for memorable happy times as it has been for over four generations in my family.”

The Taubers’ generous gift will cover half the cost of a $1.5 million railroad renovation project, which includes a much-needed refurbishment of the train,   replacement of the tracks, and an endowment for the railroad.  Fundraising efforts have begun to secure an additional $750,000 for the project.  Most of the work will occur in the off-season.

Donated by The Detroit News in 1931, the railroad was credited with helping the Detroit Zoo survive hard times during the Great Depression.  Starting out at a nickel a ride, train fares provided the Zoo with dependable revenue.  The replica steam locomotives and passenger cars carried 10 million passengers before becoming obsolete in 1948.

In 1949, Chrysler Corporation designed, built and donated the first of the diesel-powered trains, the Walter P. Chrysler, along with two more locomotives in 1950 and 1951.  The Zoo’s new trains were modeled after the fast, aerodynamic Streamliners of that era. 

After serving millions more riders, the trains were idled in 1980 for repairs.  A fund drive raised $300,000, including donations from children’s allowances and proceeds from a Zoo garage sale.  In 1984, the trains returned to service.

In 2001, Daimler-Chrysler renewed its historic commitment, donating upgrades to the trains’ drivelines.  Modern, computerized emission-control engines now run on unleaded gasoline – about 11 gallons per day – and computer diagnostics make tune-ups easier.

The Tauber Family Railroad carries passengers to and from the Main Station near the park entrance and the Africa Station at the farthest corner of the park, weather permitting.  The Tauber Family Railroad is open daily during regular Zoo hours May through September and weekends only in October. 

The one-way fare for all rail passengers is $2.  A Ride the Wild Train Card, good for 10 one-way rides, can be purchased for $16.  The Zoo also offers a Tender Seat package, which includes a ride with the engineer in the tender seat, an official cap and a photo taken in the train’s historic engine compartment.  The cost is $12 per child, or $20 for two children or one child and one adult. 

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. 
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