ROYAL OAK, Mich., April 19, 2007 – Mother’s Day is May 13, and the Detroit Zoological Society has the perfect gift idea for any mother, wife, grandmother, sister or friend.  The Society is featuring the giraffe for its WildLife Preserver “Adopt” an Animal program.

The gift package includes a plush giraffe in a gift box with a personalized adoption certificate and fact sheet on giraffes.  The cost of an adoption is $45, which includes shipping and handling. 

Proceeds from the “Adopt” an Animal program support the animals at the Detroit Zoo through habitat renovation and veterinary treatment.  The program also supports Species Survival Plans, a cooperative breeding and conservation program in which the Zoo participates. 

“By symbolically ‘adopting’ an animal through the WildLife Preservers program, people can give twice,” said Detroit Zoological Society Director of Member Services Helen Harding.  “Mothers will love their unique gift and the giver helps to support the Zoo and preserve the world’s wildlife.”

To complete the adoption process, visit www.detroitzoo.org, call the Customer Service line at (248) 541-5717 ext. 3750, or visit the Membership office at the front of the Detroit Zoo daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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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