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ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 8, 2008 – The Detroit Zoo today introduced 12-year-old twin polar bears Neil and Buzz, namesakes of Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. The bears have touched down at the Arctic Ring of Life for a two-year stay while their habitat at Como Zoo in St. Paul, Minn., is being renovated.
“We have a great environment for polar bears and we’re pleased to share it with Neil and Buzz,” said Director of Conservation and Animal Welfare Scott Carter. “There’s plenty of room for the bears to roam and swim.”
The Arctic Ring of Life encompasses over four acres of outdoor and indoor habitats, making it North America’s largest polar bear exhibit. A unique feature of the award-winning attraction is the Frederick and Barbara Erb Polar Passage, where visitors can walk through a 70-foot-long clear tunnel as polar bears and seals swim above and around them.
Neil and Buzz join 3-year-old Talini, 20-year-old Norton and 23-year-old Barle at the Arctic Ring of Life. The temporary placement of the polar bears was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). The duo is expected to return to their expanded habitat at Como Zoo in 2010.
There are currently 79 polar bears in 35 accredited zoos in North America. “Polar bears in zoos have become important ambassadors for the impact of climate change on polar bears in the wild to the millions of people who visit zoos each year,” said Carter.
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 for adults 13 to 61, $9 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7 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. year-round and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. For more information, call (313) 852-4056.
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