Detroit Zoo Names Main Train Station, Unveils Newly Refurbished Trains

ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 8, 2008 – The Detroit Zoological Society today announced a $250,000 grant from The Chrysler Foundation to help refurbish the Detroit Zoo’s historic Tauber Family Railroad.  In recognition of the gift, the Society named the main train station the Chrysler Main Station.

“The Chrysler Foundation’s generous gift helps us to preserve a symbol of the Zoo’s rich heritage and enables millions of future Zoo visitors to enjoy the railroad for many years to come,” said Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director Ron Kagan.  The railroad has served over 40 million Zoo guests who have ridden the rails since the train was introduced in 1931.

“Chrysler is very proud to play a continuing role for more than half a century in supporting one of the Detroit Zoo’s favorite attractions," said Brian Glowiak, Vice President, The Chrysler Foundation.  "This historic commitment began with our original donation of three trains nearly 60 years ago, followed by recurring donations to upgrade and maintain their operations.  We are pleased that future generations will continue to experience this timeless treasure.”

The Chrysler Foundation’s gift supports a $1.5 million project to renovate the railroad, including refurbishment of the trains, replacement of the tracks and ties and the establishment of an endowment for the railroad. 
 
Last year, Detroit Zoological Society board member Joel Tauber and his wife, Shelley, made a leadership gift of $750,000 to the railroad refurbishment project through the Tauber Family Foundation.  In appreciation of this investment, the Society named the train the Tauber Family Railroad.   Fundraising continues as $1,052,500 has been raised toward the project.

Part of the money raised has been spent on the refurbishment of the three Tauber trains, two of which the Society unveiled today.  The locomotives recently received a complete restoration from the inside-out, including rebuilt engines, gears, gauges, wheels and bodies.  In addition, the trains have been fitted with air-conditioned tenders (where the conductor sits) and new canopies.  The third train will be completed this summer.

The modernization of the old locomotives was an especially memorable project for the staff of Photographic Support, Inc. (PSI) in Sterling Heights, which specializes in the restoration of all things automotive for exhibits and auto shows.  “Growing up in the Metro Detroit area, everyone rode the Zoo train.  It was a lot of fun for all of us to work on something that has been around for so long,” said PSI’s owner, Bill Beaudin.

The Tauber Family Railroad carries passengers to and from the Chrysler Main Station near the park entrance and the Africa Station at the farthest corner of the park, weather permitting.  The 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 conductor 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 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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