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ROYAL OAK, Mich., July 17, 2008 – In recognition of the dedication of its 50 zookeepers to a mission of celebrating and saving wildlife, the Detroit Zoological Society joins with other zoological institutions across the nation in support of National Zookeeper Week July 20-26.
“Our zookeepers are well-educated, passionate, caring and committed individuals responsible for ensuring that our animals live good lives,” said Director of Conservation and Animal Welfare Scott Carter. “We recognize their dedication during this special week and appreciate them year-round.”
Zookeeper talks are scheduled throughout the week at various animal habitats at the Detroit Zoo. Schedules will be available at the admission gates. In addition, the Zoo has a number of internal activities planned to show appreciation for its keepers.
The Detroit Zoo recently concluded its ZOOKEEPERS Sweepstakes, allowing 12 local kids the opportunity to be “honorary” zookeepers. The winners shadowed the Zoo’s keepers, veterinarians and enrichment technicians behind-the-scenes to meet the animals and see what it’s like to be part of the animal care staff.
National Zookeeper Week is sponsored by the America Association of Zookeepers (AAZK), a non-profit volunteer organization made up of professional zookeepers and other interested persons dedicated to professional animal care and conservation.
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 (open at 9:30 a.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day) – 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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