The re-loadable gift cards are also good at gift shops and food concessions, and can be used to purchase Detroit Zoo memberships, animal experiences, brick pavers, “Adopt”-an-Animal and other “wild” gifts. 

The gift cards are available for purchase at the admission gates daily during regular Zoo hours.  There are four designs from which to choose – a red-eyed tree frog, polar bear, peacock and animal collage.  For more information, call (248) 541-5717 x.3750.

Other “Wild” Holiday Gift Ideas

When the mall becomes a zoo this holiday season, shoppers can make the Zoo their mall.  And the giver can give twice – recipients will love their unique gifts, and proceeds will help support the Detroit Zoological Society and preserve the world’s wildlife. 

• Opt to Adopt.  “Adopt” a chimpanzee for your child or a meerkat for your mate.  Gift package includes a plush animal, fact sheet and personalized photo certificate.  The cost is $45 (regular price $50) when purchased before January 1, 2009.  Each “adoption” helps provide veterinary treatment, improve animal habitats and support Species Survival Plans. 

• Membership Has Its Privileges.  A Detroit Zoo gift membership keeps giving all year long.  Members receive unlimited admission to the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo, free parking, discounts at Zoo gift shops and other benefits.  Prices range from $45 to $74.  Residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties receive $10 off all categories and can purchase up to four gift memberships at the discounted rate.

• Pave the Way.  Make a lasting impression with a 4”x8” brick tribute paver engraved with a loved one’s name or special message.  The brick will be installed in 2009 and the recipient notified of its location.  Cost is $100 each.  Purchase two 4”x8” pavers for $150 before January 1, 2009.

• Close Encounters of the Animal Kind.  Breakfast with the Butterflies ($300 per group of four), Breakfast with the Giraffes ($500 per group of four) and Mingle with the Macaronis (regularly $750 per group of four; special holiday price $500) allow visitors age 7 and older to get up close and personal with these Zoo residents. 

• Buy a Butterfly.  A brass-finished laser-etched butterfly can be purchased to commemorate a birthday, wedding, anniversary or the life of a family member, friend or beloved pet.  Cost is $500 and the butterfly will be displayed inside the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery. 

• Best Seat in the House.  Dedicate a seat in the Ford Education Center Theater in the name of an individual or family.  Seats cost $500 and $750 and a brass plaque will be placed on the back of the seat.

• The Gift That Keeps On Growing.  Have a tree planted at the Zoo in honor of the environmentalist on your list.  Trees are $1,500 and include planting and a brass recognition plaque.

• Leave Your Mark in the Park.  A Zoo bench donated in a special someone’s honor leaves a lasting legacy.  The bench will be placed at the Detroit Zoo or Belle Isle Nature Zoo and includes a brass recognition plaque.  New benches are $5,000; existing benches are $2,000. 

For more information or to order holiday gifts, click on www.detroitzoo.org, call (248) 541-5717 ext. 3750 or visit the Membership Office at the front of the Zoo.

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 4 p.m. November through March and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October.  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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