Kids Win Behind-the-Scenes Opportunity at the African Grasslands

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 11, 2008 – Brendan Gleason, 6, of Livonia and Jessica Maladecki, 6, of Westland have won an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with a keeper at the Detroit Zoo in the Detroit Zoological Society and Fox 2’s ZOOKEEPERS Sweepstakes.

On Saturday, June 14, the winners will venture into the African Grasslands with the white rhinos, warthogs and river hippopotamus.  The “honorary” ZOOKEEPERS will scatter hay throughout the rhino habitat and hide treats for the rhinos to discover.  They will also get an up-close look at the rhinos from inside their habitat and may even have the opportunity to touch the animals.  The kids will also prepare and distribute special treats for the warthogs and Jock the hippo and watch as the animals enjoy their snacks.

Parents can click on the ZOOKEEPERS icon at www.MyFOXDetroit.com through July 8 and register kids ages 6-12 for their chance to become an honorary zookeeper.  Eight more winners will be selected at random to receive an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with a keeper at the Detroit Zoo. 

In addition, kids ages 2-12 can download an official certificate, redeemable for a ZOOKEEPERS lanyard at the Zoo.  The lanyard contains coupons for a free child’s ZOOKEEPERS t-shirt (while supplies last), small soft drink and one-way ride on the Tauber Family Railroad. 

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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