Kids Can Win the Chance to be a Real Zookeeper

ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 29, 2008 – The Detroit Zoological Society, Fox 2 and Doner, the Society’s advertising agency, have launched a promotional campaign that says, “Our Zoo is Worth Keeping!”  On May 29, Fox 2 announced a summer program called ZOOKEEPERS, a club for kids ages 2-12 that allows them to earn free perks at the Detroit Zoo. 

Parents can log on to www.MyFOXDetroit.com and download an official certificate, redeemable for a ZOOKEEPERS lanyard at the Zoo.  The lanyard contains coupons for a free child’s ZOOKEEPERS tee-shirt (while supplies last), small soft drink and one-way ride on the Tauber Family Railroad.  In addition, kids ages 6-12 can be entered for a chance to become an honorary zookeeper.  Twelve winners will be selected at random to receive an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with a keeper at the Detroit Zoo.

“The zookeeper experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for kids to meet the animals and to understand how we care for them,” said Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director Ron Kagan.  “It’s like a backstage pass!”

The campaign, created by Doner, includes a TV commercial that puts a new twist on an old tune.  The lyrics to the 1968 O’Kaysions hit “Girl Watcher” have been changed to “I’m a zookeeper,” sung by kids from the tri-county area.  The 30-second spot will air on Fox 2 through mid-July.  Outdoor boards and print ads reinforce the sense of wonder, awe and excitement that comes over children when they visit the Detroit Zoo. 

To download a ZOOKEEPERS certificate and to enter a child in the contest, click on the ZOOKEEPERS icon at www.MyFOXDetroit.com.

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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