Like the Detroit Zoo’s other Thoroughbred, 10-year-old Trio, Buster was rescued through the Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER) in Emmett, Mich., which provides former racehorses with opportunities for retirement.

“Many horses are retired from the racing industry each year although not all are as fortunate as Buster to find a good home.  He will make a great companion for Trio,” said Scott Carter, Director of Conservation and Animal Welfare.

The bay-colored gelding weighs 1,200 pounds and stands 16.2 hands at the withers (a hand equals 4 inches).  A Thoroughbred horse (Equus caballus) typically weighs 900 to 1,100 pounds and measures 15 to 17 hands.   

Veterinary care for Buster and all the Zoo’s animals is supported in part by proceeds from the upcoming Bank of America Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo.  The 5K and 10K races and one-mile fun walk will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2009.  Details are available at www.detroitzoo.org (click on Events, then Run Wild).

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 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through Labor Day (with extended hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. day after Labor Day through October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March.  Admission is $11 for adults 15 to 61, $9 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7 for children ages 2 to 14; 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.  Admission is free.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 

###