ROYAL OAK, Mich., April 30, 2009 – The Detroit Zoo is providing a retired racehorse named Trio a permanent home to live out his golden years.  The chestnut Thoroughbred gelding gallops into the Zoo just in time for his 10th birthday on Kentucky Derby day, May 2.

Trio was adopted from the Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER) in Emmett, Mich., which provides retired racehorses with opportunities for new careers after the finish line. 

“Trio is a beautiful horse with an easy-going personality, and we’re happy we can provide a home for a racehorse like Trio who has few options for retirement,” said Scott Carter, Director of Conservation and Animal Welfare.

Trio stands 15.3 hands high at the withers (a hand equals 4 inches) and weighs 980 pounds.  A Thoroughbred horse (Equus caballus) typically stands about 15 to 17 hands high and weighs 900 to 1,100 pounds.   

With career earnings of over $85,000, Trio has raced on dirt and turf in 74 races, winning four titles and placing second 10 times and third five times.  His final competitive race was in June 2008. 

Trio joins 15-year-old retired racehorse Siberian Sun, known as Sunny, at the Detroit Zoo’s barnyard.  The Zoo adopted Sunny from CANTER in July 1999 when a leg injury ended his racing career. 

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 a.m. May 1 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 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. 
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