Detroit Tigers to Pay Special Tribute to Detroit Zoo Keeper Staff

ROYAL OAK, Mich., July 17, 2009 – In recognition of the dedication of its 50 zookeepers, the Detroit Zoological Society joins with other zoological institutions across the country in support of National Zookeeper Week July 19-25, 2009. 

“Our zookeepers are educated, passionate, caring and committed individuals responsible for ensuring that the animals at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo live great lives,” said Director of Conservation and Animal Welfare Scott Carter.  “We recognize their dedication during this special week, but we appreciate them year-round.”

The Detroit Tigers will pay special tribute to the Detroit Zoo’s keepers before the start of the game on Friday evening, July 24, against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park.

National Zookeeper Week is sponsored by the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK), a non-profit volunteer organization made up of professional zookeepers and other interested persons from around the country who are dedicated to professional animal care and wildlife conservation.  This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Detroit Chapter of AAZK.

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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