ROYAL OAK, Mich., December 10, 2009 – The 2009 Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, a collection of images from the world’s largest and most prestigious wildlife photography competition, makes its North American premiere at the Detroit Zoo’s Ford Education Center on December 16, 2009.  The exhibition is open during Zoo hours and is free with regular Zoo admission.

“The photographs in this spectacular exhibition are visually stunning, often thought-provoking and provide insight into the beauty and drama of the natural world,” said Ron Kagan, Executive Director of the Detroit Zoological Society.

The exhibition features 95 photographs dramatically displayed as illuminated large-format color transparencies.  The winning images, chosen from a record 43,135 entries, represent 83 photographers from 24 countries.  The North American premiere exhibition, which is taking place at the Detroit Zoo for the sixth consecutive year, will run until April 26, 2010. 

An educational and interactive family learning guide corresponding to the exhibition can be downloaded and printed from the Zoo’s website beginning December 16 to aid visitors in interpreting the exhibition.  A hardback commemorative portfolio book of the 2009 Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is available for sale in the Detroit Zoo’s Zoofari Market.

London’s Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine have organized this annual exhibition for more than 40 years to showcase the finest wildlife pictures taken by photographers worldwide. 

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 4 p.m. November through March (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through Labor Day and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the day after Labor Day through October.  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 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day); admission is free.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 
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