Animal Enrichment Followed by Concert Series

ROYAL OAK, Mich., July 13, 2009 – Wednesdays at the Detroit Zoo are even wilder in July and August.  While visitors are getting their dose of “Vitamin Z”, the animals are getting enrichment of their own.  In conjunction with extended Wednesday hours for the Wild Summer Nights concert series, the Zoo is offering a special day-long schedule of animal enrichment activities.

Enrichment is the process of enhancing overall captive animal welfare by providing physical, social and environmental conditions and stimuli.  “Enrichment encourages species-typical behavior in animals, such as foraging and stalking, and gives visitors something exciting to watch,” said Enrichment/Research Coordinator Elizabeth Arbaugh.

The animal enrichment activities include a treat-filled piñata for the lions, a produce slushy for the anteaters, ice treats for the snow monkeys, fruit kabobs for the chimpanzees, a watermelon for the hippo, a fish ball for the seals, a sprinkler for the grizzly bears and an “amazing graze” for the zebras.

The Wednesday enrichment schedule can be found on the Detroit Zoo’s website at http://www.detroitzoo.org/Animals/Enrichment/Wednesday_Enrichment_09/.

After viewing the enrichment activities, visitors can enjoy live music from local bands at the Wild Summer Nights concerts.  The Zoo remains open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays during the concert series.

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. 
###