ROYAL OAK, Mich., February 9, 2009 – Dim the lights and cue the Barry White music; love is in the air at the Detroit Zoo just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Five animal species have arrived at the Zoo with breeding recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) program, a cooperative management plan to ensure genetically healthy, diverse and self-sustaining populations of threatened and endangered species.  The eligible singles from five separate AZA zoos have been identified by their respective SSP program’s “computer dating service” as good matches for six Detroit Zoo residents. 

“We’re excited at the prospect of the babies we’ll be having as a result of these newest recommendations,” says Director of Conservation and Animal Welfare Scott Carter.  But he cautions, “Animals are individuals and there are no guarantees of success.”  Still, zookeepers are hopeful that these five newcomers and their mates are in the mood for some jungle love.

• Viktor, a 3-year-old male Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), arrived from Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo to strut his stripes for 5-year-old Kisa, and zookeepers hope the big cats will make the purrrr-fect pair.  Amur tigers have been known to do the wild thing anytime during the year, but the laws of attraction are typically in force from January through June.

• Almond Joy, nicknamed A.J., is a 7-year-old male Matschie’s tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) from the Columbus Zoo.  Although there is no specific breeding season for tree ‘roos, zookeepers hope Almond Joy will be sweet on 2-year-old Lil’ LaRoo from the get-go and the pair will do more than just climb trees together. 

• Carol, a 1-year-old female pudu (Pudu puda), is a big-city gal from the Bronx Zoo.  Native to South America, the pudu is the world’s smallest species of deer.  The mating season for pudus is during the fall, which leaves plenty of time for Carol and 2-year-old T. Roy to become near and “deer” to each other.

• Ta-Shi, a 3-year-old female red panda (Ailurus fulgens), gave up the lease on her bachelorette pad at South Dakota’s Great Plains Zoo to cohabitate with 5-year-old Rupert.  The mating season for red pandas is January through March, perfect timing for these otherwise solitary animals to be struck by Cupid’s arrow.

• Harvard, a 10-year-old male warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) from the St. Louis Zoo will soon join 4-year-old sisters Rebecca and Lilith in their African Grasslands habitat.  Zookeepers can only make an educated guess as to which female will be attracted by Harvard’s animal magnetism and classic good looks, with breeding possible anytime during the year.

Time – and chemistry – will tell if the pitter patter of tiny paws, claws and hooves will be heard throughout the Detroit Zoo in 2009.

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 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 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 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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