ROYAL OAK, Mich., December 26, 2007 – When the weather outside is frightful, the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Winter Weekends are sure to be delightful.  The annual series of events will be held on the second weekends in January, February and March, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Ford Education Center.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., December 26, 2007 – When the weather outside is frightful, the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Winter Weekends are sure to be delightful.  The annual series of events will be held on the second weekends in January, February and March, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Ford Education Center.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., November 19, 2007 – The Detroit Zoo is tickled pink with the addition of three Chilean flamingo chicks hatched via artificial incubation in September and October.  The chicks’ arrival marks the first successful flamingo rearing for the Zoo in 30 years.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., October 1, 2007 – The Detroit Zoo’s annual “merry-not-scary” Zoo Boo celebration returns this Halloween season, featuring a festively decorated half-mile trick-or-treat trail through the front of the park.  Presented by National City, Zoo Boo will be held on the evenings of October 19 to 21 and October 25 to 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., rain or shine.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., August 17, 2007 – Two chimpanzees have joined the Great Apes of Harambee at the Detroit Zoo.  Nyani, a 16-year-old female, and Kiri, a 17-year-old male, joined the Zoo from the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wis.  The pair’s arrival expands the Detroit Zoo’s chimpanzee population to 10, including three males and seven females. 

ROYAL OAK, Mich., August 15, 2007 – The Detroit Zoological Society has reached an all-time high of over 1,000 volunteers.  Zoo volunteers contributed a record 78,652 hours of service last year, representing more than $1.4 million in support.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., August 15, 2007 – The Detroit Zoo will celebrate Metro Detroit’s African community and culture at the African Festival on Saturday, August 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The event is part of Summer Festivals at the Detroit Zoo…Like Nowhere Else, presented by Comerica Charitable Foundation.  Festivities take place in the plaza east of the Ford Education Center and in the African Grasslands and are free with the cost of Zoo admission.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., August 9, 2007 – The Detroit Zoo’s Penguinarium has been overrun with “happy feet” since the hatching of five macaroni penguin chicks between mid and late May.  The two males and three females are being hand-reared by zookeepers off-exhibit but are viewable to the public on a television monitor through a camera that records them in their temporary habitat.  The hatchlings will join the Zoo’s penguin colony in mid to late August after they have “fledged” or grown their juvenile feathers for swimming. 

ROYAL OAK, Mich., August 3, 2007 – At the annual membership meeting of the Detroit Zoological Society held July 25 at the Detroit Zoo, the Society reported the following significant highlights for Fiscal Year 2007 (April 2006 through March 2007). 

ROYAL OAK, Mich., August 3, 2007 – The Detroit Zoological Society has appointed Danna Schock to the position of Curator of Amphibians at the Detroit Zoo’s National Amphibian Conservation Center (NACC).  She is responsible for all Amphibian Department operations, including animal care, conservation programs, guest and staff education programs, and staff training.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., August 2, 2007 – The Detroit Zoo is participating in the “Hands Along Woodward” event in honor of Woodward Avenue’s 200th Anniversary celebration with special discounts.  On Sunday, August 19, the Zoo will offer $2 child admission with the purchase of regular adult admission, $2 parking, $2 Wild Adventure Ride tickets, and $2 off any gift shop purchase over $10.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., August 2, 2007 – At the annual meeting of the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) held July 25 at the Detroit Zoo, the membership approved the following slate of candidates for a three-year term of board service:  Larry Alexander, John Erb, Allan D. Gilmour, David K. Page and Sean Werdlow. 

ROYAL OAK, Mich., July 30 2007 – The Detroit Zoo is offering a special discount on Summer Safari camp for the month of August. Campers who register for an August Summer Safari camp session receive a second camp session at half off. Also, campers who have already registered or have attended a camp this summer may register for another camp at half price.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., July 20, 2007 – The Detroit Zoo will celebrate Metro Detroit’s Hispanic/Latino community and culture at the Hispanic/Latino Festival on Saturday, July 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The event is part of Summer Festivals at the Detroit Zoo…Like Nowhere Else, presented by Comerica Charitable Foundation and supported by Univision Detroit.  Festivities take place in the plaza east of the Ford Education Center and are free with the cost of Zoo admission.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., July 11, 2007 – Beginning today, July 11 the new version of the Detroit Zoo’s popular “Zoo Stars” television commercial will make its debut on Fox2 News Morning.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., July 9, 2007 – The Detroit Zoological Society celebrated Sunset at the Zoo, presented by General Motors, on June 15. The Society’s major fundraising event generated net revenue of more than $380,000 with over 1,850 guests in attendance, the highest in the event’s history.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., July 2, 2007 – The Detroit Zoological Society’s Board of Directors has approved the Executive Committee’s recommendation to retain Ron Kagan as Executive Director. The decision comes after an in-depth review of allegations that Kagan misrepresented his doctorate degree from Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel. The review confirmed that although Kagan was a doctoral candidate for five years and completed his coursework, he did not finalize his Ph.D.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 28, 2007 – The Detroit Zoo has begun a captive rearing program for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly as part of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s Karner Blue Butterfly Recovery Plan.  Laura Palombi, Associate Curator of Invertebrates, is releasing butterflies produced at the Zoo in a restored habitat at the Kitty Todd Preserve near Toledo, Ohio over the next two weeks.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 27, 2007 – The Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit is performing “Zoomanity” and “Humane Education Medley” every weekend at the Detroit Zoo from June 30 to September 2.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 26, 2007 – What’s black and white and cute all over?   An endangered female Grevy’s zebra born June 24 at the Detroit Zoo!

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 26, 2007 – The Detroit Zoo will get even wilder on Wednesday nights during July and August with its annual Wild Summer Nights Concert Series.  Presented by National City, the concerts will take place in the Zoo’s Main Picnic Grove from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 11 through August 29.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 25, 2007 – The Detroit chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) will host its 18th annual “Bowling for Rhinos” bowl-a-thon on Saturday, July 28, at Cloverlanes Bowl in Livonia.  Nationally, “Bowling for Rhinos” raises over $200,000 each year for the conservation of endangered rhinos.  

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 25, 2007 – Space is still available for the Detroit Zoo’s Summer Safari camp, which started June 25 and runs through August 17.  Children ages 4-14 can explore the wonders of the animal kingdom through tours of the Zoo, hands-on activities, games, and arts and crafts.  Summer Safari is designed to spark an interest in and respect for wildlife, conservation and animal welfare.  

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 22, 2007 – The Detroit Zoo will celebrate Metro Detroit’s Asian community and culture at the Asian Festival on Saturday, June 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The event is part of Summer Festivals at the Detroit Zoo…Like Nowhere Else, presented by Comerica Charitable Foundation.  Festivities take place in the plaza east of the Ford Education Center and are free with the cost of Zoo admission.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 21, 2007 – The public has spoken and the Detroit Zoological Society and Fox 2 today announced the two talent search winners who will voice lines in an updated version of the Detroit Zoo’s popular “Zoo Stars” television commercial.  In an online poll in which over 1,100 people participated, Frank Connelly of Livonia and Abigail Rondo of Auburn Hills were voted Detroit’s favorite “Zoo Stars”.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 18, 2007 – Detroit Zoo visitors looking for a close encounter of the giraffe kind need look no further than the new Giraffe Encounter.  The latest addition to the Zoo’s African Grasslands features an elevated viewing platform overlooking the giraffe habitat, bringing guests to eye level with the Zoo’s tallest creatures.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 12, 2007 – The Detroit Zoological Society today announced the six semi-finalists who are in the running to voice two animals in an updated version of the Detroit Zoo’s popular “Zoo Stars” television commercial.  An open audition for the public to voice lines in the new spot was held at the Detroit Zoo on June 2. 

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 7, 2007 – The miniature railroad has always been one of the Detroit Zoo’s most popular and beloved attractions, providing wonderful memories for over 40 million Zoo guests who have ridden the rails since the train was introduced in 1931.  One such guest is Joel Tauber of Bloomfield Hills, who as a child loved riding the train at the Zoo and over the years brought his own children and grandchildren to enjoy the experience. 

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 7, 2007 – Visitors to the Detroit Zoo can experience puppy love in a wild new way with the arrival of African wild dogs.  Five-year-old sisters Nata and Ngami moved to Detroit from the Oklahoma City Zoo and took up residence today in the Zoo’s African Grasslands between the zebras and warthogs.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 1, 2007 – Two lines have been selected from among over 3,000 entries submitted by the public in a line-writing competition for an updated version of the Detroit Zoo’s popular “Zoo Stars” television commercial. 

ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 25, 2007 – In keeping with the Detroit Zoological Society’s “Out of Africa” theme for this year’s Sunset at the Zoo, national and local luminaries decorated and signed African-themed masks for an online auction to precede the June 15 fundraiser.  The masks will be auctioned on eBay with proceeds benefiting the Detroit Zoological Society.  Visit http://www.detroitzoo.org/ between May 31 and June 10 and click on the Celebrity African Mask icon to bid.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 16, 2007 – The Detroit Zoological Society will hold an open audition for the public to voice lines in an updated version of the Detroit Zoo’s popular “Zoo Stars” television commercial.  The talent search will take place Saturday, June 2, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Zoo’s Ford Education Center Theater.  Regular admission and parking fees apply.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 11, 2007 -- Canadians who are looking for a wild way to celebrate Victoria Day can find it across the border at the Detroit Zoo.  On Monday, May 21, Canadian currency will be accepted at par value throughout the Zoo in honor of the Canadian national holiday.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 9, 2007 – Tickets are on sale for the Detroit Zoological Society’s annual fundraising event, Sunset at the Zoo, the year’s wildest party featuring a strolling supper, zoo-themed martinis, live entertainment, dancing, and live and silent auctions.  Presented by General Motors, the event takes place in the Detroit Zoo’s main picnic grove on Friday, June 15, 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., rain or shine.   The Zoo will close at 2 p.m. that day in preparation for the event.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 8, 2007 - In celebration of Bear Awareness Week May 13 through 19, the Detroit Zoo will host a “beary” special day on Saturday, May 19, when children are invited to bring their stuffed bears for Teddy Bear Day.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 7, 2007 – Rosemary Watkins of Commerce Township has been named Chief Financial Officer for the Detroit Zoological Society, replacing the Society’s longtime CFO Cheri Byers who retired in December.  She is responsible for directing the financial management, planning, budgeting, procurement and investment activities of the Society.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 7, 2007 – The Detroit Zoological Society has named Lisa Marie Forzley of Royal Oak to the newly created position of Humane Education Specialist.  She is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing programs designed to educate and inform audiences about the need for compassion, responsibility and respect for animals and the environment.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 3, 2007 – Two female warthogs made their debut today at the Detroit Zoo, marking the first time ever that warthogs have called the Detroit Zoo home.  Two-year-old sisters Lilith and Rebecca came from the Toronto Zoo and have settled into their habitat near the Detroit Zoo’s Africa train station.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 2, 2007 – “My lines, my lines, I can’t remember my lines!”  Many people living in the Detroit area in the early 1980s can remember those lines, “spoken” by a giraffe at the Detroit Zoo in the popular “Zoo Stars” television commercial.  The Detroit Zoological Society today announced plans to re-air the award-winning spot as well as invite the community to help make a new version of the commercial.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., April 27, 2007 – Take a ride down a steep mountain, careen through deep ravines and caves, and splash into a lake in the newest thrill ride premiering May 4 at the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Adventure Ride.  HimalAmazon: The Extreme Log Ride, which combines photo-realistic animation with digital surround sound, is a roller coaster ride with an ecological message.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., April 26, 2007 – The Detroit Zoo will unveil its latest art exhibition on May 8 when Art of the Rainforest debuts at the Exhibit Gallery of the Ford Education Center. 

ROYAL OAK, Mich., April 25, 2007 – The Detroit Zoological Society has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan to support the development of a community relations initiative.  The grant will assist the Society in developing new partnerships and enhancing existing relationships with community organizations, nonprofits, school systems and civic groups throughout southeast Michigan.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., April 23, 2007 – In recognition of Hairstyle Appreciation Day on April 30, the Detroit Zoological Society offers an educational perspective on Zoo animals with distinctive, one-of-a-kind “do’s.” 

ROYAL OAK, Mich., April 20, 2007 – The Detroit Zoo and the Michigan Humane Society, in collaboration with several local animal welfare organizations, will host the 15th annual spring Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo May 5 and 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The event is the nation’s largest off-site companion-animal adoption program.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., April 19, 2007 – Mother’s Day is May 13, and the Detroit Zoological Society has the perfect gift idea for any mother, wife, grandmother, sister or friend.  The Society is featuring the giraffe for its WildLife Preserver “Adopt” an Animal program.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., April 13, 2007 – In observance of the global holiday celebrating life on our planet, the Detroit Zoo will host its annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Earth Day is an educational experience dedicated to celebrating wildlife and educating Zoo visitors about environmental conservation.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., April 9, 2007 – Three Bennett’s wallabies have joined the mob of red kangaroos at the Detroit Zoo’s Australian Outback Adventure, marking the first time in more than 20 years that wallabies have called the Detroit Zoo home. 

ROYAL OAK, Mich., March 23, 2007 – It’s a sure sign of warmer days to come.  Starting Saturday, March 31, through the end of October, the Zoo will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week, with extended hours from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesdays during July and August.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., March 22, 2007 – An “egg-stravaganza” of family fun is planned for the Detroit Zoo’s 16th annual Bunnyville celebration on Saturday, April 7, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Presented by Meijer and supported by Motor City’s 104.3 WOMC, Bunnyville is filled with treats, crafts, games and live entertainment.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., March 2, 2007 – For Ellen Gruskin of Oak Park, Evelyn Silverman of Southfield, and Gini Sutherland of Birmingham, the Detroit Zoo is not just a place to volunteer; it is their passion.  The three women were part of the Zoo’s first docent class of 1977 and for 30 years they have been actively educating thousands of visitors about the Zoo’s animals and habitats.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., February 28, 2007 – One senior citizen age 62 and older can receive free admission to the Detroit Zoo on Mondays and Tuesdays during the month of March when accompanied by one adult or senior at the regular admission price.  The buy-one/get-one offer is available only with a printable coupon which can be found on the Zoo’s Web site at http://www.detroitzoo.org/.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., February 8, 2007 – The Detroit Zoo is looking for 200 smiling, energetic, friendly and enthusiastic people for summer seasonal employment.  The Zoo will provide information and accept applications for available positions at a Job Fair on Saturday, March 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Ford Education Center. 

ROYAL OAK, Mich., January 31, 2007 – Looking for a cure for the kids’ cabin fever?  Look no further than the Detroit Zoo.  One child ages 2 to 12 will receive free admission to the Zoo on Mondays and Tuesdays during the month of February when accompanied by one adult at the regular admission price.  The offer is available only with a printable coupon which can be found on the Zoo’s Web site at http://www.detroitzoo.org/.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., January 19, 2007 – Roses are red; violets are blue; for Valentine’s Day, “adopt” from the Zoo.  A showy peacock or Przewalski’s horse – a gift for your love from the Detroit Zoo, of course.

DETROIT, Mich., January 16, 2007 – The Belle Isle Nature Zoo will host its first-ever Snow Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, January 27 and 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The two-day event will include snowshoeing lessons, music, storytelling, crafts, and nature programs.  Admission to the Zoo and all events is free.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., January 15, 2007 – For the ninth time in the past 10 years, the Detroit Zoo has surpassed one million visitors with a total attendance of 1,001,737 in 2006.  “It’s great to see the community continue to enjoy the Detroit Zoo,” said Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director Ron Kagan.  “2006 was a very significant year for the Zoo and we’re thrilled that over a million people chose to support us.”  

ROYAL OAK, Mich., January 11, 2007 – Talini, the Detroit Zoo’s two-year-old polar bear cub, had a date with the dentist Wednesday morning to undergo root canal surgery on a lower canine tooth.  The surgery was performed by Ann Arbor veterinary dentist Dr. Ben H. Colmery III, who provides his professional services pro bono to the Detroit Zoo.

ROYAL OAK, Mich., January 10, 2007 – On Saturday, January 27, 150 children from the metro Detroit area will come together at the Detroit Zoo, paintbrushes in hand, to help Nordstrom paint floor tiles for the Kids’ Wear department of its new store at Twelve Oaks Mall.  All proceeds from the event will benefit the Detroit Zoological Society.