Children 2-12 Will Receive Free Admission on Friday, December 19, 2008

ROYAL OAK, Mich., December 18, 2008 – An overnight storm predicted for the Metro Detroit area is expected to dump 6 or more inches of snow on the ground by morning and is likely to result in an early start to the holiday school break for thousands of children.  In celebration of the anticipated “snow day” due to school closings, the Detroit Zoo is offering free admission for children ages 12 and under on Friday, December 19, 2008.  Children must be accompanied by adults at the regular admission price. 

“Jabari” Makes Detroit Debut – and Turns One Year Old – on Friday

ROYAL OAK, Mich., November 26, 2008 – The Detroit Zoo’s newest arrival stands tall for his age at 10 feet and is guaranteed to turn heads.  Zoo visitors can meet Jabari, a 600-pound male giraffe, on his first birthday, Friday, November 28, 2008.

Orientation Saturday, October 11, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon

DETROIT, Mich., September 25, 2008 – West Bloomfield resident David Anthony enjoys volunteering at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo “because it gives me a chance to share my passion for environmental conservation and preservation with visitors who are curious about the wonders of Belle Isle.” 

$2 Off Admission for Children 2 to 12 from August 25 to 29

ROYAL OAK, Mich., August 25, 2008 – Kids in Michigan enjoy an extended summer vacation compliments of the Michigan Legislature, which in 2006 passed a bill mandating that all public and charter schools postpone the start of the school year until after Labor Day. 

Kids Win Behind-the-Scenes Opportunity at Penguinarium and Wildlife Interpretive Gallery

ROYAL OAK, Mich., July 9, 2008 – Mary Logsdon, 10, of River Rouge and Braeden Martin, 7, of Ann Arbor have won an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with keepers at the Detroit Zoo in the Detroit Zoological Society and Fox 2’s ZOOKEEPERS Sweepstakes.

Concessions and Retail Outlets Go Green with Recyclable Products

ROYAL OAK, Mich., July 7, 2008 – From storks to forks, the Detroit Zoo is committed to saving wildlife and the environment by reducing its ecological footprint in a number of ways.  One of the latest is using “green” products and sustainable solutions in its catering, concessions and retail operations. 

Conservation Success Story to be Shared with Community July 9

ROYAL OAK, Mich., July 2, 2008 – The Detroit Zoo and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will release captive-reared federally endangered Karner blue butterflies at the Petersburg State Game Area (PSGA) in Monroe County on Wednesday, July 9, at 11 a.m.  The release is part of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s Karner Blue Butterfly Recovery Plan and PSGA Master Plan. 

Kids Win Opportunity to Provide Enrichment to Tigers, Gorillas, Giraffes

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Jonathan Bennard, 12, of Lincoln Park and Haden Kaufman, 7, of Saint Clair Shores have won an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with an animal care staff member at the Detroit Zoo in the Detroit Zoological Society and Fox 2’s ZOOKEEPERS Sweepstakes.

Detroit Zoo Hosts After-Hours Adults-Only Event July 24

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 30, 2008 – The Detroit Zoo is inviting adults to rekindle their childhood love for the Zoo at an after-hours adults-only event called Summer Zoomance.  The 21-and-older evening is scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., rain or shine.  Admission and parking are free for Detroit Zoological Society members and cost $5 each for non-members.  

Breeding Also Continues for Wyoming Toad and Texas Blind Salamander

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 27, 2008 – In 2008 Year of the Frog, the Detroit Zoo continues to be a leader among U.S. zoos in the conservation of endangered amphibians.  Its most recent success is the breeding and release of 2,000 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles into the wild. 

Kids Win Behind-the-Scenes Opportunity with Veterinary Staff

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Julia Barnes, 9, of Clarkston and Brandon Qualkenbush, 9, of Canton have won an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with an animal care staff member at the Detroit Zoo in the Detroit Zoological Society and Fox 2’s ZOOKEEPERS Sweepstakes.

Award-Winning Troupe’s Performances Highlight Humane Education

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 20, 2008 – In celebration of 2008 Year of the Frog, the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit will perform “AM-TV: All Amphibians, All the Time” at the Detroit Zoo’s Ford Education Center Theater every weekend from June 29 to September 7.  The free, 30-minute performances will take place at 12 noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on June 29, July 5, 13, 19 and 27, August  2, 10, 16, 24 and 31 and September 7.

Kids Win Behind-the-Scenes Opportunity with Amphibians and Reptiles

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 18, 2008 – Montana Long, 7, of Dearborn Heights and Liam Hall, 8, of Plymouth have won an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with keepers at the Detroit Zoo in the Detroit Zoological Society and Fox 2’s ZOOKEEPERS Sweepstakes.

Kids Win Behind-the-Scenes Opportunity at the African Grasslands

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 11, 2008 – Brendan Gleason, 6, of Livonia and Jessica Maladecki, 6, of Westland have won an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with a keeper at the Detroit Zoo in the Detroit Zoological Society and Fox 2’s ZOOKEEPERS Sweepstakes.

Kids Win Behind-the-Scenes Opportunity at Arctic Ring of Life

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 3, 2008 – Kyra Milka, 9, of Clarkston and Grace Likins, 8, of St. Clair Shores have been chosen to receive an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with a keeper at the Detroit Zoo in the Detroit Zoological Society and Fox 2’s ZOOKEEPERS Sweepstakes.

Kids Can Win the Chance to be a Real Zookeeper

ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 29, 2008 – The Detroit Zoological Society, Fox 2 and Doner, the Society’s advertising agency, have launched a promotional campaign that says, “Our Zoo is Worth Keeping!”  On May 29, Fox 2 announced a summer program called ZOOKEEPERS, a club for kids ages 2-12 that allows them to earn free perks at the Detroit Zoo. 

Visitors Have More Time to Enjoy New Animals and Favorite Attractions

ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 22, 2008 – The Detroit Zoo opens half an hour earlier Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays in July and August.  The Zoo’s expanded hours allow visitors more time to enjoy the animals, including some recent additions.

Detroit Zoo Names Main Train Station, Unveils Newly Refurbished Trains

ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 8, 2008 – The Detroit Zoological Society today announced a $250,000 grant from The Chrysler Foundation to help refurbish the Detroit Zoo’s historic Tauber Family Railroad.  In recognition of the gift, the Society named the main train station the Chrysler Main Station.

Sunset at the Zoo Celebrates 2008 Year of the Frog

ROYAL OAK, Mich., April 21, 2008 – The Detroit Zoological Society’s annual Sunset at the Zoo fundraiser takes place on Friday, June 20, 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.  Presented by General Motors and Saturn, the year’s wildest party features a strolling supper, zoo-themed martinis, live entertainment, dancing, and live and silent auctions.  The event is held rain or shine, and the Zoo closes at 2 p.m. that day in preparation for the festivities.

Name Chosen for Detroit Zoo’s Zebra Foal

ROYAL OAK, Mich., March 3, 2008 – The people have spoken and the Detroit Zoo’s zebra foal has a name. 

Discounts and Special Activities February 29-March 1

ROYAL OAK, Mich., February 20, 2008 – Leap Day comes but once every four years, so the Detroit Zoo is offering $4 admission for all on Friday, February 29, in celebration of the special day and 2008 Year of the Frog.  The offer is available only with a printable coupon, which can be found on the Zoo’s Web site, www.detroitzoo.org.

Visit www.detroitzoo.org to Cast Your Vote

ROYAL OAK, Mich., February 14, 2008 – “Zahara the zebra” has a nice ring according to several people who responded to the Detroit Zoo’s invitation to help name its female Grevy’s zebra foal born December 26.  The Zoo received over 2,000 name suggestions and has narrowed the field to five.  The other contenders are Bella, Chloe, Holly and Noel.  The community has until February 29 to visit the Zoo’s Web site at www.detroitzoo.org to vote for their favorite name. 

Detroit Zoo Offers $2 off All Admissions February 3

ROYAL OAK, Mich., January 28, 2008 – The lions will play on Super Bowl Sunday – along with the tigers, snow monkeys and red pandas, among others – so the Detroit Zoo is offering a discount of $2 off all admissions on February 3. 

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - January 24, 2008

Roses are red, violets are blue;
For Valentine’s Day, “adopt” from the Zoo. 
A ferocious lion or hairy gorilla,
A gift for your love that is sure to thrill ‘er.