Habitat 35 Winter 2014

2 | December/January/February 2014 H ABITAT Celebrating and Saving Wildlife T h e M a g a z i n e o f t h e D e t r o i t Z o o l o g i c a l S o c i e t y Habitat is produced quarterly for Members of the Detroit Zoological Society. EDITED BY Graphinity, Inc. CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jennifer Thomas PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT ArborOakland Group GRAPHIC DESIGN Graphinity, Inc. Copyright © 2013 Detroit Zoological Society All rights reserved. PLEASE CONTACT: Detroit Zoological Society 8450 W. 10 Mile Road Royal Oak, MI 48067 Phone: (248) 541-5717 Fax: (248) 541-2489 www.detroitzoo.org For questions about membership, please contact: info@dzs.org. facebook.com/detroitzoo youtube.com/detroitzoo twitter.com/detroitzoo The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo. Printed in the USA. The Detroit Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The cover story in this issue of Habitat is inspired by the wonderful news regarding the intent of the Polk Family Fund to grant $10 million toward the development of The Polk Family Penguin Conservation Center. This largest single private donation in the history of the Detroit Zoo will enable us to move forward with our plans for an incredible facility for penguins – and for people. In light of the uncertainty surrounding the City of Detroit bankruptcy, some have asked if this is the best time to embark on such a major undertaking. Others wonder how the ambiguity affects the confidence of private investors. To address the first concern, we don’t think the Zoo is at risk of being monetized. The animals essentially have no commercial value, so the primary asset is the land. To close the Zoo and clear the land would be financially unfeasible and wouldn’t really help the city. Regarding the confidence of donors, the generous gift from the Polk Family Fund demonstrates that the community continues to believe in and invest in the future of your Detroit Zoo. While the city deals with its challenges, we will continue to provide great experiences and new memories and keep building a great zoo. When the city emerges from bankruptcy, the community will still have a world-class zoo. The biggest risk would be to not invest in the Zoo’s future now! We have secured further donations toward the construction of the $26 million “penguin paradise” and are in discussions with other philanthropic leaders, companies and foundations regarding additional major contributions to the project. You, too, can be a part of this effort, including some opportunities for special recognition – your name could be on “ice bricks” and other exciting features. Everyone who loves the Detroit Zoo can help in some way – donate to the Detroit Zoo Fund, become a Member, give a gift membership, join the Renaissance Circle, purchase a Zoo Experience or tribute gift. Or, invest in The Polk Family Penguin Conservation Center by visiting dzoo.org/pcc . As the holiday season approaches, I want to thank you for your steadfast support and wish you and yours happiness and prosperity that lasts throughout the New Year. From the Chairman Gail Warden Chairman, Detroit Zoological Society