Habitat 41 - Summer 2015

2 | June/July/August 2015 Let’s chat about scat. I was amazed to learn that the animals at the Detroit Zoo produce an astounding 400 tons of manure a year. The good news is that we have found a way to turn this most abundant of resources, as well as other organic waste, into energy. Plans are underway here to build the first biodigester at any U.S. zoo. The methane- rich gas produced by this system will be used to help power the 18,000-square-foot veterinary hospital – reducing the Zoo’s carbon footprint and saving $70-80,000 a year in energy costs. It will also convert the waste into nutrient-rich compost that can be used to fertilize animal habitats, gardens and public spaces throughout your 125-acre Zoo. The Erb Family Foundation has pledged $600,000 toward the $1.1 million project. You, too, can join us as we take this significant step on our green journey by participating in a crowdfunding campaign now in progress. If you’ve already made a donation, thank you! If not, you have until June 15 to pledge your support. And, thanks to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, your dollars will double through a matching grant if we meet our crowdfunding campaign goal of $55,000. Visit Patronicity.com/DetroitZoo , or simply swipe your smart phone over the QR code to help us make the biodigester a “dung” deal. The Benefactor Bash for 150 high-level supporters of Sunset at the Zoo is a done deal – it was held May 20 at the Manoogian Mansion, home of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and First Lady Lori Maher. The party was generously co-hosted by Suzy and Burt Farbman, who serves as president of the Detroit Zoological Commission. While the party at the Manoogian was the hottest ticket in town, Sunset – with its “Summer Chill” theme in celebration of the future Polk Penguin Conservation Center – is sure to be the coolest event of the summer. The date is June 12 – and, as a Detroit Zoo Member, you can purchase up to six Supporter tickets at a $25 discount ($150 per person). Another perk of your membership is the ability to purchase advance tickets for many great Zoo events, including Summer Zoomance (July 9 and August 20) and Wild Beasts Wild Wine (July 31). And, as always, we hope to see you at our annual MemberFest (July 20 and 21) so we can thank you in person for your steadfast support. From the Chairman Gail Warden Chairman, Detroit Zoological Society 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 © 2015 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 instagram.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.