Spring Habitat 2021

2 The past year has been unlike any other for the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) and our community. The COVID-19 pandemic required us to close our campuses for 12 weeks in 2020, and to limit visitation for the past nine months. Fewer guests has meant a dramatic drop in the revenues that fuel our mission. What has not changed is our commitment to caring for animals and for our community. The DZS life sciences staff is at the Zoo 365 days (and evenings) per year, ensuring that the animals receive nutritious food, enrichment opportunities, and expert veterinary care. The education team is offering a wide variety of live streams, remote lessons, and interactive projects on Facebook and YouTube, and more than 2 million families, students and teachers have accessed these unique, informative and critical resources. Our commitment to environmental sustainability remains “evergreen” and we have begun a concerted effort to plant 2,000 trees which will benefit the planet by absorbing carbon from the atmosphere, storing water that counteracts drought, and providing critical habitat for migrating birds and local animals. In October, we were honored to receive the 2020 Environmental Sustainability Award from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The DZS has also continued its wildlife conservation efforts and 2020 was the most successful year in the piping plover program, seeing 39 of these endangered birds released into the wild. And this past fall, the Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics transitioned its heralded “From Good Care to Great Welfare” workshop to a virtual format and trained professionals from 17 zoos and sanctuaries. As Habitat returns from a three-issue hiatus, we are reflecting on the moments that have given us joy this past year, including the arrival of Binti, the lion cub featured in our cover story, as well as baby chimpanzee Zane, who was raised by staff and reintegrated into the troop. Our spirits were also lifted by the arrival of snow monkey Jun and red panda Scarlet, as well as by the 86,000 guests who supported the DZS and brightened their holiday season by experiencing Wild Lights . This cheerful display was just what we all needed at the end of a trying year and a welcome “shot in the arm” for our finances. While these are still challenging times, we have persevered. Careful financial stewardship over the years enabled the DZS to face the pandemic using modest emergency reserves, the federal Payroll Protection Plan and donor support, especially from our Board. Just as important was the millage approved by tri-county residents, which provides a critical safety net. Countless members and community members have also contributed generously to help keep the DZS moving forward. Recently, the DZS was pleased to welcome Dr. De’Andrea Matthews as our director of diversity and community engagement. This new leader furthers our commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and equity at both of our campuses and in all of our programs and offerings. We are humbled by, and deeply grateful for, your support of the Detroit Zoological Society and our mission of Celebrating and Saving Wildlife . Together, we will persevere through every challenge that comes our way. Ron Kagan Executive Director/CEO Detroit Zooligical Society FROM THE DIRECTOR