Summer Habitat 2021

2 As you may know, I announced my retirement six months ago. By the end of the summer, I will close my office door for the last time and open the next chapter of my life. So, too, will begin the next chapter for the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS). In the 93 years since the Detroit Zoo opened, its great strength has always come from the community members who cherish and support it. This tradition began with the small group of committed individuals who founded the DZS and has grown to include millions who have sustained it as members, donors and volunteers. This support has remained a constant and has even expanded, as in 2008 when the majority of voters first approved a modest millage that has helped to ensure the DZS’s financial stability – even in the face of a global pandemic. This special issue of Habitat looks back on some of the significant changes, challenges, and progress we made together over the last 28 years. I hope that you feel pride in what we have all accomplished, not only at the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Center, but on behalf of wildlife and wild places around the world. Thanks to your consistent support, the commitment and leadership of the DZS Board, and the dedication of an incredibly talented staff and volunteer group, I have every confidence that the future of this organization is even brighter than its storied past. Like any major change, retirement comes with an array of emotions – but what I feel most of all is gratitude. Thank you for standing by the Detroit Zoological Society and letting me play a part in its amazing history. Sincerely, Ron Kagan Executive Director/CEO Detroit Zoological Society Printed in the USA. The Detroit Zoological Society – a renowned leader in humane education, wildlife conservation, animal welfare and environmental sustainability – operates the Detroit Zoo, Belle Isle Nature Center and Great Lakes Center for Nature. The Detroit Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Habitat is produced quarterly for Members of the Detroit Zoological Society. PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT ArborOakland Group CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jennifer Thomas GRAPHIC DESIGN Jen Valente Design Copyright © 2021 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 H ABITAT Celebrating and Saving Wildlife and Wild Places 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 FROM THE DIRECTOR