Habitat 68 Winter 2022

2 What a year it has been. When I took the helm of the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) on Nov. 1, 2021, I was filled with hope, trepidation, nervous energy and excitement. I knew I was being given a great responsibility and honor — that of leading an institution steeped in rich history and tradition, where generations of Michiganders have come to relax and connect with family, animals and nature. In my first full year on the job, my days have been filled with getting to know what makes the DZS tick. I have learned our history, talked to many in our community, toured our facilities, watched the Belle Isle Nature Center transformation and fallen in love with all the amazing animals who we care for. It’s been a tremendous joy to see all the incredible things our team has accomplished over the last year, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. Here’s to another great new year at the DZS! Best, Dr. Hayley Murphy, DVM Executive Director/CEO Printed in the USA. 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 © 2022 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. The Detroit Zoological Society – a renowned leader in humane education, wildlife conservation, animal welfare and environmental sustainability – operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. The Detroit Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. facebook.com/detroitzoo youtube.com/detroitzoo twitter.com/detroitzoo instagram.com/detroitzoo tiktok.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 In this issue 3 Four Reasons to Visit the Zoo in the Winter 4 A Brilliant Decade 8 Home Sweet Home 11 Events 12 A Step in the Right Direction 14 A King-Sized Bundle of Joy 16 Hands-On Learning 17 Give the Gift of Health 18 The Power of Flowers 19 Celebrating the Season