INSIDE: Birding Made Easy I Take a Walk on the Wild Side I A Fond Farewell SUMMER 2023 • ISSUE 70 in the Making 95 YEARS
2 Summer is always a great time at the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS), but this summer is even more magical because the Detroit Zoo is celebrating its 95th anniversary! When I took over the DZS’s helm in late 2021, I knew I was moving to a great organization because of the tremendous reputation the Zoo has built. I’m proud to say that in my time at the DZS, it has lived up to its reputation — and more. Not only is the Detroit Zoo a leader in our field, providing world-class care to the animals who live on our campus, but we also participate in ground-breaking research, facilitate conservation programs that bring wild species back from the brink of extinction and provide community outreach to the groups that need us most. None of the incredible work we do would be possible without the support of our members, donors and community. Each and every one of you is part of Detroit Zoo history, and I can’t thank you enough for helping us to be leaders in animal well-being, conservation, education and sustainability. The past 95 years at the Detroit Zoo have been filled with smiles and triumphs. I can’t wait to see where the next 95 years take us. Best, Dr. Hayley Murphy, DVM Executive Director/CEO Habitat is produced quarterly for members of the Detroit Zoological Society. PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT ArborOakland Group CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Sarah Culton CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Christina Ross CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jennifer Thomas GRAPHIC DESIGN Jen Valente Copyright © 2023 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 instagram.com/detroitzoo Linkedin.com/company/ detroit-zoological-society tiktok.com/@detroitzoo twitter.com/detroitzoo youtube.com/detroitzoo Printed in the USA. HABITAT Celebrating and Saving Wildlife and Wild Places The Magazine of the Detroit Zoological Society In this issue 3 Take a Walk on the Wild Side 4 95th Anniversary 8 Events 10 Birds of a Feather 12 A Fond Farewell 14 Who’s New to the Zoo 18 Birding Made Easy 19 Calling the Young at Heart
on the Wild Side We are ready to celebrate summer at the Detroit Zoo! Here are three reasons why we think summertime is the best time of the year. WHEN THE SNOW IS AWAY, THE ANIMALS WILL PLAY. While the Zoo is home to many animals who enjoy the cooler temperatures, summer is the time when our fairer weather friends enjoy spending their time outside. Expect to see the giraffes, Allen’s swamp monkeys and kangaroos soaking up the sun during the summer months. COOL DOWN WITH A TASTY TREAT. Beat the heat by enjoying a cool drink or dessert! Grab a smoothie at Marilyn’s, snag a shake or scoop at Cup and Cone or sink your spoon into a bowl of Dippin’ Dots. ATTRACTIONS, ATTRACTIONS, ATTRACTIONS! During the summer months, all our attractions are open to the public. Whether you are catching a ride on the Carousel or Tauber Family Railroad, watching a film in the 4D Theater or feeding a giraffe some leaves at the Giraffe Encounter, there is something to satisfy everyone’s sense of adventure. TAKE A WALK 3
4 “The Zoo is this great place where you can go to have a good day with your family,” he says. “The smiles those days bring have always been my favorite thing.” On Aug. 1, the Detroit Zoo will celebrate its 95th anniversary. Over the course of its history, the Zoo has earned a reputation as a world-renowned leader among zoos and aquariums in the areas of animal well-being, conservation, education and environmental sustainability. To celebrate the milestone anniversary, the DZS will host special events, pricing deals and membership offers When Mike Reed thinks of the Detroit Zoo’s legacy, he thinks of smiles. As one of the Detroit Zoological Society’s (DZS) longest-tenured employees, Reed has nearly 40 years’ worth of memories to choose from — including the opening of the world’s largest penguin facility in 2016 and near-countless, heartwarming animal stories. Though those are important aspects of the Zoo’s history, Reed says the true legacy of the Zoo is the joy and education it brings to its guests and community. 95 YEARS in the Making
5 Today, we look at numbers differently. It’s not about the number of people you can entertain; it’s about the number of animal species you can save, the number of habitats you can conserve. throughout the month of August. Prior to the celebration, leadership and staff reflected on the Zoo’s history and the legacy it has built over the past 95 years. “The Detroit Zoo has a long history of dedication to people, animals and nature,” says Dr. Hayley Murphy, DZS executive director/CEO. “I’m excited to celebrate nearly a century of Zoo excellence this summer, and I hope the public will join us for this very special anniversary.” The Detroit Zoo opened to the public on Aug. 1, 1928. At the time of opening, it was noted as one of the first zoos in the United States to feature bar-less animal habitats extensively. Some of the first habitats were the elk yards, bear dens, bird house, lion dens, raccoon and wolverine habitats, along with an African veldt. Today, those habitats have expanded to include many awardwinning, naturalistic habitats that house more than 2,000 animals of more than 200 species. -Mike Reed
6 Just some of the Detroit Zoo’s habitats include the Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness, which debuted in 2015 and is home to gray wolves; the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery, home to butterflies and birds located inside the Zoo’s oldest historical building; the National Amphibian Conservation Center, which was recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in 2002 with a National Exhibit Award; the Arctic Ring of Life, which debuted in 2001 as the largest polar bear habitat in North America; and the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, a 33,000-square-foot penguin habitat that received the 2017 Exhibit Award from the AZA. More recent additions include the Holtzman Wildlife Foundation Red Panda Forest, which underwent a major expansion in 2018 to provide a larger environment that ensures the red pandas’ overall well-being, and the 2019 Devereaux Tiger Forest, a 1-acre habitat that includes elevated vantage points, open spaces, wooded areas and more. Though the Detroit Zoo has been focused on animal well-being since its establishment, Reed says he has seen the Zoo come a long way and improve over his 36 years at the DZS. “I think the biggest change since I started is that zoos used to be all about the numbers — the number of animals you had, the number of tickets sold. Zoos were all about entertainment,” Reed says. “Today, we look at numbers differently. It’s not about the number of people you can entertain; it’s about the number of animal species you can save, the number of habitats you can conserve.” The shift in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to be more animal well-being and conservationfocused has been intentional. In recent years, organizations around the world have implemented sustainability and conservation initiatives that preserve wild animal habitats and populations, as well as welfare programs that use data and research to determine animal care best practices. The DZS has long been a leader in these areas. DZS initiatives include eliminating the sale of singleuse water bottles and plastic bags on its campuses, planting trees throughout metro Detroit, establishing collaborative programs to save species like red pandas and piping plovers from extinction, working with partners to protect the Amazon rainforest and much more. CEO Dr. Murphy believes animal welfare, conservation, education, research and community engagement are critical to the planet’s future and that the DZS will continue to prioritize these things as the organization moves into the future. “The DZS is a forward-thinking organization, and we are always looking for innovative ways to live out our mission to create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive,” she says. “The Detroit Zoo’s history is filled with amazing stories, triumphs and care for wildlife and wild places. I’m thrilled to be able to lead this organization and help ensure the Zoo’s next 95 years strengthen its already strong legacy.” No matter what the DZS does next, Reed knows the legacy of the Detroit Zoo is secured in the smiles of the children and families who visit each day. “The best part of my job is seeing the appreciation and happiness in people’s faces when they are here,” Reed says. “I love that everyone — our staff, our guests, our diverse community — is a part of our story.” PICTURED IS MIKE REED
7 1911 Caring members of the community form the DZS to plan a world-class Zoo in the heart of metro Detroit. 1928 The Detroit Zoo opens to the public on Aug. 1, 1928. The seasonal Zoo included bear dens, lion dens, a birdhouse, an elk yard, raccoon and wolverine habitats, an African veldt and lakes stocked with fish. 1931 The miniature railroad — now known as the Tauber Family Railroad — opens after being donated by The Detroit News. 1939 The Horace Rackham Memorial Fountain, one of the Zoo’s most recognizable landmarks, is dedicated. 1955 The Great Ape House — today reimagined as the Great Apes of Harambee habitat — opens. 1960 The Holden Museum of Living Reptiles — now known as the Holden Reptile Conservation Center — opens. 1969 The Detroit Zoo opens year-round. 1995 The Wildlife Interpretive Gallery, which houses the Matilda R. Wilson Free-Flight Aviary and the Butterfly Garden, opens. 2000 Amphibiville, home of the National Amphibian Conservation Center, opens. 2001 The Arctic Ring of Life, North America’s largest polar bear habitat, opens. 2004 The Ruth Roby Glancy Animal Health Complex opens to provide expert veterinary care to the animals who call the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center home. 2005 Elephants Winky and Wanda moved in order to live and roam in an expansive habitat at the Performing Animal Welfare Society Sanctuary in California. 2006 The DZS assumes daily operations and financial management of the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. 2008 Voters in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties approve a property tax millage to help support Detroit Zoo operations. 2009 The Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics is established to study and ensure animal well-being. 2012 The Cotton Family Wetlands and Boardwalk opens. 2016 The Polk Penguin Conservation Center, the largest penguin facility in the world, opens. 2020 The DZS wins the WAZA Environmental Sustainability Award. 2021 Longtime CEO Ron Kagan retires. Dr. Hayley Murphy, DVM, takes over the helm as executive director/CEO of the DZS. 2022 The Great Ape Heart Project, a group of dedicated experts who aid in understanding and treating cardiac disease in ape species, moves to the Detroit Zoo. 2023 The DZS continues to thrive as an organization where animals, nature, people and resources are valued. Timeline
8 EVENTSat the Zoo BRICKLIVE | Open through Sept. 4 Tickets on sale now The coolest supersized sculptures you’ll ever see are assembling at the Detroit Zoo this summer during BRICKLIVE, presented by Michigan First Credit Union. More than 70 unique, dazzling displays of toy brick models – like a 7-foot elk and 12-foot giraffe to a 10-foot gator and a massive mako shark – are spending the summer with us. From May 27 to Sept. 4, you can explore a 3-acre jungle of creativity that sparks curiosity, joy and amazement for guests of all ages! BRICKLIVE is also sponsored by Buddy’s Pizza, Consumers Energy, Doetsch Environmental Services, IBEW Local 58, Meijer and RCX Sports. NOCTURNAL ADVENTURES | Select dates in 2023 Group and individual tickets on sale now Ever wonder what the animals are up to as the sun goes down? Find out when you join us for a Nocturnal Adventure at the Detroit Zoo! Sign up to enjoy a private, after-hours group evening with colleagues, scouts or friends — or sign up as an individual and join others for this unique after-hours event. You will experience a tour of the Zoo at dusk to search for animals you may not see during the day and enjoy special activities. Dinner is included for all family evenings and optional for groups. SENSORY FRIENDLY EVENINGS | 3 to 7 p.m. | June 28, July 24 & Aug. 30 The Detroit Zoo is hosting three Sensory Friendly Evenings for guests with different sensory needs. During these evenings, the Zoo and its attractions will be open to all visitors, but special accommodations will be in place to ensure the Zoo can be enjoyed by families and individuals of all abilities. MEMBER ONLY EVENING HOURS Zoo hours extended to 8 p.m. | Wednesdays in July Skip the crowds and mark your calendars. DZS members will enjoy extended Zoo hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays in July. During this time, members can explore all 125 acres after hours. SCAN FOR EVENTS
9 YOGA AT THE ZOO | Select dates in July and August Tickets on sale now Embrace your inner flow with Yoga at the Zoo. Get ready to relax while mastering a variety of new poses at sessions led by one of our certified instructors. At each session, you can expect a meditative flow suitable for all skill levels and a habitat chat about a featured animal or topic. SUMMER SIPS | 6 to 10 p.m. | July 28 Tickets on sale now Experience the taste of summer at Summer Sips, presented by KeyBank! Savor specialty cocktails, beer, wine and more at this 21-and-over cocktail hour. You’ll also jungle boogie to live entertainment, monkey around with life-sized games and adventure through the Zoo’s 125 acres. This year’s jungle theme is sure to make for a wild time, so wear your favorite animal print and join the fun! Griffin Claw Brewing Company is the welcome drink sponsor of this event. BIKE SAFARI | 6 to 9 p.m. | July 14 & Aug. 11 Tickets on sale now Enjoy this exclusive opportunity to ride your bicycle through the Detroit Zoo and enjoy an after-hours look at your favorite animals. This event is for guests of all ages! The course has a variety of surfaces and a combination of uphill and downhill portions, as well as tight turns and flat stretches. Child carriers, tricycles, bicycle trailers and training wheels are allowed on this family-friendly adventure. BEE FEST | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Aug. 19 Bee Fest, the Belle Isle Nature Center’s annual celebration of the pollinators who call southeast Michigan home, returns Saturday, Aug. 19. Hosted on National Bee Day, Bee Fest focuses on the important role bees play in our ecosystem and teaches guests how to care for these six-legged pollinators through fun activities and educational displays. RUN WILD FOR THE DETROIT ZOO | Sept. 10 Registration now open Join thousands of runners and walkers on Sunday, Sept. 10 for Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo, presented by Michigan First Credit Union. During this annual event, you can compete in a 5K run or enjoy a stroll through the Zoo with our non-competitive Fun Walk. After the race, you can join us at the Zoo for the Post Race Party, sponsored by Kroger. Run Wild is also sponsored by Pepsi, IBEW Local 58 and DTE. SENIOR DAY | Sept. 13 Tri-county seniors 62 and older and one adult guest receive free admission and parking on Senior Day. Senior citizens residing in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties are invited to enjoy a special day at the Detroit Zoo. Senior Day is presented by Blue Care Network.
Birds of a FEATHER 10
11 A close companionship has formed at the Detroit Zoo between two sandhill cranes named Two-Toe and Macky. After being found in the wild with severe beak injuries and in poor health, both male cranes were rescued and provided sanctuary at the Zoo. Under the expert treatment and care of the veterinary and animal care teams, the cranes gradually regained their health and have re-learned how to eat and hunt for food with their permanently injured beaks. However, sandhill cranes also need socialization to experience a high level of well-being. For Two-Toe, whose 2021 arrival at the Zoo preceded Macky’s rescue, companionship did not happen immediately, and other rescued sandhill cranes did not get along with Two-Toe right away. When Macky arrived in 2022 and became healthy, the animal care staff began introducing him to Two-Toe in hopes that the cranes would hit it off. Thankfully, that is exactly what happened. The two soon began spending all their time together – walking around their grassy habitat, probing the dirt and sand for insects with their beaks, mirroring each other’s calls and even sleeping in the same space. These companions can be seen in the Zoo’s west pampas habitat. Although Macky and Two-Toe have experienced their share of hardship, they have found a new home – and a new friendship – thanks to the Detroit Zoological Society’s dedication to animal rescue and care. We are grateful to the donors who help provide for the daily needs of rescued animals at the Zoo and the more than 2,000 animals in residence there. Your thoughtful contribution of any size will help ensure their continued well-being. To make a gift, please visit detroitzoo.org/support/give/ or contact Andrea Richards at (248) 336-5729. BY TONY ZICK, GRANTS COORDINATOR RESCUED SANDHILL CRANES FIND COMPANIONSHIP AT THE DETROIT ZOO
12 The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) recently bid a fond farewell to two of its most beloved residents — twin polar bear cubs Astra and Laerke. These cubs, who were born at the Detroit Zoo in 2020, moved this spring to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. The transfer was recommended by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) polar bear population experts. Sisters Astra and Laerke were born on Nov. 17, 2020, to mother Suka and father Nuka. Just two days after her birth, however, Laerke suffered a medical emergency – separating her from her sister and leaving her weak and in need of constant, intricate lifesaving care from the DZS’s animal care staff. The cubs were apart for more than two years before reuniting in spring 2023 at the Detroit Zoo’s Arctic Ring of Life habitat – and since then, they have been inseparable, spending many days at the Zoo playing and roaming around the Arctic Ring of Life. At more than two years old, Astra and Laerke are at an age when they would be living on their own in the wild, away from their mother – so this move is natural and necessary for their continued development. “These girls have a huge piece of my heart. I love them dearly and will miss them, of course, but I also know what is best for them,” says ZOO SAYS GOODBYE TO POLAR BEAR CUBS A fond FAREWELL
13 Betsie Meister, associate curator of mammals for the DZS. “They have moved to a great facility where they will continue to thrive.” Point Defiance Zoo has been a home to polar bears for more than 80 years and, along with the Detroit Zoo, is certified by Polar Bears International as an Arctic Ambassador Center. Since 2022, the Point Defiance has been making improvements to its polar bear habitat, and its staff members say they couldn’t be happier to welcome Astra and Laerke to Washington. “These exceptional bears have captured the hearts of millions of people across the country with their heartwarming stories,” says Malia Somerville, interim general curator for Point Defiance Zoo. “We are delighted to warmly welcome them to the Pacific Northwest and excited to introduce them to our community.” The DZS team worked closely with the Point Defiance throughout the move, and leadership is excited the beloved sisters are going to a caring and competent home. Since arriving at Point Defiance Zoo, Meister said Astra and Laerke are settling in well and receiving all the care they need. The DZS team is still providing expert care to the twins’ parents — Suka and Nuka — who remain in Detroit. With any luck, the Detroit Zoo team hopes to have new cubs born to Suka and Nuka very soon. “We are so happy Astra and Laerke are doing well,” she says. “The Detroit Zoo is so proud to have played a role that influenced how these two cubs grew up.” These exceptional bears have captured the hearts of millions of people across the country with their heartwarming stories.
14 THERE ARE SO MANY NEW FACES AT THE DETROIT ZOO! Over the past season, the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) has welcomed several new arrivals — from a playful sea otter to a pair of friendly donkeys. Let’s meet them now! WHO’S NEW to the Zoo?
15 SEA OTTER FINN In March 2022, a then-unnamed male sea otter was found stranded in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California when he was just 3 weeks old. After being deemed unable to live in the wild by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, he was cared for by area aquariums, where he learned important social and practical skills. Now, a year later, he’s at his permanent home here at the Detroit Zoo. When he arrived at the Zoo, the otter was simply known as “927.” The DZS team wanted to pick the best name possible for him, so they asked the public for help. Following a donation-based naming contest, the otter formerly known as 927 was named Finn — a favorite choice among animal care staff. Today, Finn is enjoying his new home and getting along swimmingly with the other two otters who live in the Detroit Zoo’s Arctic Ring of Life habitat — 13-year-old female Ollie and 2-year-old male Monte. “Finn is showing all the signs that he’s comfortable — interacting with his environment, enjoying enrichment activities, approaching the animal care team, swimming and grooming himself,” says Elizabeth Arbaugh, DZS curator of mammals. PICTURED IS FINN.
16 BISON WILLOW AND JUNIPER If you’re ever driving along Interstate 70 across Ohio, you might take a turn south and find yourself in Cumberland. This is the home of The Wilds — one of the largest conservation centers in the world. Hundreds of animals roam the center’s 10,000 acres, including a large herd of bison. In May, two of them — both yearling females — left for their new home, the Detroit Zoo. The bison, named Willow and Juniper, recently joined the Zoo’s small herd, consisting of 16-year-old male Takoda and 15-year-old female Teetonka. “The yard is large enough for multiple bison, and we think they will enjoy the companionship,” Arbaugh says. “Because the new pair is so young, we expect them to adjust very well. We may consider adding additional bison to the herd in the future.” MINIATURE DONKEYS RAIN AND PEARL Sometimes, the Zoo seeks out new residents for the welfare of current Zoo residents. Such was the case for 29-year-old Knick Knack, the Zoo’s lone miniature donkey. Knick Knack lost her longtime companion, Giovanni, in March 2022. Animal care staff had been keeping a close eye on her since then, and they’d determined she would have a better quality of life in the company of other donkeys. A search for new companions led them to a farm in Akron, Ohio, where Rain and Pearl, two 7-year-old half-sisters, were in need of a new home. In contrast to Knick-Knack, a Sicilian grey donkey, Rain and Pearl are black and white spotted donkeys. Since arriving at the Zoo, the sisters have been slowly getting to know Knick Knack — and things have been going well. “They are much younger, and they’re bit shy,” says Tami Brightrall, associate curator of mammals. “But Knick Knack is ‘Miss Cool.’ She’s excited to show them the ropes, and they’ll learn a lot from her.” And Knick-Knack will have some much-longed-for companionship. Guests can visit them all in the barnyard habitat. WILLOW AND JUNIPER WILL SOON SHARE A HABITAT WITH TEETONKA AND TAKODA (PICTURED). PICTURED ARE RAIN AND PEARL.
17 KANGAROO DUNDEE There are two terms you need to know before you learn about the newest kangaroo at the Detroit Zoo: 1. A male kangaroo is called a boomer. 2. A group of 10 or more kangaroos is called a mob. Now that you know the terminology, the Detroit Zoo’s mob has a new boomer. Two-year-old Dundee arrived on May 9. “He’s a breeding recommendation,” says Brightrall, meaning Dundee will help ensure the Detroit Zoo mob is genetically diverse and healthy. “He comes from Busch Gardens in Florida, and we hope we’ll soon have some baby kangaroos.” Before he even arrived, Zoo staff anticipated an easy “howdy” period for Dundee. “This is a mob animal, so he’s going to want to be with them and live in a big group,” Brightrall says. “In general, kangaroos are not aggressive to one another. They’re pretty calm and chill — they like to sit together and sun together.” Oh, and in case you were wondering, a female kangaroo is called a flyer. RED RUFFED LEMURS IRAY AND TELO Detroit Zoo visitors have long loved watching the six graceful ring-tailed lemurs. Now, you’ll notice two additions to the group — and they look a little different. Iray and Telo, both 5-year-old boys, have joined the group. They’re red ruffed lemurs, with rusty red coats and black paws, tails and faces, and their habits differ slightly from their ring-tailed cousins. “Ring-tailed lemurs are terrestrial — they live on the ground, walk on all fours and have long, striped tails, so they can follow each other through the forest,” Brightrall explains. “The red ruffed lemurs are arboreal, which means they live higher in the trees. They can leap, jump and climb. They also have much different vocalization. While ring-tailed vocalizations are sweet and quiet, ruffed lemurs have big, booming voices. They make large calls and growling sounds that can sound scary at first, but it’s just the way they are. They announce themselves to everyone. They make really loud noises to talk about their territory. They wake up in the morning and make really loud calls — it’s cool to hear.” Look for them south of the rhino habitat, not far from the Africa train station. Their outside yard is tucked in between rhinos and snow monkeys and next to the bat habitat. DUNDEE (PICTURED) RECENTLY JOINED THE MOB AT THE DETROIT ZOO. PICTURED ARE IRAY AND TELO.
18 One of the beautiful things about birding is that it doesn’t take much to get started. Walk outside — do you see a bird? Congratulations! You’re a birder. Birding isn’t just about finding the rarest, prettiest bird around. It’s about stopping, looking, listening and appreciating the nature you call home. Another wonderful aspect of this pastime is that it creates a sense of awe and wonder in places you may have passed by your whole life. What was once just a tree outside your home is now a refuge for a brilliantly colored indigo bunting, a small bird with vibrant blue feathers. You notice how the blue of the bird contrasts so wildly with the red berries of the tree. Then you ask yourself, how have I not noticed how bright those berries were before? Belle Isle is a birding hotspot nestled deep in the heart of the city of Detroit. At the Belle Isle Nature Center, we work to take both aspects of birding and meld them into an enriching and community building experience that we hope lasts a lifetime. Leading bird walks, especially those with our community partners such as Detroit Outdoors and Detroit Audubon, are one of my favorite types of hikes to lead. There’s never any judgment about how many times you’ve been to the island or how expensive your gear is — it’s all about getting outside and appreciating this vibrant landscape we call home. Summer is here, bringing a flurry of migratory birds. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, now is the right time to start birding! For more bird watching opportunities, visit the Belle Isle Nature Center, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Explore upcoming public programs and more at belleislenaturecenter.org. BY SIERRA MCWILLIAMS, EDUCATION SPECIALIST BIRDING MADE EASY at the BELLE ISLE NATURE CENTER
19 Senior Day is coming! Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the Detroit Zoological Society celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are excited to share our upcoming Senior Day. On Sept. 13, senior citizens ages 62 and living in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, along with one caregiver, will receive complimentary admission to the Detroit Zoo. Help us spread the word! If you know someone in this age range, invite them to spend the day at the Zoo between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on that date. If there are senior centers or other facilities that cater to the needs of this audience, they are all welcome to attend the upcoming Senior Day. For more information or with specific questions, please contact De’Andrea Matthews at dmatthews@dzs.org or call (248) 366-5734. Calling the YOUNG AT HEART BY DR. DE’ANDREA MATTHEWS, VICE PRESIDENT OF DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Unwrap a year full of wonder. Gift a Detroit Zoo membership to a special person in your life! Three ways to gift: With great benefits such as free parking,* discounts on merchandise and education programs, advance ticket sales and much more, a Detroit Zoo membership is the perfect gift for any occasion. • Visit dzoo.org/gift23 • Call (248) 541-5717 • Visit us at the front gates *Free parking available during daytime public hours. Annual membership will begin upon gift certificate redemption.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTI5Mg==