FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2006
CONTACT:Patricia Mills 248.541.5717 x.3731
pmills@dzs.org 

SHOW YOUR VALENTINE HOW MUCH YOU CARE WITH A CUDDLY GIFT FROM THE DETROIT ZOO

Royal Oak, Mich. - Looking for a way to warm the hearts of loved ones this Valentine’s Day? Express your love by giving them the gift that will not only touch their hearts, but also the hearts of the animals at the Detroit Zoo.

This holiday, you can adopt a red panda or rockhopper penguin through the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) and receive a lovable plush version of the animal you’ve chosen. Also included is an adoption kit containing Valentine’s chocolate kisses, an animal fact sheet, animal photo and personalized certificate.

Adopting a lovable red panda or cuddly rockhopper penguin helps support other animals at the Zoo as well. All proceeds help fund veterinary care and exhibit renovations. The program also supports the Species Survival Plan (SSP), in which the Zoo is a participant. The SSP is an intensive cooperative breeding and conservation program designed to reintroduce captive-bred animals to their natural habitat to help some of the world’s most critically endangered wildlife.

To start the adoption process, visit www.detroitzoo.org, call the DZS Customer Service line at (248) 541-5717 ext. 3750, or visit the DZS Membership office at the front of the Zoo Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each adoption kit costs $40, including shipping and handling.

The Detroit Zoological Institute is comprised of the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Zoo. The Institute, founded in 1928, is committed to celebrating and saving wildlife. Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. November through March, with several indoor viewing areas. The Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696 in Royal Oak. Admission is $11.00 for adults 13 to 62; $9.00 for senior citizens 63 and older and $7.00 for students ages 2 to 12; children under two are free. For more information call (248) 398-0900 or visit www.detroitzoo.org. The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is currently under construction but some family programming, provided with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, takes place on the weekends with advance reservations by calling (313) 852-4056. The Detroit Zoological Society works to promote! the general welfare and interests of the Institute. Financial support has allowed the Zoo to open new exhibits, develop important education and conservation programs and implement major beautification projects. To help the Detroit Zoological Society through financial support, partnership opportunities, membership, or volunteering, please call (248) 541-5717.
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