FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:Patricia Mills
January 27, 2006 PHONE: 248-541-5717 ext. 3731 pmills@dzs.org

DETROIT ZOO RECOGNIZED FOR LOCAL CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Royal Oak, Mich. - The staff of the Detroit Zoo’s National Amphibian Conservation Center and Veterinary Department were recently recognized by Natural Areas Preservation (NAP) of Ann Arbor, Michigan, for their support in providing counsel, housing and veterinary care for native amphibians during a school construction project that affected the animals’ native habitat.

While awaiting installation of a mitigation pond at the construction site for a new Ann Arbor school, Natural Areas Preservation needed to secure temporary housing for several species of salamander native to the area. The Detroit Zoo agreed to house and care for the amphibians. In addition to providing temporary living space, the Detroit Zoo staff provided diagnostics, advice, and medical care to those animals with health problems. Because of construction delays, the animals’ stay lasted three months, much longer than originally planned.

“The Detroit Zoo is dedicated to celebrating and saving wildlife, and we maintain both a local and global consciousness towards wildlife conservation. Housing and caring for these salamanders provided yet another opportunity for us to act on our commitment to preserving Michigan wildlife,” said Ron Kagan, Director of the Detroit Zoological Institute.

The National Amphibian Conservation Center features hundreds of amphibians on exhibit and serves as a national resource for studying and saving amphibians with its research, conservation and breeding programs. Already, staff efforts at the center have received several American Zoo and Aquarium Association awards, including two for amphibian conservation and the “Exhibit of the Year” for 2002.

The Zoo’s animal health care facility, the Ruth Roby Glancy Animal Health Complex, provides state-of-the-art facilities and makes use of the most advanced technology and equipment available for modern wildlife medical care of the Institute’s wildlife collection. The veterinary staff is responsible for approximately 7,000 animals and provides preventative medical care on a regular basis, as well as more intensive treatment for animals with illness or trauma.

The Detroit Zoological Institute is comprised of the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Zoo. Founded in 1928, the Institute is committed to celebrating and saving wildlife. Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 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 61, $9.00 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7.00 for children ages 2 to 12; children under 2 are free. For more information, call (248) 398-0900 or visit www.detroitzoo.org. The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is currently under construction but provides some family programming, with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on weekdays with advance reservations by calling (313) 852-4056. The Detroit Zoological Societ! y 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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