DETROIT ZOO CELEBRATES EARTH DAY APRIL 22

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – In observance of the global holiday celebrating life on our planet, the Detroit Zoo will host Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Earth Day is an educational experience dedicated to celebrating wildlife and educating visitors about environmental conservation.

Sponsored by AT&T, the day-long celebration will include earth-friendly crafts, animal enrichment activities, an endangered-species scavenger hunt, a rock climbing wall, zookeeper talks, conservation information, and a visit by Smokey Bear. In addition, live performances by Marc Thomas and Max the Moose will be held at the Ford Education Center Theatre at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The first Earth Day was observed on April 22, 1970, and the Detroit Zoo has continued the celebration ever since.

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 located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak. The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., April through October, with extended hours 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August. 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 undergoing renovation but provides some 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 Detro! it 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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