PIP, PIP, HOORAY
Tiny plovers making big comeback
INSIDE:
Discovery Trails to bring 7-acre immersive experience to the Detroit Zoo
FROM THE DIRECTOR
It’s been an incredible year at the Detroit Zoological Society.
In 2024, we achieved some remarkable milestones. We launched our new brand de e omed e s gorilla baby in our history and hosted so many fantastic events that deepened our guests’ connection to the wonder of wildlife. And, of course, we continued our commitment to animals, people and the environment through conservation work on all seven continents, groundbreaking animal welfare research and care, innovative sustainability initiatives and educational programming that reaches people far beyond the borders of the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center.
Though the year is almost over, we still have a lot to celebrate. In this Habitat issue, you’ll read up on some of the new things we are so proud of this winter — from new faces at the Zoo to the announcement of an all-new 7-acre experience.
Before we bid farewell to 2024, I want to extend my sincere thanks to each and every one of our members and donors, as well as our readers and loyal Zoogoers. Your support is the bedrock of the DZS and fuels our mission to create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive. With your continued support, I know we are looking forward to a fantastic 2025!
Dr. Hayley Murphy,
DVM
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT AND DESIGN
Habitat is produced quarterly for members of the Detroit Zoological Society. 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. Recipient of the 2020 WAZA Environmental Sustainability Award.
Crain's Content Studio
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Sarah Culton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Christina Ross
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Karen Dybis and Lindsay Keener
CONTACT
Detroit Zoological Society 8450 W. 10 Mile Road Royal Oak, MI 48067
Phone: (248) 541-5717 www.detroitzoo.org
For questions about membership, please contact: info@dzs.org
AN INTERVIEW WITH
REPTILE ZOOKEEPER REINE
“My
favorite part about it (my job) is the training; not only am I getting to work closely with these animals in a mutually beneficial way, but training is also a way to communicate with the animals in both directions.”
Reine is a lover of all things scaley, slithery and cold-blooded. A reptile zookeeper at the Detroit Zoo for the last two years, Reine spends their days providing the highest level of care to the reptiles who call the Holden Reptile Conservation Center home.
What do you do at the Detroit Zoo?
I’m a reptile zookeeper, so I mostly do animal care, habitat maintenance and other things like that. Snakes are my particular passion, but I also have some lizards and turtles I also love.
What is your favorite animal at the Zoo?
I have a whole list! But if I had to pick m o ee b s d tt es es would be at the top. They have a ton of personality — they are very spicy. They are fun to work with and are very curious. We also had a bunch of babies born e s s ed so go o see em grow up and work with them from birth, which has been so cool. Then come indigo snakes; they are super intelligent d e e so s ed m s training program with them. They have been learning training while I have been learning how to train — so we have been learning right alongside each other. My other favorite is the Fiji iguana, which is my other training program species.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Training is up there. My favorite part bo s o o m gett g to work closely with these animals in m be e b g is also a way to communicate with the animals in both directions. Learning how s omm o be e s e m s lives is so rewarding. For example, I can communicate with the Fiji iguana that she gets her favorite treats when she lets me inspect her tail. She also communicates back to me; when she looks uncomfortable or moves away, that’s a sign for me to stop and give her space. mo e o e s e e me o e snacks I’m offering aren’t good enough d eed o ge bette s s
Are there any misconceptions about reptiles that you would want to correct?
eo e s es e ess e toward people, but I would never use that word to describe a snake. Anytime a snake bites a person, it is either hungry
or scared. Usually, snakes try to deploy other tactics before biting a person — that is kind of their last resort. Usually, snakes s o be e o e
How did you become a zookeeper? me bo s e o o tt e
s s e e o og s s
d d d m e s o e d o wild reptiles in Michigan. I had just o ed ob o ss s g tt es es which the Detroit Zoo supports for conservation purposes, when a zookeeping job became available. I had never considered working at a zoo before, but I was encouraged to apply. I got in and realized this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.
Any advice for young people hoping to r i r d
If you are interested in reptiles in any way and want to make that a career, be open to any opportunities that come along — even if it’s not something you expected.
PIP, PIP,
HOORAY
DZS helping to save birds along the Great Lakes
By Sarah Culton, Communications Manager
On a humid July afternoon, two tiny Great Lakes piping plovers step cautiously from a breadbox-sized crate onto the sun-warmed sands of a quiet beach. Just a few feet away, a team of researchers, zookeepers and conservationists holds their breath, so still chirps can be heard over the soft waves.
Eventually, the birds extend their wings, catch the wind and fly. The team rejoices, erupting into cheers and claps — these tiny birds have taken their first flight toward conservation.
Though the temperatures along the beaches have chilled with the changing seasons, these tiny birds migrated and are thriving in their winter homes along the Gulf of Mexico and the southern Atlantic coast. Soon enough, they will again return to Sleeping Bear and surrounding areas, all thanks to the tireless work of zookeepers, scientists and program partners.
Since 2003, the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) has been involved with the Great Lakes Piping Plover Recovery Program, which monitors and protects these tiny shorebirds from extinction. Together with a multitude of partners, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the DZS rescues abandoned plover eggs on Great Lakes shorelines, incubates the eggs and raises the chicks. Once the birds are ready, the team releases them into the wild — where they fly into the next stage of their lives and contribute to the conservation of their species.
“One of the biggest highlights of my career is to be a part of this multi-partner program and to see its success,” says Bonnie Van Dam, program coordinator and DZS curator of birds. “Nothing is more satisfying than seeing eggs that are struggling and would not otherwise have survived grow up, be released into the wild and contribute to their wild populations.”
PROTECTING THE PLOVERS
Though a Great Lakes piping plover is small enough to rest in the palm of your hand, they are facing huge threats in the wild.
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Wild plovers nest on sandy beaches in the Great Lakes, but parents often abandon their nests when threatened by predators, humans, development or environmental factors like rising water levels. This leads to a declining population, and the piping plover was added to the State of Michigan’s endangered species list in 1986. At the time, only 17 nesting pairs were recorded. It was clear that human intervention was necessary to save these shorebirds from extinction.
In 2003, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service launched the Piping Plover Recovery Initiative. The DZS has been participating in the program since the beginning, using its expertise in animal care to give these birds their greatest chance at survival.
“Zoos are sometimes a hidden gem that goes unnoticed in this type of work,” Van Dam says. “Zookeepers have a lot of experience hand-raising many different types of birds, and artificial incubation requires specialized training. This was a niche skillset that was missing, and we were able to come in with our expertise and contribute to conservation.”
The DZS’s involvement begins as soon as an abandoned clutch of eggs is found nestled in the shoreline. After the coordination and retrieval of the eggs, zookeepers rush to meet up with Fish and Wildlife Service staff with makeshift, portable incubators to transport the eggs to the University of Michigan Biological Station in Pellston, Michigan. There the eggs are carefully incubated until they hatch.
Once a tiny puff of feathers emerges from the egg, they are given everything they need to grow up independently and ready for the world. In the first days, this can look like a feather duster “mother” to comfort the chicks and heat lamps to provide the proper temperature. In their last days at the station, this looks like a secure outdoor pen to safely expose them to the nighttime environment. After approximately 30 days, the birds are ready to live their lives in the wild and are released in carefully chosen locations.
“It’s very gratifying to see the birds on the shoreline, foraging or flying,” Van Dam says. “That’s how you know you’ve done your job. That’s how you know these
FAST FACTS
A bouncy ball: The same size as a plover egg Party of four: Plovers lay a clutch of four eggs at a time Beach babies: Sandy shorelines are their nesting spot
Top: DZS team members Bonnie Van Dam and David Dimitrie, along with several program partners, release a plover chick onto the beach at Sturgeon Bay. Above: A zookeeper prepares to candle an egg. This procedure, something similar to an ultrasound, allows staff to observe the heath of an egg.
birds, which are an iconic species to Michiganders and the Great Lakes people, have a chance to thrive.”
CONSERVATION TAKES FLIGHT
After more than 20 years, the recovery program has proven its success — the initiative has helped nesting Great Lakes piping plover pairs grow from just 17 to 81. In 2009, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums recognized the program with a Significant Achievement Award for North American Conservation. Today, each release remains incredibly important to the survival of plovers everywhere.
“This program is incredibly important to the DZS — it’s one of our flagship conservation programs,” says Dr. David Dimitrie, DZS conservation director. “The DZS has an important role to play as a champion for conservation on the Great Lakes and in the state of Michigan. It’s important to preserve the shoreline and these habitats here for people to enjoy the Great Lakes and for wildlife to survive.”
SUCCESS STORIES
Dimitrie first assisted with a release in the summer of 2024. Seeing the work first-hand helped him understand the success the program has had in bringing plovers back from the brink of extinction. Thanks to the dedication of all program partners — including the University of Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, the University of Michigan and many more — he believes Great Lakes piping plovers can one day be delisted from the endangered species list.
"It will take a village to save this species,” Dimitire says. “If you are at the beach, please obey the signs and do not enter a restricted nesting area. Notice where you are walking, biking or driving. You can also come to places like the Detroit Zoo to support our efforts to save these animals and the habitat they need to exist and thrive.”
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
In just a few months, the Lakes will thaw, and plovers will return to Michigan shorelines to nest. Members of the DZS team won’t be far behind; they are always
GABBY
Gabby hatched in 2009 at Platte Point in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Now 15 years old, she holds the record for the oldest female recorded in the Great Lakes population. She has fledged more than 31 chicks throughout her lifetime, contributing significantly to the conservation of her species.
SMALLS
From his first moments, a tiny piping plover, nicknamed Smalls, required round-the-clock care. He had difficulty hatching, experienced issues with his umbilical cord, developed a crooked toe, and caregivers were concerned he may have eye problems. Despite his many physical setbacks and thanks to his dedicated care team, Smalls survived and has become a symbol of the power and importance of one.
ready to step in to rescue and raise the eggs that get left behind.
After more than 20 summers along the Great Lakes, Van Dam has the process down to a routine — one she isn’t tired of yet.
“It’s an honor to be a part of this program,” she says. “We are building hope for the future.”
Though Van Dam says the program has a long way to go, she believes everyone involved in the recovery program has made a difference. She says she is heartened by all the success so far and can’t wait to see how the program will grow further. With continued resources and support, she believes the program can save many more chicks — each of whom is vital to the survival of this species.
“To us, each individual is a superstar,” Van Dam says. “Over 20 years and more than 360 chicks, we have so many stand-out stories — each one as important as the last. Every egg counts, and every individual contributing to the population is vital to saving this species from extinction.”
VINCE CAVALIERI
Five reasons to see Wild
before it ends Jan. 5
By Sarah Culton, Communications Manager
There s still time to li ht p yo r ni ht at the etroit oo Wild Lights, presented by Corewell Health Children s has been a treas red tradition or more than a decade and it s easy to see why ith millions o twinklin li hts and more than esti e displays this ann al e ent will deli ht ests o all a es and help yo make memories yo won t soon or et Tho h Wild Lights is only aro nd or a limited time there is still time to see the ma ic The e ent r ns select ni hts thro h an o yo still need a reason to isit Here are e
PRESENTED BY
Lights
1. The dazzling sights
Get ready to say “wow” as you stroll through a magical pathway illuminated by glowing trees and animals, wander through a field of dancing lights and dive through an underwater setting.
2. Toyland — for big kids and small
Embrace your inner child at Toyland, an area filled with life-sized toy sculptures glowing with light, and bring snowflakes to life with our interactive stepping tones. Plus, you can cast a holiday wish at the interactive Wishing Tree!
3. Cozy up at the Lodge
In between your adventures, you can warm up inside the Lodge, a festive oasis brimming with holiday décor, live entertainment, a full bar, s’mores and more. Or head to the 4D Theater to catch a showing of a holiday classic — complete with 4D effects for a larger-than-life experience.
4. S easonal treats and eats
Indulge in delicious seasonal treats and warm beverages as you explore, keeping you fueled and cozy during your magical winter adventure.
5. Picture-perfect moments
Capture the magic with the perfect photo. From visits with Santa to a brilliant 40-foot-long train, Wild Lights offers unforgettable holiday photo opportunities that will make your memories shine.
Don’t miss out on this illuminated adventure! Purchase your tickets today at dzoo.org/wildlights.
NEW FACES
Zoo welcomes Sloth Bear, African Lion, Schmidt's Monkeys: From magnificent monkeys to beautiful bears, the Zoo recently welcomed some notable new residents. Get to know them here — then come to the Zoo to meet them in person!
By Sarah Culton, Communications Manager
AFRICAN LION
KALU
Kalu’s Story: The pride at the Zoo just got a little bigger. Kalu, a 9-year-old African lion, has moved in and is getting to know females Asha and Amirah.
The Scoop: Described by his caretakers as “fun,” “spunky” and “sassy,” Kalu is making himself right at home in his new habitat. You can visit him — and his new feline friends — in the African Grasslands.
The Mane Attraction: Most male lions grow impressive manes. Growing up to 6 inches long, these luscious locks are a sign of dominance.
SLOTH BEAR JAGGER
Jagger’s Story: One of the Zoo’s newest residents is “beary” cute. Jagger, a 3-year-old sloth bear, moved to the Zoo in October.
The Scoop: Jagger’s caretakers say she is a silly girl who loves to snack on special treats like peanut butter or jam.
Where to Find Her: In her new home at the bear den behind the grizzly bear habitat.
A Delicious Diet: In the wild, sloth bears feast on termites and ants. They can fully close their nostrils to keep bugs out while they are eating.
SCHMIDT'S MONKEYS
NAFIS AND NHALA
Nafis and Nhala’s Story: A pair of Schmidt’s monkeys joined the Zoo family this summer. A species new to the Detroit Zoo, Schmidt’s monkeys are native to central Africa and known for their long tails and white noses.
The Scoop: 9-year-old male Nafis and
12-year-old female Nhala can be found sharing a habitat with the Allen’s swamp monkeys in the African Forest.
A Little Cheeky: Schmidt’s monkeys, also known as red-tailed monkeys, have large cheek pouches that can store almost as much food as their stomachs.
A PLACE FOR NEW CONNECTIONS
The Detroit Zoo’s planned Discovery Trails will offer 7 acres to learn, explore, engage with the animal world
By Karen Dybis, Contributing Writer
With Discovery Trails, the Detroit Zoo will focus on a guest-friendly, immersive environment where all are welcome, offering the latest in accessibility and sustainability practices as well as providing state-of-the-art animal habitats that focus on animal well-being as a priority.
The Zoo announced plans for Discovery Trails on Oct. 22, and the positive reactions throughout the community have reflected the excitement about having a new destination where guests can explore, learn, play and relax, says Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) Executive Director and CEO Dr. Hayley Murphy. The newest expansion in the Zoo’s long history is scheduled to open in 2026.
“We wanted to create a place within the Zoo that can be used by all of our community, a place to come together and experience the positive impact that animals can have on our lives,” Murphy says. “This is an amazing undertaking when you look at the diversity of activities and educational opportunities available. This is really going to be a destination.”
Developing the habitats, guest experiences and features of Discovery Trails was a collaborative effort, Murphy says.
“We listened to every voice during the design process and asked the community what they wanted and needed — it was a great coming together of minds, allowing every level of expertise and discipline across the Zoo, and our community, to work together,” she says. “The message that kept coming through was we wanted Discovery Trails to be fun, energizing and a place where we can create those connections between people and animals, building empathy and a sense of wonder about the natural world.”
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
The 7-acre site along the southwest corridor of the Zoo will include up-close animal encounters, diverse educational experiences, accessible trails and guest areas as well as expansive habitats for new and returning species.
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From top: Stingrays and bamboo sharks will call Discovery Trails home. In Stingray Cove, guests will be able to touch and feed stingrays. Animals, including giant anteaters, will have a reminagined habitat. A Canopy Trail will give guests an elevated perspective of nature. There will be numerous areas for guests to rest, refuel and reconnect with family and friends. Accessibility features were built into Discovery Trails to ensure it can be enjoyed by guests of all ages and abilities.
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For example, Zoo favorites such as the prairie dogs, bush dogs, miniature donkeys and giant anteaters will receive updated spaces and be joined by newcomers, including alpacas, burrowing owls, stingrays and bamboo sharks.
The immersive animal experiences feature a tank where guests can feed and touch stingrays as well as a barnyard where guests can feed chickens and brush goats.
Rain gardens throughout Discovery Trails will demonstrate the Zoo’s commitment to sustainability and help educate the public about flood and water runoff remediation as well as climate change.
The Canopy Trail is another way to build appreciation for nature. With a bird’s-eye view 14 feet off the ground, guests will have a wider lens from which they can see their place in the world and how animal environments are an essential part of that.
SENSORY EXPERIENCES
In Discovery Trails, the Zoo sought to create a balance between spaces where guests can deeply engage with their five senses while also offering quieter spots for recharging or thoughtful contemplation, says Dr. De’Andrea Matthews, the DZS’s vice president of diversity and community engagement.
“Some people are sensory seekers while others have sensitivity challenges. We wanted to respect that spectrum,” Matthews says. “The Senses Trail will include a narrative that allows people to decide in advance if they want to smell or touch a particular plant. They can plan in advance to go down another path if they want a different experience.”
Matthews says she also is proud that Discovery Trails will show how the Zoo has researched and implemented new accessibility options in key areas. For example, the family restrooms will have universal changing stations, allowing caregivers to address the needs of younger children as well as older adults through height-adjustable tables. This is something Matthews herself appreciated
MEET THE ANIMALS OF DISCOVERY TRAILS:
DZS CEO Dr. Hayley Murphy says Discovery Trails will bring an immersive animal experience while also putting the animals’ well-being first and foremost. Here are just a few of the animals guests will meet at Discovery Trails.
BURROWING OWLS
Guests consider the prairie dogs among their favorites, and Murphy predicts the burrowing owls will join that club with their adjoining habitats. “Seeing how they work together to create colonies and burrows that benefit each other is something we think our guests will enjoy,” Murphy said.
BUSH DOGS
Murphy calls bush dogs “the clown of the canine world” and “super popular" with younger zoo-goers. Bush dogs are likely to win new fans over with their smaller stature, big personalities, bear-like faces and bushy tails.
as a caregiver for her parents, so having this option in Discovery Trails is key to supporting everyone who visits.
ROOM TO LEARN
Another special aspect of Discovery Trails is its educational components, says DZS Vice President of Education Diane Miller.
The DZS education team deeply researches the ways they engage guests in learning, adding in the secret sauce of entertaining and enlightening people of all ages as they walk through the site.
“One of the ways you know people are engaged is through the conversations they are having, so we created experiences that encourage people to talk and share stories,” Miller says.
Signs found throughout Discovery Trails will ask guests to slow down and really observe each animal, Miller says. Questions posted about an animal’s size will help the Zoo’s
GOATS
Murphy says goats were an ideal animal to include because they are easily approachable, and kids identify with them.
“They’re a little like friendly dogs, only with hooves—they are inquisitive but not intimidating,” she says.
“Goats love to interact, but we’ll also have an area where they can get away for some 'goat down-time' when they want.”
STINGRAYS AND BAMBOO SHARKS
Stingray Cove allows guests to touch and feed stingrays, learn about bamboo sharks, and speaks to the importance of the Great Lakes and water, Murphy says. “Fresh water is critical to our understanding of the future. We wanted something where guests could be interactive and see the importance of water globally.”
youngest guests start to learn the language of mathematics while relating to that animal with curiosity and empathy.
“Another educational opportunity is in the Farmers’ Market. You will go to the market to get food for a goat or chicken, and we’ll ask you to weigh out the food. It’s fun for kids, and it’s a simple way to learn to read, do mathematics and practice new skills,” Miller says.
Discovery Trails is estimated to cost more than $20 million, with most of the funds coming from gifts and grants. Simultaneously, Discovery Trails is projected to increase the Zoo’s regional economic impact to $185 million annually, increase Zoo visitation and membership by 12 percent and 11 percent, respectively, and bring an additional 13,000 children via school field trips each year.
For more information and updates as Discovery Trails construction takes shape, visit dzoo.org/discoverytrails.
“We listened to every voice during the design process and asked the community what they wanted and needed — it was a great coming together of minds.”
— Hayley W. Murphy, CEO, Detroit Zoological Society
SEE NATURE LIKE NEVER BEFORE
Art gallery shows conservation through a new lens
A new way to see conservation come to life is on display now at the Detroit Zoo.
The Zoo is the temporary home of Among the Living: Wildlife Photography of Guadalupe Laiz. Located in the Ford Education Center’s second-floor gallery, this temporary art exhibition features Laiz’s wildlife photography and behindthe-scenes videos. Laiz is an international wildlife photographer who partners with nonprofit conservation organizations to raise awareness of different species around the world. The Detroit Zoo is the first zoo ever to exhibit Laiz’s work.
“I couldn’t be happier to bring Guadalupe’s work to the Detroit Zoo,” says Ashley Ciricola, curator of fine and performing arts for the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS). “This exhibit is a testament to our dedication to conservation and our mission to create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world. Through the power of art and wildlife photography, I truly believe we can ignite positive change.”
This unique art exhibition will remain at the Detroit Zoo through Feb. 28. All showcased art will be available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds supporting the DZS.
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Guadalupe Laiz was born and raised in Argentina. At the age of 20, she moved to the U.S. to build her photography career. Today, she lives in Aspen, Colorado, and continues to advocate for the natural world through the power of wildlife photography. Driven by the belief that art and beauty transform how people think about conservation and nature, Laiz focuses on the environment and animals to communicate the importance of environmental issues.
GORILLAS ON THE LINE: HERE'S HOW YOU ANSWERED THE CALL
Detroit Zoo wins number one spot in North America
By Lindsay Keener, Contributing Writer
There are two types of people in this world: those who get the next generation of a phone as soon as it’s released and those who hold onto their devices until the last second.
The one thing they have in common? Their old phone is tucked into the back of their bedside table, never to be seen again.
The Detroit Zoo knows there are better uses for old cell phones and other small electronics. Each year, the Zoo partners with Gorilla SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) for its Gorillas on the Line initiative, a public awareness campaign designed to empower zoos to engage local audiences in action for gorilla conservation by recycling their old electronics.
The call to recycle old electronics was sparked by the need to protect gorillas from a tiny but mighty predator: coltan. A mineral compound used to power small electronics, coltan is mined in the Dominican Republic of Congo, where many gorillas live. While mining for coltan may mean more high-powered devices, it can also mean destroying gorilla habitats. Today, the program aims much of its focus at using recycled devices to raise money for conservation initiatives that directly protect wild gorillas and their habitats.
Aaron Jesue, primate zookeeper at the Detroit Zoo, leads the initiative. He encourages anyone with old, small electronic devices to bring them in for recycling and help make a difference.
“We’d love for cell phones to be used until they’re unusable so that there’s less production, but in this day and age, it’s almost impossible to see that,” Jesue says. “When you do get to the end of the road with your device, and you don’t know what to do with it, bring it to the Detroit
Zoo, and we’ll gladly accept them.”
Now in its sixth year, Jesue says the program has taken on a life of its own. Thanks to the dedication of passionate community partners and supporters, the Detroit Zoo came out in the top spot for devices recycled this year — in all North America — with more than 2,000 devices, making it the 2024 Silverback Award winner for the highest number of devices collected.
This is no ordinary accomplishment. According to ECO-CELL, there are roughly 385.6 million phones, or six old cell phones per household, across the United States. More than 90 percent of them aren’t getting recycled.
So, how has the Zoo achieved this level of success? The Detroit community and beyond see the program as a no-brainer.
“I’ve had so many people come to me and say, ‘I’ve had all these phones over the years and never knew what to do with them. Coming here and recycling them just makes sense,’” Jesue says.
Gorillas on the Line supporters have found new and creative ways of collecting hundreds of devices to be recycled, forming partnerships with organizations like the Detroit Tigers, hospitals and scrapyards.
The dedicated effort from the community is a beacon of hope for gorilla conservation efforts.
“Being able to help organizations on a national level that are doing this work, we’ve seen our contributions show up in really cool ways,” Jesue says. “We’ve seen more rangers out in the field, extra support being given to scientists and researchers, and we hope to see the number of all gorilla species populations grow with continued support."
How Gorillas on the Line works
Drop off your old device to the Zoo.
Each device, regardless of its condition, is shipped to ECO-CELL, a conscious company mitigating the impact of electronics on the earth and its inhabitants.
ECO-CELL attaches a monetary value to the device and uses the proceeds to fund sustainable recycling efforts and environmental initiatives.
Every penny earned from the devices collected by the Detroit Zoo goes directly to gorilla conservation efforts in Africa.
Leslie Devereaux's gift enabled the Detroit Zoo to more than triple the size of the tiger habitat, which is now known as the Devereaux Tiger Forest.
REMEMBERING LESLIE DEVEREAUX
Longtime Zoo supporter left a lasting mark
The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) lost one of its most ardent fans with the passing of Leslie Cameron Devereaux in late September.
Many Detroit Zoo guests and members will recognize Leslie’s name from the expansive Devereaux Tiger Forest, one of the Zoo’s most popular animal habitats. With a significant gift, Leslie made it possible for the DZS to more than triple the size of this habitat and increase its complexity with a variety of water features, trees, elevated outlooks and a catnap cave. It is also a thrilling place for guests, with shaded viewing areas that offer close-up views of the Amur tigers.
But, Leslie’s support for the DZS expanded well beyond her gift for the tiger habitat expansion.
It seems inevitable that Leslie would return to Michigan and continue following two of her favorite teams — the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Tigers — while her fondness for animals (and big cats, especially) continued to grow. When not cheering for her favorite teams, Leslie enjoyed competing in games of euchre with countless friends and was thrilled to be victorious in what turned out to be her final game, only days before her passing.
Most importantly, Leslie will be forever remembered for her kind and generous heart and love of her community. A humble yet renowned philanthropist, Leslie served as president of the Richard C. Devereaux Foundation until her death and strongly supported many worthy organizations and causes, including
“She just loved the Zoo, its animal residents, and all the people she met here over the years. And as someone who knew Leslie for 25 years, I promise you - it went both ways.”
— Jane Alessandrini, DZS vice president of development
“Without any fanfare, Leslie generously supported our conservation mission with a monthly gift as well as a special contribution every year,” says Jane Alessandrini, DZS vice president of development.
Leslie was born in 1942 to Adelyn and Richard C. Devereaux. Beginning in her childhood, she spent summers and winters with her family at their vacation home on the Au Sable River, where she first developed a deep love and appreciation of nature and wildlife.
Leslie attended Seaholm High School in Birmingham, Michigan, and went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.
cancer and Alzheimer's Disease research, environmental conservation and preservation, animal welfare, the arts, and the Deering Library at Northwestern University.
While Leslie and the Devereaux Foundation supported the Detroit Zoo and all these worthy causes without any desire for recognition, she was particularly proud of the award-winning Devereaux Tiger Forest, which she visited often with her dear friends, Dick and Sally Bradley.
“She just loved the Zoo, its animal residents, and all the people she met here over the years,” Alessandrini says. “And as someone who knew Leslie for 25 years, I promise you – it went both ways.”
Jump into conservation with the Panamanian golden frog!
TAKE A LEAP
1. In Panama, golden frogs are associated with what?
A) Good luck B) Beauty C) Bad luck D) Love
2. What color are the tadpoles when they hatch?
A) Yellow B) White C) Gray D) Black
3. What makes a Panamanian golden frog's skin toxic?
A) Their habitat B) It is naturally produced by their bodies
C) The insects they eat D) What they drink
FUN FACTPanamanian golden frogs develop their unique patterns over time.
FUN FACT
The Detroit Zoological Society raises these nearly extinct tiny amphibians at the Zoo — and protects their natural habitats in Panama.
1.4 inches
The length of an average male Panamanian golden frog. This is about the size of a small paperclip.
0.5 ounces
The weight of an average female Panamanian golden frog. This is about the same as a pencil.
600
The number of eggs a Panamaniangolden frog can lay at a time.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
ACTIVITY: PANAMANIAN GOLDEN FROG ILLUSIONS
Tools: Paper, markers/crayons/colored pencils, pencil, tape and your hands! Directions for one or more people
STEP 1
Cut two pieces of paper about 3-by-4 inches.
STEP 2
Draw a Panamanian golden frog (or your favorite animal) on one piece of paper.
STEP 3
Draw the natural habitat for the frog (or another scene of your choice) on the other piece of paper.
STEP 4
Tape the pieces of paper together, with the blank sides facing each other, leaving the bottom edges open.
Thaumatropes work because of persistence of vision. Your mind holds onto an image for a just a moment longer than you’re actually seeing it, so when two images are shown quickly, they start to overlap. That’s how old movies were made, with many individual photos shown in rapid succession. Our brains stitch them together into a seamless production.
STEP 5
Insert the pencil in between the paper and secure it with tape.
STEP 6
With the pencil between your hands, rub your hands together, causing the pencil to rotate and the paper to spin.
WINTER WONDER
How animals in Belle Isle's backyard adapt to the weather
By Ryan Vance, Nature Center Supervisor
After the first snowfall, a stillness settles over the landscape, reminding us of winter’s invitation to slow down, reflect and reconnect with nature’s rhythms. As we pause, so too do many plants and animals, adapting to the cold and preparing for renewal.
On Belle Isle, small animal tracks dot the snow, and dormant plants glow vibrantly against the white. These quiet signs reveal nature’s resilience and how wildlife adjusts to winter’s chill. Commonly known adaptations like hibernating or migrating are just two examples of how other earthlings adapt to winter, but there are many more right in your backyard, block or local park.
The goldenrod gall fly offers a fascinating example of survival, like some homebodies prefer, staying inside. During spring, adult goldenrod gallflies inject their eggs into the stem of only one plant, the goldenrod flower. Once hatched, the young larvae will feed on the inner layers
of the stem and the unharmed plant grows taller. Soon after, a bulbous sphere appears on the plant's stem, protecting the young larvae from the harsh elements of winter until the following spring when it will emerge as a fully formed fly and continues the cycle.
Dragonflies use different strategies — some migrate south like birds, while others lay eggs in the water on Belle Isle, hatching when warmer weather arrives. Some years, dragonfly larvae do not emerge from the water in their winged form and instead spend a winter underwater.
It’s turtles all the way down — to the bottom of the pond that is. Turtles spend the coldest months burrowed in the sediment at the bottom of ponds and lakes. Like the goldenrod gall fly, they slow their metabolism, reducing their need for oxygen as they wait for spring to such an extent that they can breathe through not just their nose but also their skin and a unique breathing apparatus — in their rear end.
Even in your backyard, countless animals adapt to the cold. Moths and butterflies hide in cocoons under leaves, while bumblebees stay snug by burrowing a hole in the ground. Others find protection beneath logs and rocks. You can support this process by leaving leaves and fallen logs undisturbed, creating safe winter habitats for these creatures. Embrace the slower pace of winter and respect nature’s need for rest. By allowing animals to hibernate in peace and keeping their habitats intact, we contribute to the natural cycle of renewal. As the world quiets, we can reflect on how we, too, can pause and appreciate the beauty of winter’s calm.
Winter is a season of quiet growth and preparation. Like the plants and animals around us, we can find strength in rest and renewal, knowing that after winter’s stillness comes the promise of new beginnings.
Above: Children play at Lake Muskoday on Belle Isle. Below: A muskrat lodge provides shelter for the winter.
SWEET ON SNAILS?
CONSERVATION CONNECTION
The Partula snail, a tree-dwelling species native to the Polynesian islands, faced extinction in the wild due to the spread of invasive species. In response, the Detroit Zoological Society collaborates with zoos and aquariums worldwide to breed and raise Partula snails, with the ultimate goal of reintroducing them to their natural habitats. To date, our team has successfully raised and released thousands of snails back into the wilds of Tahiti, offering a renewed sense of hope for the survival of this endangered species.
Donate to the DZS to support the care and conservation of Partula snails at detroitzoo.org/donate
