Detroit Zoo Habitat - Issue 19

December/January/February 2010

ISSUE 19

The Magazine of the Detroit Zoological Society

Warm Up to Winter at the Detroit Zoo

See what’s hot at the Zoo this winter.

Volunteers Think Spring

Here Comes Santa Claus

It’s time to plan the 2010 Volunteer Calendar.

Enjoy Breakfast with Santa and some of his wildlife friends.

The Lions Need a Makeover Planning more space for the lions and better viewing for visitors.

From the Director

One of my favorite things to do in the wintertime is to walk through the Detroit Zoo after a snowfall. In the bright sunshine and fresh air with fewer visitors and more active animals, a winter walk through the Zoo is the ultimate cool experience. For the cold-challenged among you, there are also lots of indoor habitats to enjoy. Either way, a winter visit is a great way to get a healthy dose of Vitamin Z. With that in mind, here’s my guide to some of the best hot – and cold – spots.

Ron Kagan, Executive Director, Detroit Zoological Society

Start out at the Penguinarium to see king, macaroni and rockhopper penguins “fly” through the water in their three-sided habitat. From there it’s a short hop to the National Amphibian Conservation Center, the award-winning habitat the Wall Street Journal called “Disneyland for toads”. Be sure to stop at the Ford Education Center and experience the visually stunning “Wild World Africa” at our new Wild Adventure 3-D/4-D Theater. (Watch out for the rhino!)

After a short walk along the Mall Road, warm up at the Arctic Food Court with a cup of hot cocoa. Then make your way over to the wolverines, the nickname of our great state, and follow the trail west to see the American bison who share a habitat with the collared peccaries. From there, head over to the bear dens (the bears get sleepy in the winter, but can be seen foraging outdoors on nicer days).

After a visit to the giraffe house, where the warm indoor habitat provides a close-up view of the Zoo’s tallest creatures, check out our two white rhinos, which can be enjoyed through the winter months from their indoor (or outdoor) viewing area. Drop in at Meerkat Digs, and then visit the black-and-white ruffed lemurs, including youngsters Aloke and Alina born in June.

Right around the corner, you’ll find the Japanese macaques or snow monkeys.

Whether they’re playing in the snow or relaxing on the edge of their hot tub, their behavior and social interactions are always entertaining. Next door, the kings of the jungle – including three “junkyard” lions that now have sanctuary here after a rough life in Kansas – can be seen surveying the Zoo from atop their cliff throughout the year.

Swing around to the Great Apes of Harambee, where chimpanzees, Western lowland gorillas and drills go bananas on tires, branches and ropes in the habitat’s dayrooms. The majestic Amur tigers can be found just a short walk away, along with their neighbors, the red pandas (including a baby born in July). Then become immersed in the underwater environment of swimming polar bears and seals at the Arctic Ring of Life.

Habitat is produced quarterly for members of the Detroit Zoological Society.

Edited by: Bauer Dunham & Barr Contributing Writer: Ann Tappan Photography: Mark Gaskill Graphic Design: Phoenix Innovate Copyright © 2009 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 is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.

The Detroit Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Once back on the Mall Road, head over to the Holden Museum of Living Reptiles to see more than 85 species of crocodilians, snakes and lizards. Then visit the Edward Mardigian, Sr. River Otter Habitat and watch its three adorable residents play in their 8,200-gallon pool. From there, it’s a short flight to the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery, where our version of Eden, the Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden, is always a balmy 75 degrees and the Matilda Wilson Free-Flight Aviary provides a tropical environment for over 30 species of birds.

Made possible with the support of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

Before you leave, be sure to stop at Zoofari Market and take advantage of your 10% member’s discount on a cozy sweatshirt or a souvenir mug. Or you can replace the calories you just burned with some homemade fudge or a specialty coffee from the Fudge Shop.

So bundle up and take a walk through the Detroit Zoo for a terrific day in a “wild” winter wonderland. See you out there!

10%

TOTAL RECOVERED FIBER ALL POST-CONSUMER FIBER

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Printed in the USA.

­Contents December/January/February 2010

ISSUE 19

4 What’s Hot at the 11 Holiday Gift Ideas The Zoo offers great gifts Zoo this Winter?

Bundle up and enjoy the wonderful world of animals.

5 Experience a 3-D/4-D Wild Adventure

that keep on giving.

During the quieter months, volunteers prepare for the busy season.

13 Plan Ahead for Summer Safari

7 Arctic Ring of Life

Interactive activities instill a lifelong passion for wildlife.

9 Breakfast with Santa

15 The Zoo’s Lions Need a New Home

Enjoy a warm holiday experience with your children.

ER

12 Volunteers Think Spring

The “Wild World Africa” movie is “ooh” and “aah” inspiring.

Winter is a great time of year to visit.

MEMB

4 5

The lions’ home is getting a makeover.

Zoo Hours DETROIT ZOO HOURS Open daily: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

(November-March) BELLE ISLE NATURE ZOO Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (all year)

On the Cover: Visit the penguins inside the Penguinarium, another great warm destination at the Zoo.

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R EA F E-Y ON PLY O Z P SU AMIN VIT

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FeatureArticle

Start

Warm Up to Winter

Vitamin Z,

National Amphibian Conservation Center

found only at the Detroit Zoo, is a great way to fortify yourself for the winter season.

A balmy walk through a rainforest, new amphibians and new habitats await winter visitors inside the Detroit Zoo’s National Amphibian Conservation Center.

So bundle up and enjoy the “oohs and aahs” as your kids experience the magic of the animal world and nature in winter. See the more active, winter-hardy animals outside then head inside for a warm-up with even more animals in their indoor habitats.

You’ll see kids with big smiles, their eyes filled with amazement and a sense of wonder you never thought possible. Bring your kids to the Detroit Zoo today and give them a healthy dose of Vitamin Z. Part of a complete childhood.SM

• Two Surinam toads; whose triangular heads look like small, dark tan leaves on the pond floor.

1 Penguinarium 2 National Amphibian Conservation Center 3 Ford Education Center 4 Arctic Food Court 5 Wolverines 6 Bison 7 Bear Dens 8 Giraffe House 9 Rhinos 10 Meerkats 11 Lemurs 12 Snow Monkeys 13 Lions 14 Great Apes of Harambee 15 Tigers 16 Arctic Ring of Life 17 Holden Museum of Living Reptiles 18 Edward Mardigian, Sr. River Otter Habitat 19 Wildlife Interpretive Gallery

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As you stroll the boardwalk through the Immersion Gallery, a recreated rainforest ecosystem with free-ranging animals from Central and South America, look for these new additions:

• Approximately 50 Amazon milk frogs; they are small and have grey and brown stripes.

• Four marine toads; these brown and tan frogs are large and chunky. They are often found on the far left side of the pond or in the middle near the base of the banana tree.

• Holly, a beautiful iguana, is usually perched on top of a tree in the middle of the rear wall.

g on leaf.

Amazon milk fro

• Two basilisks; these vivid green lizards dart across the ground and water.

Existing animals in the gallery include: • Two male red-footed tortoises that sometimes follow visitors walking to the right of the boardwalk just inside the entrance.

• A stingray and a catfish are usually swimming to the left of the boardwalk.

• Homer, a shy 17-year-old three-toed sloth hides in a tall stump near the door most days, occasionally emerging around 11 a.m.

New habitats include: • Solomon Island leaf frogs and White’s tree frogs (New Guinea) • Borneo eared frogs (Malaysia) • Iberian ribbed newts (Europe) • Luristan newts (Iran) • Puerto Rican crested toads • Michigan leopard froglets in the metamorphosis exhibit • An expanded dart frog habitat with double the frogs and better viewing

e-toed sloth, Homer, the threhis tree stump. emerging from

Bison With shaggy dark-brown coats to keep out the cold, the Zoo’s three bison like time outdoors on even the most brisk day. Look for May, an 8-year-old female, with 2-year-olds Takoda, a male, and Teetonka, a female, near Pierson Lake between the elk habitat and Australian Outback Adventure.

The Detroit Zoo’s 3-D/4-D Theater Opens to Rave Reviews “Wow!” “Awesome!” These are the typical responses from moviegoers at the new 126-seat Wild Adventure 3-D/4-D Theater located in the Ford Education Center. The new “Wild World Africa” movie (Habitat, Fall 2009) currently showing at the theater demonstrates all of the latest technology in this 10-minute adventure.

It starts with the 3-D glasses. These aren’t the ‘50s red/green glasses, but specially designed glasses for use with the Academy Award-winning linear loop large format projection system recently installed. The dual projectors emit over 8,000 lumens each onto the 27-foot wide by 15-foot high 3-D screen. The new 7.1 digital audio surround sound is crisp and loud enough to muffle the “oohs” and “aahs” from the audience.

The 4-D is in the specially designed seats. Besides being comfortable, these seats are equipped with air jets, water misters, seat vibrators, back pokers and leg ticklers – all timed to the action on the screen. Plus, the theater offers additional effects with a wind machine, bubble and snow creator, and a special lighting system that enhances these special effects during the normally lights-out performance.

The whole family will enjoy the new 3-D/4-D experience. It may be too intense for the youngest members of the family, so please consult the Detroit Zoo’s website at www.detroitzoo.org for guidelines and showtimes. © 2009 SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

FeatureArticle

at the Detroit Zoo! North American Premier

2009 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition and Exhibition The Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition and Exhibition is organized annually by the Natural History Museum of London, U.K., and BBC Magazine.

An exhibition of winning images selected from among the competition entries is premiered at the Natural History Museum of London in late October each year.

A North American Premiere Exhibition will be open to the public beginning December 16, 2009, at the Detroit Zoo’s Ford Education Center Exhibit Gallery.

Winning images are also featured in a special supplement to the November issue of BBC Wildlife Magazine and in a hardback commemorative portfolio by BBC Books.

For 44 years, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition and Exhibition has been the world’s greatest wildlife photography contest and an international leader in the artistic representation of the natural world. Every year, it showcases the very best photographic images of nature to a worldwide audience, giving people an insight into the beauty, drama and variety of the natural world.

The competition is open to anyone with an appreciation of wildlife and a passion for fresh, innovative photography. Last year’s competition was the most competitive ever and attracted more than 30,000 entries.

Habitat | 5

FeatureArticle

Warm Up to Winter Black-and-white ruffed lemurs The Zoo’s black-and-white ruffed lemur population doubled in 2009 with the birth of a male and female on June 2. The wide-eyed twins, Aloke (Malagasy for “shadow”) and Alina (Malagasy for “night”) join 3-year-old mother Fleur and 23-year-old father Goodall. See this critically endangered species up close in the lemur habitat’s indoor viewing area, next to the Meerkat Digs.

Meerkats Enjoy the antics of the Zoo’s three active meerkats inside the warm Meerkat Digs, located behind the snow monkeys and lemurs. The indoor habitat offers great views of 6-year-old male Fang, 5-year-old male Lou and Janie, a 5-year-old female, as they dig, forage and play in the sand and tunnels of their recreated African habitat.

Wild Winter Weekends Beat the winter blues this season during our Wild Winter Weekends at the Detroit Zoo. Wild Winter is a unique, fun way to experience the magic of the Zoo in winter. Enjoy your favorite habitats indoors and out, along with special activities including children’s music, zookeeper talks, crafts, and much more. The Wild Winter festivities will be on select weekends in January, February and March from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wild Winter Carnival

Wild Winter Safari Social

January 9 and 10, 2010

March 6 and 7, 2010

Step right up to the Wild Winter Carnival at the Zoo. Kids are invited to try their luck at carnival games, enjoy live entertainment, have their faces painted and much more!

Wild Winter African Adventure February 6 and 7, 2010 Celebrate Wild Winter African Adventure in honor of Black History Month. Take an African drum lesson or learn about African animals through storytelling with David Gakure, Kenyan naturalist and Detroit Zoo Education Specialist. Other activities include live entertainment, arts and crafts, games and educational experiences.

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Escape the winter “blahs” with hot drinks and cool treats at the Zoo. Ice cream and hot cocoa will be available for purchase at a discount and activities include face painting, arts and crafts, animal enrichment and zookeeper talks.

Go on a winter safari through the Zoo on a scavenger hunt and redeem for a prize!

FeatureArticle

at the Detroit Zoo! Arctic Ring of Life The polar bear, seal and arctic fox residents of the award-winning Arctic Ring of Life (ARL) habitat grow more active as the mercury dips, making winter a fun time to see these adaptable mammals.

Three two-year-old arctic foxes – females Alex and Anana, and male Ice – can be found playing in their rocky tundra outdoor habitat. Their thick, white winter coats, which replace their gray summer coats, provide warmth and camouflage. Also unfazed by Michigan’s cold winters are the Zoo’s five seals: harbor seals Sidney, a 29-year-old male, Sparky, a 25-year-old male, and Freita, a 29-year-old female; Mack, a 19-year-old harp seal, and Kiinaq, an 8-year-old grey seal.

Visitors can find them gliding effortlessly through their pools all winter.

The Zoo’s five polar bears spend the winter romping and swimming on the pack ice and tundra in the ARL, North America’s largest polar bear habitat. Newcomer Lee, a 10-year-old, 900-pound male, arrived in Detroit in 2009 as a mate for 25-year-old Bärle and her 5-year-old daughter Talini. He also joins 12-year-old brothers Neil and Buzz.

The 4.2-acre ARL offers several shelters from the cold. The Frederick and Barbara Erb Polar Passage is a 70-foot-long clear tunnel through a vast underwater marine environment where polar bears and seals swim all around you. They appear to share the same water but are actually separated by a transparent barrier. The Nunavut Gallery and Exploration Station are warm, indoor areas with great views of the polar bears and seals, fun interactive exhibits and beautiful Nunavut artwork.

Arctic foxes with winter coats.

Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) A heavy winter coat and constant activity help keep Japanese macaques, the most northerly living non-human primates, comfortable throughout winter. On extremely cold days, look for the Zoo’s 13 females and three males huddled in the toasty steam of their outdoor hot tub.

Habitat | 7

FeatureArticle

Warm Up to Winter

Red pandas Southern Asia’s cool bamboo forests are the natural habitat of red pandas, whose thick red-and-white coats blend in with red mosses and white lichens growing on trees. The Zoo’s Ta-Shi, a 4-year-old female, and Rupert, a 6-year-old male, just gave birth to a new baby (right) in July, the first cub born at the Detroit Zoo in seven years.

River otters Two new North American river otters are entertaining visitors in the Zoo’s Edward Mardigian, Sr. River Otter Habitat this winter. Lucius, a loud and mischievous 3-year-old male, and Whisker, a playful 6-year-old female, joined 8-year-old female Stormy in late summer 2009. Watch from a protected indoor viewing area as the trio frolics in their 8,200-gallon pool complete with a waterfall and waterslide.

Save the Date for Spring Events Spring and summer are just around the corner. Mark your calendar for these upcoming Detroit Zoo events:

Giraffes The giraffe house’s warm indoor habitat provides a fantastic close-up view of the Zoo’s tallest creatures, including 2-year-old male Jabari, 24-year-old female Chardo and 15-year-old male Raspberry.

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April 3 - Bunnyville April 17 - Earth Day May 1 and 2 Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo June 18 - Sunset at the Zoo July 7-August 25 Wild Summer Nights Concert Series (Wednesday nights)

FeatureArticle

at the Detroit Zoo! Wildlife Interpretive Gallery A visit to the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery can brighten even the grayest Michigan winter day. Inside, the popular Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden is a balmy 75 degrees and the Matilda Wilson Free-Flight Aviary provides a tropical environment for more than 30 species of birds.

In the lush Butterfly Garden, come face-to-face with hundreds of butterflies, four hummingbirds and two swallows, all flying freely. Be sure to see the special display of chrysalises – butterflies emerge from these when their metamorphosis is complete.

In the aviary, birds are free to fly and walk among the lush tropical plants and wade or swim in the stream. Take your time and pretend it’s summer as you listen to the birds call to each other. Settle in and see what new species you discover!

Breakfast with Santa There are still spots available for this year’s Breakfast with Santa. The Zoo will host the event in the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery on December 5, 12 and 19 from 8 to 10 a.m.

The doors will open at 8 a.m. and breakfast is served at 8:30 a.m.

This buffet-style waffle breakfast includes a special gift for each child, arts and crafts, photo opportunities and a visit from Santa and a few of his wildlife friends. Photos with Santa are available for purchase. For members, tickets are $25 for adults (ages 15 and older) and $20 for children (ages 14 and younger). For non-members, tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for children. The non-member price includes Zoo admission and parking. Tickets are required for all children, regardless of age, as seating is limited.

Booster seats are not available for safety reasons.

For reservations call Customer Service at (248) 541-5717 ext. 3750.

Habitat | 9

Detroit Zoo Holiday Gift Offers

This season purchase a gift from the Detroit Zoo for that special someone on your list.

They’ll love their unique gift, and you can give twice—to the recipient and the Detroit Zoo.

❑ Gift membership

Choose your membership categories.

Give a Detroit Zoo Membership Members receive: MEMBE n FREE ADMISSION FOR ONE FULL YEAR to the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo n FREE PARKING n DISCOUNTED ADMISSION to zoos and aquariums nationwide n DISCOUNTS ON ZOO MERCHANDISE n FREE SUBSCRIPTION to Habitat, the EAR ONE-Y OF LY quarterly member magazine SUPP IN Z VITAM n FREE SUBSCRIPTION to Zmail, the monthly online member newsletter n INVITATIONS to members-only events n DISCOUNTS ON SPECIAL EVENTS AND EDUCATIONAL CLASSES

R

Oakland, Macomb and Wayne County Discount

Individual

$45 for 1 year

❑ $35

Individual Plus

$60 for 1 year

❑ $50

Family*

$74 for 1 year

❑ $64

Grandparent** Supporter

$74 for 1 year $150 for 1 year

❑ $64 ❑ $140

Residents of Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties can purchase up to four memberships at the discounted price upon zip code verification. Discounts are not retroactive and only one discount is applicable per membership. Programs, prices and benefits are subject to change without notice.

Date to begin membership _____________________ .

❑ ”Adopt”- an - Animal Holiday Package

Choose your plush animal: ❑ red panda - $45 (regular price $50) ❑ aardvark - $90 (regular price $100)

GIFT Membership Choose your membership categories.

Category Regular

Prices valid December 2009-February 2010

Category Regular

Support the Zoo

Give the Gift That Keeps Giving All Year-round!

❑ Paver Offer – 4x8 pavers for $90 (regular price $100) Enter your inscription: (max. 3 lines, 14 spaces each)

Oakland, Macomb and Wayne County Discount

Individual $45 for 1 year $35 Individual Plus $60 for 1 year $50 Family* $74 for 1 year $64 Grandparent** $74 for 1 year $64 Supporter $150 for 1 year $140

“Adopt”-an-Animal A perfect gift to warm up your holidays! Just $45 to “adopt” a red panda (regular price $50) or an aardvark at $90 (regular price $100).

Your Name____________________________________________________________________ Address_ _____________________________________________________________________

By “adopting” an animal from the Detroit Zoo you will save a trip to the mall and melt that someone special’s heart. These cuddly plush animals will delight that youngster or animal lover on your holiday list! Your holiday “adoption” assists the Detroit Zoo in providing veterinary treatment and improving animal habitats.

City____________________________________________ State________ Zip______________ Phone__________________________ Email ________________________________________ Providing your email address will allow you to receive special offers and our monthly newsletter.

❑ Send materials to recipient ❑ Send materials to me Recipient Name________________________________________________________________ Address_ _____________________________________________________________________

Gift package includes: n Plush animal (while supplies last) n Personalized photo certificate n Animal fact sheet n Gift box with winter-themed tissue paper

City ____________________________________________ State________ Zip______________ Home Phone__________________________________________________________________ Total Amount Enclosed $________________________

Order your “Adopt”-an-Animal package by December 11 to guarantee delivery on time!

Please make your check payable to: Detroit Zoological Society or charge to: ❑ Visa ❑ American Express ❑ Discover ❑ MasterCard Account Number_____________________________________________________________

Buy a Paver and Give a Piece of Zoo History This Season

Give the gift that will last for generations!

Signature_ __________________________________________________________________ Return this form to: Detroit Zoological Society, P.O. Box 771133, Detroit, MI 48277-1133, stop by the Membership Office or call Customer Service at (248) 541-5717 ext. 3750. * Family is defined as two adults living in the same household and their children, 18 years and under. **Grandparent is defined as two adults living in the same household and their grandchildren, 18 years and under.

If you are ordering more than one membership, please make a copy of this order form or provide us with the additional information on another piece of paper.

✃

4x8 pavers for $90 (regular price $100) Give a friend or family member the gift of an engraved 4x8 brick paver that will be placed in the newest Paver Pathway at the Detroit Zoo, located across from Rackham Fountain. Bricks will be installed in 2010 and you will be notified of their location.

Expiration Date ______________________________ CVV:____________________________

CODE: HabWinter09-10

Habitat | 11

Volunteers

“ Getting Ready” Season for Volunteer Services In the depths of a Michigan winter, the Detroit Zoo’s volunteer department has no problem thinking spring.

Like many Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) members who enjoy a winter visit, we appreciate the Zoo in its quiet season but we take this time to prepare for our busiest one, April to October.

Our first order of business is to plan our 2010 Volunteer Calendar. This document will keep us on course for the coming year with a continuous round of activities whereby we recruit, train and recognize more than 1,000 volunteers.

We have about 250 volunteers in action on a year-round basis – Docents, Gallery Guides, Outback volunteers, Staff Aides and Special Event volunteers. Compared to spring, our winter pace is one of simmering anticipation. We create reports and presentations, update handouts and develop ideas for the upcoming

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season. In spring, we go to a full boil.

During the period March-June, we generally welcome over 200 new members to our volunteer corps, many of whom are DZS members. They start by attending a three-part orientation and interview process that exposes them to the opportunities and expectations of volunteering at the Zoo and explains necessary policies and procedures.

From there, specific training is required in most cases to prepare for the specialized role the new volunteer will play. There are ten programs to choose from, including an option at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo. At the same time, about 600 veteran volunteers whose main role takes place in the April-October period, return for a refresher class that brings them up-to-date for the new season.

Guest Assistants in the Arctic Ring of Life, Zoo Ambassadors and Gardeners need all the latest information in order to be effective diplomats of our customer service. Each season brings

its changes in animals, their habitats and planned events. It is critical to our success that everyone is on the same page with this information to share with our guests.

A frequently asked question is how much time is required of volunteers at the Zoo. The simple response is a minimum of 20 hours annually.

But it gets more complicated when additional training is taken and some programs ask for a minimum of 75 hours annually. These details are discussed at the orientations and refined in personal interviews to make sure the chosen program fits with the volunteer’s availability.

We have lofty goals at the Detroit Zoo. We want experiences here to be life-changing and transformative.

This philosophy comes to life by the hundreds for those who become involved in volunteering at the Zoo. For information on how you can get involved in 2010, visit our website at www.detroitzoo.org or contact us at volunteer@dzs.org. We are getting ready to welcome you.

Visit the Detroit Zoo to work toward badges, pins and awards.

Our daytime programs include a guided tour to learn about animals and the environment in an exciting way. Daytime programs for Brownies, Junior Girl Scouts, Bears and Webelos are available. Check back in the early spring for additional offerings. Groups can schedule a program on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Price is $2 per person, plus group admission fees.

If a guided tour isn’t what you had in mind, or if Saturdays don’t work for your schedule, a Zoo scavenger hunt might be just what you’re looking for. Included with the scavenger hunt is a unique Zoo Patch. Order your hunts and patches prior to your visit; we’ll have them all ready for pick up when you arrive. Cost is only $2 per scavenger hunt!

The Zoo also has certified Merit Badge Counselors to help Boy Scouts earn their Amphibian and Reptile Merit badges. Times are flexible but some requirements must be completed prior to registration.

How about spending the night at the coolest place around?

Bring your group of 20 or more for a night filled with activities, treats, tours and crafts. Groups will “camp” in the Ford Education Center. Friday and Saturday nights are available. Call soon as dates for the spring are filling fast!

For more information about any of our scout programs, please call (248) 541-5717 ext. 3800, or email education@detroitzoo.org. Happy Scouting!

Education

Attention all scouts!

Summer Safari 2010

While it may be chilly outside, summer will be here before you know it! This year, the Detroit Zoo presents new Summer Safari camps mixed in with past favorites.

We have Early Bird and Late Owl care to accommodate your busy schedule. For a nominal fee, you may drop your camper off as early as 7:30 a.m. and pick him or her up as late as 6 p.m., with a 9 a.m.-4 p.m. scheduled day of camp in between. Our highly qualified staff will be with the campers for their entire stay, including while they enjoy the lunch you’ve packed for them. The Early Bird and Late Owl program is offered every day of camp throughout the summer.

Registration is simple. We’ve provided the camps in a traditional calendar format in addition to the camp descriptions to make scheduling camp around your busy summer much easier. There are many opportunities to pair camps for full days or full weeks of fun!

Single day camps can be combined for a discounted full-week rate.

Don’t forget our Zoo Snooze and Overnight Extreme camps for youth ages 6-14. Spending the night at the Zoo is a unique experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who attend, complete with activities that our day camps can’t reproduce!

Visit us online at www.detroitzoo.org/education to view the programs and download a registration form. Don’t delay, as space is limited.

The Bette and Roger Gay Scholarship Join a group of volunteers and Detroit Zoo staff on an experience of a lifetime, traveling across the equator to the tropical rainforest of the Amazon River Basin in Peru.

Over a period of ten days, participants will deliver school supplies or participate in a conservation project benefitting the rural communities along the Amazon and Napo Rivers.

Preserving the rainforest, one child at a time.

Scholarship: $2,500 Application deadline: December 15, 2009 The purpose of the Bette and Roger Gay Scholarship is to provide a need-based grant to one individual to participate in the Detroit Zoological Society’s Peru Adopt-a-School expedition.

Visit www.detroitzoo.org/Saving_Wildlife/Saving_Wildlife/Adopt-A-School/ or contact Claire Lannoye, Curator of Education, at clannoye@dzs.org or (248) 541-5717 ext. 3803 for more information or to apply.

Habitat | 13

Support the Zoo

We are very grateful to our many supporters!

No Matter How You Contribute to Your Detroit Zoo, You Make a Difference!

Four terrific ways you can donate to the Zoo… ving ground of gi The common it Zoological to your Detro ple, for the Society is sim e imals and th love of our an our vestment in continued in dollar raised future. Each the difference in makes a big ll imals that ca lives of the an le o and Belle Is the Detroit Zo the ome and in Nature Zoo h we serve. community

1. Give to the Annual Fund A donation to the Annual Fund is simply that, a donation. The contributions we receive from the Annual Fund provide general operating support.

2. Become a member of Renaissance Circle Renaissance Circle members uphold a tradition of private philanthropy that gave the Zoo its start in 1928 and continue to be instrumental in the Zoo’s success today. This is an annual membership that includes special opportunities and benefits. To learn more, please visit www.detroitzoo.org or contact Erika Jones at ejones@dzs.org or call (248) 541-5717 ext. 3729.

3. Host a third-party fundraiser During the year, many people both young and old donate to the Zoo from fundraisers they have hosted themselves. Bottle drives, birthday party donations, penny drives and charity of choice for elementary schools are just a few creative ways you can give back.

4. Make a gift that costs nothing during your lifetime!

You can make an important gift that leaves your current cash flow and financial planning unchanged. Your gift will ensure that future generations will experience the same wonder and excitement as the first Zoo visitors felt over 80 years ago. To discuss a gift contact Alice Elwood, (248) 541-5717 ext. 3704.

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Support the Zoo

The Detroit Zoo’s Lions Need a New Home In July 1928, the lions’ den was completed, five months after Detroit Zoo construction began.

Now, modifications are needed to provide more space for the lions, as well as allow visitors closer viewing. Plans include: • Glass viewing panels along the front of the habitat to allow guests and lions to see nose to nose • Filling the moat to give the lions more room • New landscaping in the lions’ habitat and in the guests’ viewing area It’s time for the Zoo’s lions to get a long-overdue home makeover.

But, it will cost $1,000,000 to build this new home for the lions.

If you would like to help, please send your tax-deductible donation to: Development Department Detroit Zoological Society 8450 W. 10 Mile Road Royal Oak, MI 48067 or call (248) 541-5717 ext. 3703

Lion Habitat Renovations Concept drawing by Bob Carington, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Mingle with the Macaronis (Rockhoppers and Kings, too!)

Are you fascinated by penguins? Wonder how penguins are cared for? Curious about how cold it is inside the penguin habitat? We are offering our guests a very unique opportunity to visit up close and personal with our penguins. Your guided visit will last approximately one hour and includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the

keeper area and the incubation/nursery area.

Once inside the habitat, you’ll meet some of our 60-plus penguins. Many photo opportunities will present themselves as you hand-feed our rockhopper and macaroni penguins.

For further information and to reserve your date, contact (248) 541-5717 ext. 3703.

Habitat | 15

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

P A I D Permit No. 480 Royal Oak MI

The Magazine of the Detroit Zoological Society 8450 W. 10 Mile Road Royal Oak, MI 48067 Address Service Requested

Membership FAQs Q: Can I Renew My Detroit Zoo Membership Online?

A: Yes, go to www.detroitzoo.org and click on Membership and then Renew.

Do you need a question answered, but don’t know who to ask? Here is the answer. Go to www.detroitzoo.org/membership and click on the link to the FAQs. If you cannot find your question and answer there, we will direct you to the right person to get an answer.

Q: I have misplaced my membership card. How do I get a new one?

A: You can request a new card via email at info@dzs.org, or stop by the Membership Services Office before your next visit to the Zoo, or simply call Membership Services at (248) 541-5717 ext. 3750.

Q: I have not received my membership materials in the mail yet; can I still visit the Zoo? A: Y es, simply show a photo ID at our Members-Only Entrance.

Q: Where can I find further information?

A: Y ou can visit our website at www.detroitzoo.org, email us at info@dzs.org, call Membership Services at (248) 541-5717 ext. 3750, or stop by the Membership Services Office during your next visit to the Zoo.

Go Wild This Valentine’s Day! Order a Valentine’s Day “Adopt”-an-Animal package for your sweetie today.

Just $45 (regular price $50)

Looking for that oneof-a-kind Valentine’s Day gift for your loved one?

Order a Detroit Zoo “Adopt”-an-Animal penguin package.

By “adopting” an animal, you can give a unique gift to express your love to those most dear to your heart AND support the Detroit Zoo animals at the same time.

Package includes: nA dorable plush animal (while supplies last) n Valentine chocolate kisses n Photo on a personalized certificate

Planned 2010 Travel Programs Kenya: The Great Migration One of Nature’s Most Magnificent Spectacles Galapagos: Unrivaled Beauty and Captivating Wildlife For more information visit www.detroitzoo.org/travel.

n Fact sheet about the animal nG ift box with Valentine’s Day-themed tissue paper This “Adopt”-an-Animal package is just $45. To order, call Customer Service at (248) 541-5717 ext. 3750, order online through our secure website, www.detroitzoo.org, or visit the Detroit Zoological Society’s Membership Office at the front of the Detroit Zoo. Order your gift by February 5, 2010, for guaranteed delivery by Valentine’s Day. Offer ends February 14, 2010.