PRESS ROOM

ROYAL OAK, Mich., 

Which sounds like the better bedmate: a wolf, giraffe, polar bear, penguin or red panda? Pediatric patients at University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital will have the opportunity to choose from hundreds of plush playmates as part of a new partnership with the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS).

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to put smiles on young faces who may not be able to visit the Zoo,” said Ron Kagan, DZS executive director and CEO. “We are grateful for the generosity of our visitors, members and staff, who have helped us help kids.”

The plush animals have been available for purchase at a discounted price in the Detroit Zoo’s gift shop, Zoofari Market, since May 2014, with the intent of being donated to local hospitals. The philanthropic idea was the brainchild of employees of Service Systems Associates (SSA), which operates the Zoo’s concessions and retail services.

Generous Detroit Zoo patrons donated more than 700 plush animals in the first four months of the program, which were given to Beaumont Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Michigan DMC in October 2014.

“We are excited about the opportunity to work with the Detroit Zoo,” said Dan Fischer, director of child and family life services at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. “We hope this program brings a little piece of the Zoo to our patients and helps to take their minds off of why they are in the hospital.”