PRESS ROOM

ROYAL OAK, Mich., 

The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) is highlighting its global wildlife conservation initiatives on Endangered Species Day by offering Detroit Zoo visitors a chance to meet with DZS field researchers from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, May 18.

“The DZS contributes to wildlife conservation worldwide and, in some cases, we’ve led the revival of species on the brink of extinction,” said Ron Kagan, DZS CEO and executive director.  “We are helping to ensure the long-term survival of critically endangered amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and invertebrates that represent the diversity of life on our planet.”

A schedule of appearances by DZS conservation scientists will take place throughout the Zoo, featuring 10- to 15-minute talks followed Q&A sessions.

The schedule is as follows:

• 10:30 a.m. – Underwater gallery of the Polk Penguin Conservation Center

o   Bird Department Zookeeper Matthew Porter, who spent four months living and working in Antarctica conducting population surveys of penguins and other seabirds

• 11:15 a.m. – National Amphibian Conservation Center

o   Dr. Ruth Marcec, director of the amphibian center, who regularly travels to the Peruvian rainforest to monitor populations of endangered amphibians

• Noon – Holden Reptile Conservation Center

o   Dr. Wynona Shellabarger, a DZS veterinarian, who has done fieldwork with massasauga rattlesnakes in Michigan

• 12:45 p.m. – Great Apes of Harambee

o   Director of Animal Health Dr. Ann Duncan, who performed wellness checks on rescued Grauer’s gorillas at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center in the Democratic Republic of Congo

• 1:30 p.m. – Arctic Ring of Life

o   Associate Curator of Mammals Betsie Meister, who has studied polar bears in Kaktovik, Alaska

• 2:15 p.m. – Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness

o   Field Conservation Officer Dr. Paul Buzzard, who frequents Isle Royale as part of the Wolf-Moose Project

“This important conservation work requires scientific and technical expertise, physical stamina, exposure to all kinds of weather and working conditions, and a willingness to put the well-being of animals above one’s own,” Kagan said. 

In addition, a series of short films will be released on the DZS’s social media platforms on May 18, showcasing conservation projects for Japanese giant salamanders, Blanding’s turtles, mudpuppies in the Detroit River and amphibians in Peru.

Just in time for Endangered Species Day, visitors can explore the DZS’s recently launched interactive, mobile map system that offers guided treks through the Detroit Zoo, including a specialized route that focuses on the organization’s long history of saving animals.  Guests can access the treks at dzoo.org/zootrek and learn about the DZS’s work with endangered Grauer’s gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo, penguins in Antarctica and amphibians all over the world, as well as how the DZS has provided sanctuary to thousands of animals in need of rescue.