Detroit Zoological Society

A shout-out to our excellent education team for being published in the most recent International Zoo Educators Association Journal! Click to read DZS team members Nadia Thompson and Zahraa Aljebori's article about our Conservation Student Interns and how harnessing teen STEM interests can increase field diversity, helping the next generation gain valuable workplace skills. Fantastic job, Nadia and Zahraa! See the story: https://lnkd.in/g6zXv_9i

?? Pencil in our annual Educator Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 28! All educators are welcome to visit the Detroit Zoo and explore the resources available to help bring classroom learning to life. Admission is free for educators with current teaching credentials, pre-service teachers with student IDs, administrators and out-of-school-time educators. Family and friends may purchase discounted admission to join in on the fun. Sign up today: https://bit.ly/47jR7IN

? BREAKING NEWS.... WE HAVE A WINNER! ?? MOTEMA (pronounced MO-TEM-A) has been selected by our great gorilla fans as the name of the newest baby who calls the Zoo home! Thank you to everyone who voted - your donations help support gorilla conservation efforts all around the world. Come see Motema and the rest of the gorilla troop today!

In Loving Memory. Our DZS family is heartbroken to share the passing of Betsie Meister, associate curator of mammals. A dedicated mother, wife, friend and lifelong animal lover, Betsie pursued her passion for zoology, creating an enduring legacy over her 24 years at the Detroit Zoo. Her special connection with her colleagues and the animals she cared for will always be remembered and appreciated. Betsie’s dedication to animal wellbeing shined in her work at the Detroit Zoo and throughout the zoo community. She served as the chair of The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Bear Taxon Advisory Group, and was integral in the caring for many species here at the zoo. Though she loved all the animals under her care, Betsie held a special place in her heart for Barle, a rescued polar bear who called the Zoo home from 2002 to 2012. “Betsie was more than just a team member,” says Dr. Hayley Murphy, DZS executive director and CEO. “Betsie’s contributions to the DZS and the AZA community and her kind and positive spirit will be missed tremendously.” Our thoughts are with Betsie’s family and all whose lives she touched. Her absence leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts.

There is still time to help us select a name for the first baby gorilla born at the Detroit Zoo! Five names that have significant meanings were selected by her caretakers. For a $10 donation to support wildlife conservation through SAFE Gorilla, you can cast a vote for your favorite: Usala – This name comes from the conservation corridor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It also means “forest” in the Kikumu language. Amateka — This name means “history” in the Kinyarwanda language. Mbere — This name means “first” in the Kinyarwanda language. Lobéké — This name comes from the national park in Cameroon, which is home to the highest density of western lowland gorillas in the world. Motema — This name means “heart” in the Lingala language. This special girl needs a special name – so cast your vote today: https://bit.ly/4cD2Q6k The name that raises the most money will be selected – voting is open now through Sept. 9.

The Detroit Zoological Society is pleased to announce the hiring of Michael Bowers as our new chief operating officer (COO). He joins the DZS after spending the past 17 years at Corewell Health, serving most recently as its vice president of planning, design and construction. As the DZS’s new COO, Bowers will lead and oversee a number of teams, including the nonprofit’s construction, facilities, operations, security and sustainability departments – all comprised of individuals who are dedicated to the DZS’s mission of creating meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive. “At the core of facility operations in healthcare, our role was to provide safe, compliant and comfortable environments for patients, visitors and staff,” Bowers said. “Those same principles apply to operations at the DZS, concentrating on the critical and unique habitats and environments for the animals under our care. I look forward to serving alongside a great team at an exciting time here at the DZS!” Bowers has 20 years of experience in the construction and project management fields, having previously worked at Beaumont Health (before its merger with Spectrum Health to transition to Corewell Health) and Lausman Homes. He is an expert in planning, designing and executing complex projects and has led teams throughout his career – spearheading many projects, including the development of Corewell Health’s strategic and master plans. “Mike has achieved many notable accomplishments throughout his career, and we are thrilled to have him join the DZS team,” said Dr. Hayley Murphy, executive director and CEO for the DZS. “As we continue to shape the future of the DZS through our strategic and master planning processes, Mike will be an invaluable addition for us. I am looking forward to working together as we move forward and work toward achieving our purpose of igniting positive change for animals and nature.”

Make history by helping to name the very first gorilla born at the Detroit Zoo! For a $10 donation to support SAFE Gorilla, you can cast a vote for your favorite: Usala – This name comes from the conservation corridor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It also means “forest” in Kikumu language. Amateka — This name means “history” in Kinyarwanda language. Mbere — This name means “first” in Kinyarwanda language. Lobéké — This name comes from the national park in Cameroon, which is home to the highest density of western lowland gorillas in the world. Motema — This name means “heart” in Lingala language. This special girl needs a special name – so cast your vote today: https://bit.ly/4cD2Q6k Voting is now through Sept. 9.

Turning cookies into conservation! The Girl Scouts of Wisconsin – Badgerland Council raised $5,200 through their annual cookie fundraiser to benefit the axolotls in the National Amphibian Conservation Center (NACC). The troop drove 13 hours to the Detroit Zoo to hand deliver the check, meet their favorite amphibians and tour the NACC with Mark, our curator of amphibians. We are so appreciative to these young ladies and their dedication to amphibian conservation. Click here to support our conservation work at the Detroit Zoo: https://bit.ly/3XdbKmz

Put waste, compost and recyclables in its place! ?? The Oscar Sort machine is a smart sorter that helps us divert food waste at Buddy's Pizza in the Detroit Zoo. Simply show it what you want to toss and it will tell you where it goes – like magic! This smart addition was made possible through a Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy grant. Thanks go to Buddy's Pizza and SSA Group for helping us take the next step toward implementing a zero-waste strategy. Learn more about the Oscar Sort machine here: https://bit.ly/4fLUbS3

This precious moment marks a momentous occasion — Bandia is now the proud mother of the first gorilla born at the Detroit Zoo in our 96-year history! First-time mom Bandia brought her beautiful baby into the world at approximately 2 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8. The baby is healthy and thriving under her attentive care and the supervision of our dedicated animal care team. Father Mshindi and the rest of the gorillas received extra “baby training” in anticipation of the birth. They are currently keeping their distance but seem very curious about the new addition to the troop. To give Bandia and baby a calm and quiet place to bond, the Great Apes building and the gorilla’s outdoor habitat are temporarily closed to visitors. The outdoor chimpanzee habitat will remain open. Stay tuned for more photos, videos and updates about when you can visit this banner baby in the coming months.