Give Something 'Zoonique' This Holiday Season
ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - When the shopping mall becomes a zoo this holiday season, shoppers can make the zoo their mall – with just a click or a call.
The Detroit Zoological Society offers gift ideas that allow the giver to give twice – recipients will love their "zoonique" gifts and proceeds from sales help support the animals at the Detroit Zoo.
Here are some zoonique gift ideas:
Membership has its privileges
A Detroit Zoo membership provides a year's supply of Vitamin Z with free admission to the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo, free daytime parking, discounts at zoo gift shops and many other benefits. Prices range from $53 to $160. Residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties receive $10 off all categories and can purchase up to four gift memberships at the discounted rate.
Opt to adopt
An A.D.O.P.T.S. (Animals Depend on People to Survive) gift includes a personalized adoption certificate, photo and fun facts about the animal. Prices range from $30 to $1,000. Or, Detroit Zoo visitors can purchase any plush from Zoofari Market, make a donation of $15 and receive a certificate of adoption. The gift of A.D.O.P.T.S. helps to improve the zoo animals' habitats and provides veterinary treatment.
Pay tribute
Make a lasting impression at the zoo with a brick tribute paver engraved with a loved one's name or special message (cost is $100 to $1,000). A brass-finished laser-etched butterfly – to be displayed in the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery – can be purchased to commemorate a birthday, wedding, anniversary or the life of a family member, friend or cherished pet (cost is $500). Or, make a donation of any amount in someone's honor or memory.
Close encounters
Zoo Experiences such as Breakfast with the Butterflies ($300 per group of five), Breakfast with the Giraffes ($500 per group of six) and Mingle with the Macaronis ($750 per group of five) allow visitors to get up close and personal with these Detroit Zoo residents. A Guided ZooTour ($250 for two people; $100 for each additional person) offers the opportunity to tour the Detroit Zoo with a knowledgeable docent on a zero-emission golf cart and visit the animals before the zoo opens.
Preserve the rainforest one child at a time
A contribution to the Adopt-A-School program in lieu of exchanging gifts supports the mission of the DZS and provides school supplies to the rural schools and children in the Amazon. Sponsor a child for $50 for a year's supply of school materials or adopt an entire Peruvian school for $425.
Can't decide?
Gift certificates are also available. To purchase a gift certificate, order holiday gifts or donate to the Adopt-A-School program, call (248) 336-5836. To give a gift membership, call (248) 541-5717 and press 3.
For more information, visit www.detroitzoo.org.