Great Lakes Zoological Society Closes Zoo In Ann Arbor
ANN ARBOR (WWJ/AP) - The Great Lakes Zoological Society in Ann Arbor has closed the doors at its zoo.
A message about the shutdown posted on the society's website says the zoo is no longer open to the public. "The zoo was not financially viable, and the volunteers who form the Board of Directors made the difficult decision to liquidate our assets to pay our creditors," the message reads.
The last day the zoo, which featured a reptile and amphibian house with around 70 animals on display, was open was Sunday, Feb. 15.
Officials are now working to determine where the animals will go.
"We are working closely with our dedicated staff and scientific advisors to ensure that our animals are placed in excellent new homes. As much as possible, animals will be re-homed to reputable zoos and nature centers where they will be on exhibit and promote conservation education, and we are working so that all will be placed in carefully vetted new homes that are equipped to keep our beloved animals healthy and safe," the message continues. "Some of the animals' new homes include the Leslie Science and Nature Center, Binder Park Zoo, Detroit Zoo, Wilderness Trails Zoo, and John Ball Zoo."
The society opened The World of Discovery Conservation and Rescue Center in 2011. It was designed to allow children to go to the zoo while having a chance to adopt the animals they saw once they were properly educated on how to take of them.
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