A landmark for children and “kids at heart” of ALL ages, The Detroit Zoo is in danger of closing its doors.

Detroit’s mismanagement of money and its financial instability in general have put the zoo in danger of closing. This would impact 3,000 animals (the main attractions of the zoo), and their 155 human caretakers.

You can read Gail Warden’s (Chair of the Detroit Zoological Society board) message here. She makes clear the real issues of funding and commitment that must be addressed to insure the survival of the Zoo.

Visiting the Detroit Zoo is a traditional activity for my family, and we would be very disappointed if it closes. It serves over a million visitors per year.

The state has proposed $4 million in bailout funds (which expired last weekend, but could be renewed) but remember that when something is funded, a tax is sure to follow. I, for one, would be happy to do my part so that my kids can continue to have a good zoo in close proximity (and my kids LOVE the zoo).

According to the Detroit Free Press, 82% of adult zoo workers come from Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. This is a business of and for the larger local community of Southeastern Michigan. The zoo needs close to $7 million more per year to maintain it’s status as a truly wonderful destination and to protect the jobs of so many people in our area.

There have been 82,000 signatures and overwhelming support poured out for saving the Detroit Zoo. Do your part by signing the online petition at http://www.PetitionOnline.com/detzoo/, to the Detroit Zoological Society at http://www.detroitzoo.org/Support_the_Zoo/Development/Donate_to_the_Zoo/, or even buying an annual pass. I have done, or am in the process of doing, each.

I have children, so this is a near and dear issue for me. Even if you don’t, there are still plenty of reasons and ways to support the zoo. I find myself driving the family to Chicago when I want to take them to a decent planetarium, museum of natural history, a museum of science and industry, and aquarium. Do we want to have to go there for a quality zoo experience as well?

When I was single, I found the zoo was a great date alternative to the bar/restaurant/movies/club scene. Think about that the next time you’re scratching your head for a novel way to spend some date time with someone special.

This year (if we still HAVE a zoo) show your support by mailing in a donation. But don’t let this city attraction close. If good people remain silent and don’t come out in support, this COULD go the way of the Boblo Boat, the Belle Isle Aquarium, or the old Hudson building. Detroit needs MORE world class attractions, NOT less. Let’s come together to rescue this local institution and help turn it into another reason for people to make Detroit and Southeastern Michigan a travel destination.