PRESS ROOM

ROYAL OAK, Mich., 

Sunset for the Zoo: Bringing the Mission Home will take viewers on an unforgettable behind-the-scenes journey, highlighting animal care and rescue by the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS), when it premieres on Thursday, September 17.

From the rescue and around-the-clock rearing of a newborn chimpanzee, to the storm-induced need to grab endangered Great Lakes piping plover eggs from the wild during a pandemic, to the extraordinary DZS penguin research and conservation work in Antarctica, there are stories that are sure to delight and intrigue during the DZS’s first-ever virtual fundraiser.

“This is such a unique opportunity to see the incredible work of the DZS staff that is normally out of public view,” said Ron Kagan, executive director and CEO for the Detroit Zoological Society. “We are excited to bring our community inside the Zoo in such a memorable way.”

Sunset at the Zoo is always metro-Detroit’s wildest party of the year. This year, the DZS reimagined this popular and vitally important fundraiser.

Sunset for the Zoo: Bringing the Mission Home, presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions and chaired by Sarah and Calvin Ford, will premiere at SunsetAtTheZoo.org on September 17 at 7 p.m. The special will also stream on the Detroit Zoo’s Facebook page.

Like so many community organizations, the DZS has been terribly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Revenues that are normally generated by on-site visitation were cut off during the statewide shutdown and have been greatly limited since the Zoo’s reopening in June.

The goal of Sunset for the Zoo: Bringing the Mission Home is to raise $500,000 through charitable giving and a silent auction. The auction has just opened with “zoonique” items from Northern Michigan getaways to fine jewelry. Bidding will close on September 20 at 4 p.m.

To watch Sunset for the Zoo: Bringing the Mission Home, supporters can text “Sunset” to 243-725 or visit SunsetAtTheZoo.org for more information and exciting previews.