Advertisement

LGBTs act to support the Detroit Zoo

BY SHARON GITTLEMAN

ROYAL OAK – Four-year-old Destiny Smith is a big fan of the Detroit Zoo.
"I like seeing the animals," said Destiny.
So when Destiny's dads, Kenn Bing and Tim Smith, told her the zoo might close, she did her best to help.
Destiny and her parents signed one of the poster-size petitions placed outside the zoo in support of the Royal Oak institution opened in 1928.
"I signed the poster but I don't think it will work," said Destiny. "Maybe it will. It makes me feel sad."
Area residents first learned the zoo could close on Feb. 19. That's when the Detroit City Council rejected a deal that would have let the Detroit Zoological Society take over the zoo's financial management and everyday operations, while allowing the city to maintain ownership.
Under the terms of the agreement, Detroit would continue to provide $5 million to the zoo in 2006 and 2007, with the state kicking in another $4 million this year. Other plans have been mulled over for future financing, including a regional tax.
The agreement was proposed after zoo officials were told Detroit could no longer afford to fund the zoo. The city provides a third of the zoo's budget – nearly $7 million.
At press time, the Council had not yet taken a second vote on the agreement, expected to occur this week.
Several Detroit City Council members were contacted but did not return BTL's calls about the zoo.
While the crisis prompted politicians north and south of 8 Mile Road to trade nasty barbs and slurs, Destiny just hoped she'd be able to visit one of her favorite places.
"My daughter almost broke down in tears when we saw the board and I told her we have to sign it because they want to close the zoo," said Bing.
Destiny and her family were also among 84,098 people signing a petition in support of the zoo, at http://www.petitiononline.com/detzoo/petition.html.
Bing said he learned of the petition through Gay Detroit Families Group emails.
"We think it's important to have a zoo," he said. "It makes a foundation of the community."
His family wasn't the only one rushing for what might be a last look at the 3,000 animals living at the zoo.
Last Wednesday, 1,762 people visited.
"By comparison, the same day in 2005 was 174," said Zoo Spokesperson Patricia Mills.
If the zoo closed, Mills said, the animals would be sent to other accredited zoos or to animal sanctuaries over the next year.
"It's not like a museum where you could just shutter the doors and turn out the lights and leave," she said.
Zoo fan Cindy Wainwright had a simple message for the Detroit City Council.
"Do what you can to save the zoo," said Wainwright. "It will be in the best interest of the community and animals."

Advertisement
Advertisement

From the Pride Source Marketplace

Go to the Marketplace
Directory default
Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce Member
Learn More
Directory default
Comerica Incorporated is a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, strategically…
Learn More
Directory default
Methodist Church - Church of God
Learn More
Advertisement