Fifty-four bats, five Southern flying squirrels, a two-toed sloth, and a Cranwell’s horned frog will be calling the Detroit Zoo home in coming days. The news comes after the Bat Zone in Pontiac shuttered due to financial hardship and the recent firing of Bat Zone co-founder, Rob Mies amid allegations of inappropriate behavior in the workplace.
“This is an unfortunate situation and we are doing everything we can to assist them in placing animals with facilities capable of ensuring their lifetime care, including taking in more than 60 of the animals at the Detroit Zoo,” Detroit Zoological Society life sciences deputy chief Dr. Randi Meyerson says.
In addition to the 61 animals seeking sanctuary at the Detroit Zoo over 200 animals remain displaced by the closure. While habitats are being prepared for the new residents as they undergo a mandatory 30-day quarantine period, the Detroit Zoological Society hopes to find homes for the remaining animals by working with various accredited institutions around the country.
According to the Detroit Zoological Society press room, this rescue is just one of many as the zoo has provided sanctuary for animals seized from roadside zoos, circus, and private owners. Earlier this year the zoo took in a one-winged Bald Eagle named Mr. America.
Stay on top of Detroit news and views. Sign up for our weekly issue newsletter delivered each Wednesday.
Stay on top of Detroit news and views. Sign up for our weekly issue newsletter delivered each Wednesday.
