Detroit Zoo Mascots Make Their Debut

Check out Junior Z and the Zooper Heroes at Bunnyville Apr. 23

ROYAL OAK (WWJ-TV) - Meet the new "goodwill ambassadors" for the Detroit Zoo! These fun mascots consist of two zookeepers, a polar bear and a giraffe. The zookeeper characters called "Junior Z" come in a boy and girl version. Their animal friends are known as the "Zooper Heroes." They wear capes with the "critter parade" logo. Additional Zooper Heroes will be introduced in the future.

"Kids love mascots, and Junior Z and the Zooper Heroes will be a fun way to engage our young guests and provide added excitement," said Ron Kagan, Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director and CEO.

Junior Z and the Zooper Heroes will make their public debut at the Detroit Zoo's Bunnyville celebration from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, at Rackham Fountain (weather permitting). The mascots will initially be seen at Zoo events and will eventually make appearances at community events and schools throughout the region.

Conceived by Doner, a Southfield, Mich.-based marketing company, Junior Z and the Zooper Heroes were designed and manufactured by Scollon Productions in White Rock, S.C. Scollon has also produced mascots for Warner Bros., Nickelodeon and more than 100 sports teams nationwide.

Admission to the zoo is $12 for adults 15 to 61, $10 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $8 for children ages 2 to 14 (children under 2 are free). For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.