Kidney Walk Raises Over 280k; Hundreds Meet A New Best Friend At Zoo Events

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - Thousands of metro Detroiters took advantage of the sunny weather and variety of events taking place at the Detroit Zoo on Sunday.

Before the zoo opened its doors almost 4000 walkers began their journey raising funds for the 2012 Kidney Walk for the National Kidney Foundation.

The event raised over $280,000 just short of the $320,000 goal set for the fundraiser.

While in the entrance parking area - hundreds of residents became the proud owners of new pets during the Detroit Zoo and Michigan Humane Society's Meet your Best Friend at the Zoo event.

It was the 20th spring version of the event.

Last year, the spring Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo event found homes for nearly 400 animals. Since the event's inception in 1992, more than 17,000 dogs, cats and rabbits have been placed into new homes at the spring and fall events.

For more information or to donate to the welfare of homeless animals, call the Michigan Humane Society at 1-866-MHUMANE (648-6263) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or click on HERE.