The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) traces its origins to a group of animals abandoned by a bankrupt circus in 1883. Citizens responded by generously giving food and money to provide for their care. The DZS was created on this foundation of helping animals in need.
More than 100 years later, the Berman Academy for Humane Education was created to help people help animals. Humane education provides people with information and tools to make knowledgeable decisions on how to walk softly and treat the Earth’s creatures gently.
The Academy is the only one of its kind in any zoo, and is the lens through which all of our education initiatives and activities are developed.
No one is alone. We are constantly interacting with our environment and our environment is interacting with us.
Everyone needs a home.
All living creatures share similar basic needs – food, water, shelter and appropriate social and physical environments. A home – or habitat – provides these basic needs. Humane education helps us to appreciate the amazing natural world around us and motivates us to ensure that all animals (human and non-human) have an appropriate habitat.
The natural world is at threat.
Nature is fragile and many living creatures are at constant risk. Through humane education and appropriate practices, we can help to protect our planet and all its inhabitants.