The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF RON KAGAN FROM THE DETROIT ZOO
______
HON. DEBBIE DINGELL
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 8, 2021
Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ron Kagan on the occasion of his retirement after nearly 28 years of service to the Detroit Zoological Society. His nearly three decades of service to the animals, staff, and patrons of the Detroit Zoo is worthy of commendation.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Mr. Kagan studied Zoology at the University of Massachusetts and at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Prior to coming to Detroit, he worked at the Jerusalem Zoo and the Dallas Zoo and Aquarium. Mr. Kagan first served as Director of the Detroit Zoo before becoming the Executive Director CEO of the Detroit Zoological Society.
During Mr. Kagan's tenure at the Detroit Zoo, he was responsible for many impressive new exhibits, programs, and conservation efforts. These include the National Amphibian Conservation Center, the Berman Academy for Humane Education, the Ford Education Center and several exciting exhibits such as Arctic Ring of Life, Australian Outback Adventure, and the Holtzman Wildlife Foundation Red Panda Forest. Mr. Kagan has led the way in conservation and sustainability at the Detroit Zoo. In 2015, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums named the Detroit Zoo the greenest zoo in the United States. Under the leadership of Mr. Kagan, the successful Greenprint sustainability program has been instrumental in transitioning the Zoo to 100 percent renewable energy.
An advocate for compassionate conservation and animal welfare, he has encouraged the rescue of exotic animals and created the Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics. In 2004, the Detroit Zoo was the first zoo to decide to no longer keep elephants in captivity for ethical reasons, the Zoo's beloved elephants were sent to a sanctuary in California to live the rest of their lives in peace.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ron Kagan for his exemplary years of service. Mr. Kagan's visionary leadership has transformed the Detroit Zoo for the better. His endless compassion for animals and the wellbeing of his entire community has made a true difference in the lives of those big and small. We thank him once again for his lifelong dedication to animal welfare and sustainability and to leaving a better world for the next generation. I join with Ron's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my best wishes to him in retirement.
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 178
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