[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 178 (Friday, October 8, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       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.