Binder Park Zoo, Crew Pitches In During Crisis
Another example of local people and community coming together; the staff at Binder Park Zoo "prepared meals that were distributed to several organizations in the area, and delivered personal protection equipment (PPE) from the zoo’s vet hospital to Bronson Healthcare", according to a release.
The zoo says approximately 300 individually prepared meals were donated to S.A.F.E. Place of Battle Creek, United Way of Albion/Homer and Marshall House in Marshall. The zoo also donated enough bulk food items to create an additional 400 meals to the Share Center of Battle Creek. An example of turning a negative into a positive; the zoo had been readying their two restaurants (Beulah’s and Kalahari Kitchen) for the season.
“We had a pretty good inventory of food on hand, and while it would keep, we felt it could be put to better use helping out those who might be in need by the crisis caused by COVID 19.” says Brian McCorkell, General Manager of Food & Retail for Binder Park Zoo. Five different menus were developed by McCorkell, a trained chef who then prepared and packaged the meals. “Supporting our community is a privilege since -they support the zoo throughout the year.” stated McCorkell. The zoo also included a quantity of plush animals from the Safari Gift Shop to distribute along with the meals for families with children. - Binder Park Zoo release.
Detroit Tigers Hall of Famer Al Kaline 1934-2020