Media
Information Archive
Our older news releases and various background articles on the Air Zoo can be found in this section.
Birds, bats and bugs to be featured at Air Zoo
On Saturday, April 26, the Air Zoo will be offering its second annual “Birds, Bats and Bugs—the Natural Flyers” program that will include presentations, exhibits, crafts, live animal demonstrations and a chance to meet area mascots.
Astronaut Jack Lousma to speak at Air Zoo
On Saturday, April 19, Michigan’s own former astronaut Jack Lousma will be visiting the Air Zoo and giving a presentation that will be available to the public. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Heroes to be enshrined into Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame, Western Michigan University to receive award
On Saturday, April 19, four men with Michigan connections will be enshrined into the Air Zoo’s Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame. During the same ceremony, Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation will also be honored.
Air Zoo launches Skyspace E-Cademy
We’d like to announce the Air Zoo’s Skyspace E-Cademy, a FREE online educational community for teachers and their students.
The Air Zoo’s “Happy Zoo Year” kicks off 2008 on New Year’s Eve
Here’s your chance to become a world traveler as you join us on a virtual New Year’s journey across the globe. On December 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., our destinations for New Year’s fun include Australia, China, Christmas Island, Bhutan, India, Russia and Armenia.
Local World War II heroes to tell story, autograph book
On Tuesday, September 18, from 6:30-8 p.m., the public was invited to the Air Zoo to hear the remarkable story of Larry Jenkins and Jack Curtis, the subjects of Eagles’ Wings: An Uncommon Story of World War II, written by Andrew Layton.
Air Zoo to receive million dollar plane donation
On Sunday, May 20, a 1947 Grumman Mallard is scheduled to land at its new home at the Air Zoo and become the newest addition to the museum’s collection, thanks to the donation of Roland LaFont.
Award-winning author Joseph Bruchac visits the Air Zoo
Joseph Bruchac’s visit rounds out local events surrounding the Air Zoo’s “Native Words, Native Warriors” exhibit.
Local WWII hero enshrined into Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame
Ira “Ike” Kepford from Harbor Springs, Michigan, was enshrined into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 7.
WWII bombers bring history to life during the Wings of Freedom Tour
The arrival of three of World War II’s most well-known bombers will give visitors to the Air Zoo the opportunity to climb aboard these important aircraft. From August 2-4, a B-17 “Flying Fortress,” a B-24 “Liberator” and a B-25 “Mitchell” will be able to be seen at the Air Zoo.
The Wings of Freedom Tour, a […]
American Barnstormers Tour gives visitors a glimpse into the past
Fifteen to 20 vintage airplanes will help recreate an era for the Air Zoo’s Barnstormers Bonus Weekend, taking place on July 15 and 16.
Air Zoo forms partnership with Midlink Business Park
With the Air Zoo’s ever-expanding collection of historical artifacts and exhibits and Midlink’s large storage space, the aviation history museum is excited to announce a partnership with the local company.
B-24 painting displayed at the Air Zoo
The painting of a World War II B-24J bomber by local artist Rick Herter was on display at the Air Zoo.
The world’s only Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender unveiled May 26
the only surviving prototype of the XP-55 was unveiled on Friday, May 26 after being restored and housed at the Air Zoo’s Restoration Center for almost five years.
Air Zoo hosted national award program May 15
On Monday, May 15, the design of the Grumman Wildcat was honored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) as a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark.
Air Zoo displays Exec 90 helicopter
A donated kit-built helicopter constructed by a local resident will make its debut in the Air Zoo’s lobby on May 10.
Air Zoo flies past two attendance records during Spring Break Week
During the week of Spring Break (April 1-April 9), two records were broken at the Air Zoo: the most visitors arriving in one hour and most people overall on one day during Spring Break.
Tim O’Brien, author of The Things They Carried, visits the Air Zoo March 20
Tim O’Brien, the acclaimed author of The Things They Carried, began his visit to Kalamazoo with a private event to be held at the Air Zoo.
“Vietnam: A Journey of the Heart” exhibit hosted at the Air Zoo
A collection of stunning color photographs documents Clifford’s exploration of contemporary Vietnam. The exhibition will open February 14 and remain on display until May 31.
Air Zoo sees increase in year-end numbers
During 2005, the Air Zoo saw 133,185 visitors, a seven percent increase in visitors over the 2004 season, contrary to the state’s economy and statistics that predict lower attendance for indoor attractions during the second year of operations.
Air Zoo to display Sea Cobra, other aircraft to be put on exhibit
For the first time beginning on Friday, January 13, visitors to the Air Zoo will be able to view a Bell AH-1J Sea Cobra attack helicopter.
Air Zoo sees record-breaking numbers during Winter Break
With more than 6,000 visitors the week after Christmas—a 37 percent increase over the same time last year—the Air Zoo has surpassed many if its own attendance records.
Event raises thousands of dollars for the Red Cross hurricane relief effort
On Saturday, September 24, pilots of six vintage aircraft offered rides in their historical planes, raising $3,775 for this cause.
Four to be enshrined into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame
On Saturday, October 1, three men and one woman will be enshrined into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame.
Air Zoo displayed Chihuly work in support of local exhibition
In support of the Kalamazoo Institute of Art’s (KIA) Chihuly in Kalamazoo exhibit, the Air Zoo displayed a piece of Dale Chihuly’s work from his Persian series in the front lobby.
Air Zoo: The total flight—and educational—experience
This innovative aviation museum—yes, a museum—is the first of its kind in the world. Combining an indoor amusement park with hands-on learning and artifacts, the Air Zoo is leading the way in a new wave of the public’s view of museums.
Air Zoo to receive $27 million S-3 Viking naval plane
On June 4, 2005, the Navy will transfer a $27 million naval aircraft to the Air Zoo as part of permanent loan during a ceremony honoring the 63rd anniversary of the Battle of Midway. The transfer will be facilitated through the National Museum of Naval Aviation.
Vietnam veterans gather at Air Zoo to view traveling exhibit
They worked together, lived together and survived together during the Vietnam War; now they are gathering together for the first time since they left Vietnam to view a traveling exhibit currently displayed at the Air Zoo that features photos one of them took during that time.
New Air Zoo celebrates one year as “The Total Flight Experience”
May 2, 2005 marks the one-year anniversary of the new Air Zoo opening its doors. Since then, nearly 130,000 visitors have had a total flight experience—a 264 percent increase over the annual attendance the previous year at the original Air Zoo.
Air Zoo sees record-breaking numbers during Spring Break 2005
With an average of more than 1,100 visitors a day, the Air Zoo surpassed many of its own records during the week of April 2 through April 8, 2005.
The Flying Tiger
A history of the official mascot of the Air Zoo.
Air Zoo displays Smithsonian Exhibit “El Kabong”
The Air Zoo has placed its first exhibit – El Kabong – on long-term loan from the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum on display.
Air Zoo to build Michigan Space & Science Center
The design process is underway for the construction of a new Michigan Space and Science Center to be built adjacent to the Air Zoo.
Don't Forget!
AirMail
If you are a member of the media, keep up with the latest news by joining AirMail, the Air Zoo's email list.
Information Requests:
Jennifer MacLean, Communications and Public Relations Manager at 269-382-6555 x124.