Home Page

Utility Navigation

Picture of Aircraft at the Air Zoo in Michigan

Air Zoo Blog

Category: Air Force

Wednesday, Apr 21, 2021

The Air Zoo launches competition, nationally, to raise $100,000 for completion of the SBD-2P & F-117 Nighthawk restorations in 2021

April 21, 2021 Portage, MI – Excitement is building at the Air Zoo as they announce a competition of mass proportions to complete the restoration of the Douglas SBD-2P Dauntless (Bu. No. 2173) and the F-117 Nighthawk Shaba (tail number 817) in 2021. Anyone who has visited the Air Zoo, or follows them on social media, knows that one of their most inspiring experiences is housed in the Air Zoo’s Flight Discovery Center. Since 2013, the Air Zoo has proudly boasted one of the nation&... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Wednesday, Apr 21, 2021
Air Force Aviation History Desert Storm Aircraft Douglas Dauntless engineering F-117 fundraiser Kalamazoo Lockheed Martin Military Aircraft navy Nighthawk photo-reconnaissance restoration SBD-2P Stealth Plane WWII Aircraft

Tuesday, Mar 2, 2021

Meet Shaba

In 2019, the Air Zoo was notified that it will be the proud recipient of one of the first F- 117 Nighthawks released for public display at a non- government institution. The highly decorated Shaba (817) is one of 15 Nighthawks with over 5,000 flight hours. This incredible aircraft is one of 10 Nighthawks to fly at least 50 combat sorties; one of 7 that flew in at least three of the four significant campaigns in which Nighthawks were used; and one of only 5 that fit all three categories. TH... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Tuesday, Mar 2, 2021
Air Force Aircraft airplane F-117 Flight Discovery Center Lockheed Nighthawk restoration Stealth Plane

Thursday, Jul 25, 2019

How the Air Zoo inspired a young man and his dream

It can be hard to quantify the positive impact a cultural institution has on its community without experiencing that impact firsthand. MSgt. Darrik Thompson, USAF, retired, is just such a person, and for him the Air Zoo and the positive impact it has had on his life hold a very special place in his heart. “The Delano family [co-founder Sue Parish’s family] introduced my grandparents,” he recounts succinctly, “and my grandfather introduced me to aviation through the Air... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Thursday, Jul 25, 2019
Air Force aviation Darrik Thompson Delano High on Kalamazoo Air Show inspiration military Peter Parish Sue Parish

Thursday, Jun 6, 2019

Current and Former Air Zoo EFE Students Bound for the Air Force

Submitted by Maria Newhouse   At 18, Sheldon Shen (Portage Central High School) spent two hours of each school day at the Air Zoo this year, taking part in the organization’s KRESA Education for Employment: Introduction to Aviation course taught by Alan Hollaway, who also serves as the Air Zoo’s technical services manager. About Sheldon, Mr. Hollaway shares that, “Sheldon is an outstanding example of the best of our young people, and I have no doubt he will acquit him... Read More
at Thursday, Jun 6, 2019
Air Force Air Zoo Team Education for Employment education programs EFE military Nathan Couk Sheldon Shen

Tags

Come visit us.

  • Trip Advisor Review Real reviews from Trip Advisor reviewers.

    Great place! Very interesting educational and informational! Great place to take the whole family as there is something for young children up to adults!

    blackeyedsusan2018
    Tripadvisor Logo
  • Trip Advisor Review Real reviews from Trip Advisor reviewers.

    We took our grown daughters and young grandsons to the Air Zoo. It was very entertaining for all of us. There is so much to see and do. Rides for the whole family!

    Rick C
    Tripadvisor Logo