• Close Encounters of the Animal Kind. Breakfast with the Butterflies ($75 per person), Breakfast with the Giraffes ($100 per person) and Mingle with the Macaronis ($500 per group of four) allow visitors to get up close and personal with these Zoo residents. Animal experiences include behind-the-scenes tours, zookeeper talks, and feeding and photo opportunities.

• Opt to Adopt. “Adopt” a hippo for your hubby or a warthog for your wife. Gift package includes a plush animal, fact sheet, and personalized photo certificate. The cost is $40 (regular price $45) when purchased before January 1, 2008. Each “adoption” helps provide veterinary treatment, improve animal habitats, and support Species Survival Plans (SSP), a cooperative breeding and conservation program in which the Zoo participates.

• Membership Has Its Privileges. A Detroit Zoological Society gift membership keeps giving all year long. Members receive unlimited admission to the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo, free parking, discounts at Zoo gift shops, invitations to exclusive members-only events, subscriptions to Habitat (quarterly magazine) and Zmail (online monthly newsletter), and discount admission to other zoos and aquariums nationwide. Prices range from $40 to $84 ($5 off each category) when purchased before January 1.

• Paving the Way. A lasting impression can be made with a 4”x8” brick tribute paver engraved with a loved one’s name or special message. The brick will be installed in 2008 and the recipient notified of its location. Purchase two 4”x8” pavers for $100 (regular price $200) before January 1.

• Leave Your Mark in the Park. A Zoo bench donated in a special someone’s honor leaves a lasting legacy. The bench will be placed at the Detroit Zoo or Belle Isle Nature Zoo and includes a brass recognition plaque. New benches are $5,000; existing benches are $2,000.

• Down-to-Earth Gift. A tree planted in honor of the environmentalist on your list is a gift that keeps on growing. Trees are $1,500 and include planting and a brass recognition plaque.

• Best Seat in the House. A seat in the Ford Education Center Theater can be dedicated in the name of an individual or family. A brass plaque will be placed on the back of the selected theater seat, which will also be indicated on the seating chart in the theater’s foyer. Seats cost $500 and $750.

• Catch a Butterfly. A life-sized, brass-finished, laser-etched butterfly medallion can be purchased to commemorate a birthday, wedding, special anniversary, or the life of a family member, friend or beloved pet. The medallion will be displayed on the interior brick wall of the Butterfly Garden inside the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery. Each butterfly medallion is $500. -- www.detroitzoo.org