June 10, 2009 --

An adorable young girl said she saw lions, tigers, polar bears, and zebras, and liked the baboons best of all. She is a foster child and was on an outing with her foster family at the Bronx Zoo

May 30 was Foster Parent Celebration Day at the Bronx Zoo -- and also at the Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park (Brooklyn) Zoo, Queens Zoo and New York Aquarium. This event occurred at the end of National Foster Care Awareness Month, and was the work of NYC Children's Services in partnership with Wildlife Conservation Society to honor foster parents and to encourage others to become foster parents.

NYC Children's Services reports that 10,00 children in New York City -- neglected, abandoned, or abused -- are in need of foster parents.

Lorraine Stephens, NYC Deputy Commissioner for Family Permanency Services (standing) with volunteers at an entrance to Bronx Zoo, May 30.