With the April 18 opening of the Polk Penguin Conservation Center less than two weeks away, the Detroit Zoological Society is planning 12 after-hours events for its members. These special evening events – collectively called MemberFest – will be held April 18-21, April 25-28 and May 2-5, giving members exclusive access to the new facility.
“This is our way of showing appreciation for our members and an opportunity to welcome new members,” said Ron Kagan, DZS executive director and CEO.
DZS members receive free daytime admission and parking to the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo, as well as many other benefits.
An unprecedented number of visitors are expected to flock to the Detroit Zoo to see the new penguin center, which is free with Zoo admission. To ensure an enjoyable experience for all guests, timed-entry passes will be required, available on a first-come, first-served basis at admissions.
The 33,000-square-foot Polk Penguin Conservation Center – the largest facility for penguins in the world – features a 326,000-gallon, 25-foot-deep aquatic area where visitors can watch more than 80 penguins of four species explore their habitat. An underwater gallery and two acrylic underwater tunnels provide views as the birds swim above, around and below.
The Detroit Zoological Society – a nonprofit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo – is recognized as a leader in conservation, animal welfare and sustainability as well as providing sanctuary for animals in need of rescue. With an annual regional economic impact of more than $100 million, the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak is one of Michigan’s largest paid family attractions, hosting more than 1.4 million visitors annually. Its 125 acres of award-winning naturalistic habitats are home to 2,400 animals representing 255 species. In recognition of its environmental leadership, the Detroit Zoo received the top Green Award from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and was named Best-Managed Nonprofit by Crain’s Detroit Business. The Belle Isle Nature Zoo sits on a 5-acre site surrounded by undisturbed forested wetlands on Belle Isle State Park in Detroit and provides year-round educational, recreational and environmental conservation opportunities for the community.
For hours, prices, directions and other information, call 248-541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.
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