PRESS ROOM

ROYAL OAK, Mich., 

With the April 18 opening of the Polk Penguin Conservation Center less than two weeks away, the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) 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. To learn more or become a member, visit https://detroitzoo.org/support/membership/.

An unprecedented number of visitors is 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.