PRESS ROOM

ROYAL OAK, Mich., 

The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) is looking for a “toadly” new candidate to leap into office this November as Mayor of Amphibiville. The 2-acre wetland village that is home to the Detroit Zoo’s National Amphibian Conservation Center is seeking a “newt” leader for a two-year term.

Amphibiville’s outgoing mayor – Trinity Favazza, 11, of Shelby Township, Mich. – will travel to Washington, D.C., Sept. 21 as one of ten students nationally to receive the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2018 President’s Environmental Youth Award. She is being recognized for her work to protect local wetlands and raise awareness of amphibian conservation as Mayor of Amphibiville.

“Having a mayor of this important conservation center helps spread our mission to younger generations who have so much to contribute as they grow up and become stewards of this planet,” said DZS Executive Director and CEO Ron Kagan.

To join the race to become the new Mayor of Amphibiville, candidates 7-12 years old who live in Michigan should submit an essay of 100 words or fewer on what they can do to help amphibians. All entries must be submitted by October 5, 2018, to [email protected] or to Mayor of Amphibiville, Detroit Zoological Society, 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48067. Entries must include the candidate’s name, age, address and a daytime telephone number. The winner will be announced in November with an official swearing-in ceremony.

The new Mayor of Amphibiville will have a plaque inscribed with his or her name displayed in the National Amphibian Conservation Center throughout the two-year term of office and will receive a one-year family membership to the Detroit Zoo.