PRESS ROOM

ROYAL OAK, Mich., 

Experience the magic of the Detroit Zoo in the wintertime at Wild Winter events Jan. 21 and Feb. 4, 2017. The annual family-friendly events feature zookeeper talks, games, crafts and performances by students from Axis Music Academy. Wild Winter activities take place throughout the Zoo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are free with admission.

“The Detroit Zoo is open 362 days a year and winter is a magnificent time to see animals both indoors and out,” said Ron Kagan, Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) executive director and CEO. “A visit at this time of year is the ultimate cool experience.”

Many animals at the Detroit Zoo are active in the winter months, including the gray wolves, wolverines, bison, Japanese macaques, tigers, camels, polar bears, arctic foxes and red pandas. The Zoo also has many indoor areas to explore, including the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, Edward Mardigian Sr. River Otter Habitat, Matilda R. Wilson Free-Flight Aviary, Butterfly Garden, Holden Reptile Conservation Center, National Amphibian Conservation Center and Great Apes of Harambee.

“While it’s occasionally too cold for the giraffes and rhinos to be outside, there are indoor viewing areas where visitors can see these majestic animals year-round,” Kagan said.

In addition, the Zoo’s new Winter Rink is open through the end of February for guests ages 4 and older. The cost to rent skates and take a spin on the rink is $7 for a 25-minute session; for those who bring their own skates, the cost is $3.

Winter visitors can also check out the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition – 100 spectacular images from the world’s largest and most prestigious wildlife photography competition – at the Detroit Zoo’s Ford Education Center.