“Hoppy Hour” revelers will receive an after-hours behind-the-scenes tour of the Detroit Zoo’s award-winning National Amphibian Conservation Center (NACC) as they sip Leap Frog cocktails and enjoy hors d’oeuvres prepared by the Zoo’s talented catering staff.  An amphibian curator will offer educational and entertaining information about amphibians, and participants can feed a Japanese giant salamander.  A take-away bag with amphibian-related gifts is included.  Cost for the “Hoppy Hour” experience is $150 per person. 

The age-appropriate “Hoppy Day” experience includes an after-school behind-the-scenes tour of the NACC, where an amphibian curator will offer informative and fun facts about frogs, toads, newts, salamanders and caecilians.  Participants can feed a Japanese giant salamander and prepare an edible treat with gummy worms and insects in Oreo “dirt.”  A take-away bag with frog-themed surprises is included.  Cost for the “Hoppy Day” experience is $125 per person. 

Other up-close-and-personal experiences offered at the Detroit Zoo include “Breakfast with the Butterflies,” “Mingle with the Macaronis” and “Breakfast with the Giraffes.”  For more information or to reserve a “Hoppy Hour,” “Hoppy Day” or other experience, visit www.detroitzoo.org or call (248) 541-5717 ext. 3703.

Year of the Frog is a global public awareness campaign to focus attention on endangered amphibians and the critical work being done by zoos and aquariums to save them.  The Detroit Zoological Society is supporting the worldwide initiative with special events, fundraising activities, educational opportunities and community outreach efforts throughout the year.

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October.  Admission is $11 for adults 13 to 61, $9 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7 for children ages 2 to 12; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 
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