Wild Winter Weekend at Detroit Zoo Saturday, Sunday

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ROYAL OAK, MI – So, you thought the Detroit Zoo was just a fun outing to be enjoyed in the summer?

You’re wrong. The zoo is open 362 days a year, and two upcoming weekend events offer more fun for the entire family.

The Wild Winter weekends of Jan. 16-17 and Feb 6-7 feature children’s music, zookeeper talks, games and crafts. Wild Winter activities take place at the Ford Education Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.and are free with zoo admission.

“Winter is a magnificent time to see animals both indoors and out,” Ron Kagan, Detroit Zoological Society executive director and CEO, said in a statement. “A visit at this time of year for a healthy dose of ‘Vitamin Z’ is the ultimate cool experience.”

The zoo also has many indoor areas to explore, including the Edward Mardigian Sr. River Otter Habitat, Matilda R. Wilson Free-Flight Aviary, Butterfly Garden, Holden Reptile Conservation Center, National Amphibian Conservation Center, Great Apes of Harambee and Penguinarium.

“While it’s 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.

» Detroit Zoo photo of Kolyma, an Amur tiger, in his snowy habitat by Patti Truesdell.

Below, watch the gentoo penguins that recently arrived at the zoo.