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Detroit Zoo Extends Hours For Labor Day Weekend

ROYAL OAK --  The Detroit Zoo is giving kids and parents more time to go "wild" before the school bell rings by extending Labor Day Weekend hours until 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1, and Sunday, Sept. 2.

On Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3, the zoo will close at the regular time of 5 p.m. The zoo opens daily at 9 a.m.

"There are many new and exciting things to see and do at the Detroit Zoo, and we want to give the community extra time to enjoy them over the Labor Day weekend," said Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director Ron Kagan.

Holiday visitors can take advantage of the extended hours to check out some of the Detroit Zoo's most recent arrivals. Brad and Clover, a pair of common elands – the second-largest species of antelope – made their Detroit Zoo debut earlier this month and can be found living large with the warthogs in their African Grasslands habitat. Four African slender-snouted crocodiles arrived in June and can be seen swimming and basking in their habitat north of the bear dens.

Guests can also check in on the zoo's latest babies, including Bulgan – a camel calf born in April – as well as half a dozen red kangaroo joeys at the Australian Outback Adventure. North American river otters Slyde, Bobby and Emmy – born in March – can be seen showing off their newfound aquatic skills at the Edward Mardigian Sr. River Otter Habitat.

Visitors looking for an extra dose of Vitamin Z can find it on the new Boardwalk, which traverses through the 2-acre Cotton Family Wetlands, a Michigan ecosystem teeming with native fish, frogs, turtles and birds. The immersive experience opened in July.

The zoo's paid attractions will remain open late this weekend as well, including the Tauber Family Railroad and the Carousel. Visitors can also experience the Wild Adventure Ride – featuring "Happy Feet: Mumble's Wild Ride" – and the Wild Adventure 3-D/4-D Theater – featuring "Great Escapes: Life in 4-D" and "Dora & Diego's 4-D Adventure".

The zoo is located at the intersection of 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.

The Detroit Zoo is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through Labor Day (with extended hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the day after Labor Day through October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March. Admission is $14 for adults 15 to 61, $12 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $9 for children 2 to 14 (children under 2 are free). Get more information at www.detroitzoo.org.

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