Craft beer fans go ‘wild’ at Zoo Brew

A sold-out crowd of 3,000 flocked to the Detroit Zoo on Thursday to enjoy an evening of lions, tigers and beers.

Now in its fourth year, Zoo Brew gave guests the opportunity to explore the zoo after-hours while sampling beer from Michigan craft breweries. The event also included complimentary tram tours and live entertainment, as well as zookeeper talks at the otter, polar bear, wolverine and reticulated python exhibits.

“Our inaugural Zoo Brew in the fall of 2011 sold out, and the event has done so every year since. We added a spring event this year — another sell-out — and its popularity hasn’t waned,” said Detroit Zoo Communications Director Patricia Janeway.

“Zoo Brew attracts an audience that might not otherwise think of coming here, that being adults with no kids, so it provides a great opportunity for this segment.”

To help kick off the event, Atwater Brewery sponsored a “beer welcome” at the zoo’s front entrance. Visitors could stop and try Atwater’s Traverse City Cherry Wheat

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