ROYAL OAK, Mich. — Candidates are jumping into the race to become leader of the Detroit Zoo’s amphibians.
The zoo is seeking Michigan residents aged 6 to 12 years to serve a two-year term as “mayor” of Amphibiville, its two-acre wetland village and home to the National Amphibian Conservation Center.
Candidates must write an essay of 100 or fewer words on why they should be mayor and submit it to the zoo by Oct. 9. The winner will be announced on Nov. 3, election day.
The job also comes with a plush frog and a one-year family membership to the zoo.
The zoo says previous mayors have sought tax cuts for newts, social security for frogs and universal health care (minus dental) for all amphibians.
The position was created in 2000 but has been vacant since 2004.