ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Four African slender-snouted crocodiles are ready to rock at the hottest event of the summer – the Detroit Zoological Society's annual fundraiser, Sunset at the Zoo.  The 21-year-old crocodiles – two pairs of brothers – arrived from Zoo Miami just in time for the gala event, which takes place Friday, June 22, 7:30 to 11 p.m. 

Presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions, Sunset at the Zoo features a strolling supper, live entertainment, dancing, auction prizes and access to the Zoo's award-winning animal habitats at twilight.  For information or to purchase tickets, visit www.detroitzoo.org/sunset.  Tickets will also be available at the gate.  The Zoo closes today at 2 p.m. in preparation for the festivities.  

"We are very excited for the opportunity to debut this rare and beautiful crocodile, especially on an evening when two thousand special guests will see them for the first time," said Jeff Jundt, Detroit Zoological Society Curator of Reptiles. 

There are only 31 recorded African slender-snouted crocodiles in U.S. zoos.  The Detroit Zoo is one of 11 zoos to care for the species, which was last seen here more than 40 years ago. 

The former hippo habitat north of the bear dens has been renovated for the crocodiles.  The enclosure has two fresh-water pools – indoor and outdoor – for the aquatic reptiles to bask and swim.  

The new crocodiles are about 5 feet long and weigh around 30 pounds.  The species can grow up to 13 feet and weigh as much as 500 pounds. 

The African slender-snouted crocodile (Crocodylus cataphractus) has an elongated snout that enables it to move quickly through the water and snatch prey with about 70 razor-sharp teeth.  The species lives in the equatorial rainforest belt of Central and West Africa.  The captive lifespan ranges from 45 to 50 years while the wild lifespan is unknown. 

-- One of the four African slender-snouted crocodiles at the Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoological Society is a nonprofit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic habitats, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak, Mich.  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).  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.  Admission is free.  For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org. 

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