Upcoming Events
First Fridays
First Fridays: Animal Superpowers
“Open Hours” for Adults
Friday, September 5, 2025 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Ages 18+ only. Admission is payable at the door: $15/ea (members are free!)
This First Friday is all about animals with surprising abilities—tough armor, sharp defenses, and unique adaptations.
Theme: Animal Superpowers
We’ll talk about some of the coolest natural features animals use to survive.
🕖 7:00–7:30 PM – Check out our exhibits and meet some animals
🎤 7:30 PM – Live animal presentation
Animals you'll meet:
Armadillo (touchable)
Frilled dragon
African-crested porcupine
Shire Horse
Predator & Prey
Join us for Predator & Prey (Sept 12-13), a fun and educational 18+ wildlife event that brings you up close to some of nature’s most fascinating relationships. Explore our facility and watch Danny, the clouded leopard, Kiwi, the Burmese python, and Sven, the reindeer, as they move across the Stone Stage. At 7 PM you will have a half hour to explore the facility and starting at 7:30 PM, enjoy an engaging presentation that dives into the unique dynamics between predator and prey. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn about these incredible animals and see their natural behaviors in action, all while having a great time. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!
Art & Animals - Tickets Available soon!
Get inspired by one of our most unique and charismatic animals at the Porcupine Paint Night, happening September 27th from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM! You’ll meet Rosebud, our adorable baby porcupine, as she waddles, sniffs, and shows off her impressive quills.
Led by a local artist, you’ll be guided step-by-step in creating your own porcupine-themed masterpiece. No painting experience needed! We’ll provide all supplies—just bring your favorite snacks and nonalcoholic drinks, and get ready for an unforgettable evening of art and animals.
Preregistration is required - 18+
First Fridays
First Fridays: Rainforest Residents
Friday, October 3, 2025 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Adults-Only (18+)
Take a journey into the jungle with First Fridays: Rainforest Residents. This month, we’re celebrating the vibrant wildlife of the world’s rainforests.
🕖 7:00–7:30 PM – Wander the facility and visit our animal exhibits
🎤 7:30 PM – Live presentation begins
Featured Creatures:
Sloth
Red-tailed boa (touchable)
Iguana
Red-footed tortoise
Enjoy an evening full of tropical tales and fascinating facts.
Turtle Yoga - Sold Out!
🐢 Turtle Yoga – August 28th | 6:00–7:30 PM
Join us for a truly unique yoga experience—Turtle Yoga! This all-levels class offers the perfect chance to relax, stretch, and share your mat with some of our charming turtles. Set in our cozy classroom, you’ll enjoy a 45-minute gentle yoga flow surrounded by curious turtle companions swimming nearby.
Whether you’re brand new to yoga or a seasoned pro, this one-of-a-kind class promises to be both calming and unforgettable!
Please bring a yoga mat and water bottle.
Ages 18+ only
Pre-registration is required
A signed liability waiver is required to participate.
Spots are limited—don’t miss your chance to flow with the turtles!
Art & Animals - Al the Alligator’s 20 year Anniversary
Al the Alligator Paint Night – Celebrate his 20 Year Aliversary Ages 18+
Join us for a special one-night-only Paint Night in honor of Al the Alligator, happening the from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM!
Twenty years ago, Al was left in the care of what would become The Creature Conservancy—and his arrival sparked the creation of our nonprofit. This event celebrates Al's legacy and the countless animals whose lives have been changed since.
Guided by a local artist, you’ll create your own Al the Alligator-inspired masterpiece—no experience necessary! We provide all painting materials. Don’t miss this chance to honor Al, get creative, and support our ongoing mission!
Please feel free to bring your own snacks and nonalcoholic beverages only—no alcohol is permitted on-site. Don’t miss this chance to honor Al, get creative, and support our ongoing mission!
Now and Then: Celebrating 20 Years of Al!
Join us to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Al the alligator's arrival! Al’s arrival catalyzed the establishment of The Creature Conservancy just three years later. Over the past two decades, both The Creature Conservancy and Al have grown tremendously. Come enjoy an evening of storytelling as we highlight our founding animals and look toward the future of The Creature Conservancy!
First Fridays
First Fridays: Desert Dwellers
Friday, August 1, 2025 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Adults-Only (18+)
Admission: $15 (at the door only), Members are free.
Escape to the heat of the desert—without leaving Michigan! This month’s First Fridays theme highlights Desert Dwellers who thrive in dry and extreme environments.
🕖 7:00–7:30 PM – Explore and meet the animals
🎤 7:30 PM – Live presentation begins
Featured Creatures:
Arthur the Emu
Mac the Kangaroo
Tortellini the Leopard Tortoise w/an opportunity to touch a Russian Tortoise
Zombie the Black Throated Monitor
Don’t miss this engaging evening of animal encounters and fascinating adaptations.
Tortoise Yoga - SOLD OUT!
Join us for our highly-anticipated tortoise yoga class! This all-levels yoga class will give you the chance to get up close and personal with a variety of tortoise species. Guests can join us in our classroom for a 45 minute gentle yoga flow with the opportunity to feed our giant tortoises, Charles and Emma! Whether it’s your first yoga class or your 100th, this will be an unforgettable experience!
Please bring a yoga mat and a water bottle!
Tickets are $40, pre-registration is required.
Disclaimers: This event is 18+ only. We require a liability waiver to participate.
Cuban Crocodile Paint Night
Cuban Crocodile Paint Night – This Summer only!
Ages: 18+
Get inspired by one of nature’s rarest reptiles during our one-night-only Cuban Crocodile Paint Night, happening July 26th from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM! These critically endangered crocs are only with us for the summer—don’t miss your chance to see them up close.
Led by a local artist, you’ll be guided step-by-step through creating your own Cuban crocodile-themed painting. No experience necessary! We’ll supply all painting materials—just bring your favorite snacks and nonalcoholic drinks.
Armadillo Yoga - SOLD OUT!
Join us for our first ever armadillo yoga class! This all-levels yoga class will give you the chance to get up close and personal with our three-banded armadillos. Guests can join us in our classroom for a 45 minute gentle yoga flow! Whether it’s your first yoga class or your 100th, this will be an unforgettable experience!
Please bring a yoga mat and a water bottle!
Tickets are $35, pre-registration is required.
Disclaimers: This event is 18+ only. We require a liability waiver to participate.
First Fridays
First Fridays: Backyard Buddies
Friday, July 4, 2025 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Adults-Only (18+)
Our First Fridays series offers an exclusive, adults-only (18+) evening.
This month, we’re spotlighting Backyard Buddies, amazing animals you might find right in your own neighborhood!
7:00–7:30 PM – Stroll through the facility and meet our resident animals
7:30 PM – Live presentation begins
Featured Creatures:
Groundhog
Skunk
Common snapping turtle
Opossum
Art & Animals - Danny
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
$40 per person
Get an up-close look at Danny the clouded leopard and learn all about this elusive and endangered big cat during an engaging presentation with one of our wildlife educators! Then, let your creativity shine as a local artist guides you step-by-step through painting your own stunning portrait of Danny. Bring your favorite nonalcoholic drinks and snacks and enjoy a relaxed, art-filled evening surrounded by fellow animal lovers. (Ages 18+)
We’ll supply everything you need for painting—you bring the refreshments!
Preregistration is required.
📍 This event takes place in our Education Center at:
4940 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(The building is right next to our parking lot and looks like a farmhouse with a porch in front.)
Born This Way
Join us for The Creature Conservancy’s first ever Pride celebration! This event will highlight LGBTQ+ artists & performers and share the amazing diversity of the animal kingdom
18+ Only
First Fridays: Arboreal Animals Month
Our First Fridays series offers an adults-only (18+) evening of exploration, insight, and discovery—before anyone else gets the scoop.
This month, we’re spotlighting tree dwelling animals!
7:00–7:30 PM – Stroll through the facility and meet our resident animals
7:30 PM – Live presentation begins
This month's featured creatures:
Clouded Leopard
Chameleon
Carpet Python
Sloth
Join us for a relaxed, thought-provoking evening that brings you closer to the creatures who call our Conservancy home, before the crowds arrive.
Art & Animals - SOLD OUT!
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
$40 per person
Get an up-close look at Danny the clouded leopard and learn all about this elusive and endangered big cat during an engaging presentation with one of our wildlife educators! Then, let your creativity shine as a local artist guides you step-by-step through painting your own stunning portrait of Danny. Bring your favorite nonalcoholic drinks and snacks and enjoy a relaxed, art-filled evening surrounded by fellow animal lovers. (Ages 18+)
We’ll supply everything you need for painting—you bring the refreshments!
Preregistration is required.
📍 This event takes place in our Education Center at:
4940 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(The building is right next to our parking lot and looks like a farmhouse with a porch in front.)
Art & Animals -SOLD OUT!
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
$40 per person
Get an up-close look at Danny the clouded leopard and learn all about this elusive and endangered big cat during an engaging presentation with one of our wildlife educators! Then, let your creativity shine as a local artist guides you step-by-step through painting your own stunning portrait of Danny. Bring your favorite nonalcoholic drinks and snacks and enjoy a relaxed, art-filled evening surrounded by fellow animal lovers. (Ages 18+)
We’ll supply everything you need for painting—you bring the refreshments!
Preregistration is required.
📍 This event takes place in our Education Center at:
4940 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(The building is right next to our parking lot and looks like a farmhouse with a porch in front.)
First Friday!
First Fridays: Rescued Animal Month
Celebrate incredible stories of second chances during Rescued Animal Month at our First Fridays event — a special evening just for adults (18+)!
Meet some of our amazing rescued residents:
🖤 Harry, the wolf hybrid who found a new beginning after a rough start
🐍 Our reticulated python, one of the world’s largest snakes
🎭 Joker, the charismatic black vulture with a big personality
🦜 Suzi, the colorful macaw who now calls our sanctuary home
Take a relaxed stroll through our facility, meet these inspiring animals up close, and hear the powerful rescue stories that brought them here. Whether you're an animal lover or simply looking for a unique night out, First Fridays offers an evening full of wonder, connection, and unforgettable moments.
Doors open at 7:00 PM for self-guided exploration.
Animal presentation begins at 7:30 PM.
Come be part of the stories — and celebrate the animals who remind us that every life is worth saving.
Reptile Encounters
Reptile Encounters!
Step into the world of reptiles and meet some of the most unique and rarely seen species! From impressive scales to unexpected adaptations, this special showcase brings out incredible reptiles you won’t typically find on display. You’ll see and learn about a Chinese soft shell turtle, Cuban crocodile, false water cobra, dwarf caiman, rhino iguana, and many more! Whether you're a lifelong reptile fan or just curious, this is your chance to see these amazing creatures up close like never before!
Ages: 12+ (Under the age 18 must be accompanied by a parent)
Price: $25
All animals listed are subject to change based on availability and program needs.
Art & Animals
$40 per person
Meet Tuco the Green Iguana up close and learn all about him from one of our wildlife educators! Then, unleash your artistic side as you paint your own vibrant portrait of Tuco, guided step-by-step by a local artist. Feel free to bring your favorite drinks and snacks for this fun and relaxed evening! (Ages 21+)
We provide all the art supplies and instruction—you bring the refreshments!
Preregistration is required.
This event takes place in our Education Center at:
4940 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(The building is adjacent to our parking lot and looks like a farmhouse with a porch in front.)
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind evening of art, animals, and creativity!
(Ages 21+)
Birds & the Bees Trivia
Birds & Bees Trivia Night!
Join us for a wild night of trivia exploring the fascinating, surprising, and sometimes downright bizarre world of animal courtship and reproduction! Test your knowledge, learn some unbelievable facts, and compete for fun prizes. Whether you're an expert or just in it for the laughs, this adults-only (21+) event is sure to be an unforgettable evening.
Enjoy drinks from our bartender while you play!
First Fridays - Invasive Species Month
Invasive Species First Fridays!
Price: FREE for Members!
Join us for a closer look at some of our most adaptable and resourceful species! This special adults-only (18+) presentation will explore the unique stories of this month’s featured animals and their impact on the environments they call home.
7:00-7:30 PM – Walk-around time to see the rest of the animals.
7:30 PM – Presentation begins.
Featured animals this month:
Burmese Python
Muntjac Deer
Cane Toad
Iguana
(Due to the nature of our work, animal appearances are subject to change.)
Creative Creatures (1st-2nd Graders)
March 24th-28th
Develop your creativity skills through fun animal centered art projects! Campers will have the opportunity to explore many different art forms such as: clay molding, painting, drawing, tie-dye, and more! Learn how art can have a meaningful impact on animal conservation.
General Information
Campers will need to bring a lunch and a water bottle. We will provide snacks.
The camp fee is $375 per week payable upon registration. Refunds will be given up to 3 weeks prior to the start of camp.
Due to staffing shortages, we will not be offering aftercare this year.
If more than one child will be attending camp, please register and pay for each separately.
Your camper must be in first or second grade in order to register for this camp.
With any questions, please email us at contact@thecreatureconservancy.org.
TCC Camp Policies
Behavior
By registering for camp, caregivers acknowledge that their child must follow camp rules and directions from the camp staff while at The Creature Conservancy. At the occurrence of a disciplinary problem, campers are encouraged to choose to take a “break”, and reflect on their actions with the support of staff members. However, actions that are severe or put the camper or others in danger may result in immediate dismissal from the program.
A disciplinary problem is defined as an action or behavior that hinders the flow of the program by requiring constant one-to-one staff attention; inflicting physical, verbal, or emotional harm on other campers or camp staff; or is unable to conform to the rules and guidelines of the program.
Upon a disciplinary problem, a child may be removed from their camp for the day or the remainder of the camp program for their safety and the safety of other program participants, TCC staff, and the resident animals. In this case, the parent or emergency contacts will be notified to pick up the child immediately. No refunds will be given if your child is removed from the program due to a disciplinary problem.
Weather
In the case of inclement weather, lead camp staff will decide on what action to take. At the first sight of lightning, all groups will be instructed to take cover in the nearest shelter. The camp director will provide instructions to all staff via radio or cell phone as conditions warrant.
Late Drop Off/Early Pickup
If you arrive late, please locate any staff member to notify the camp director. A camp staff member will meet with you to sign your camper in, before escorting them to their designated camp group.
If your child has a conflict and is in need of an early pickup during camp, please notify the camp director via email at education@thecreatureconservancy.org and share with camp staff at check-in. Early pickup times must be prior to 3:30 p.m. Upon arrival, please locate any staff member to notify the camp director. The adult picking up early must be listed as an authorized pickup person and present a photo ID to sign out your camper.
Habitat Heroes: Protecting our Planet (3rd-4th Graders)
March 24th-28th
Join us for an exciting adventure into the world of animal conservation. Learn about the unique habitats animals live in, while investigating the reason why these healthy ecosystems are crucial to protect all animal species. Visit many endangered species here at The Creature Conservancy and explore how you can make a difference to protect their homes.
General Information
Campers will need to bring a lunch and a water bottle. We will provide snacks.
The camp fee is $375 per week payable upon registration. Refunds will be given up to 3 weeks prior to the start of camp.
Due to staffing shortages, we will not be offering aftercare this year.
If more than one child will be attending camp, please register and pay for each separately.
Your camper must be in third or fourth grade in order to register for this camp.
With any questions, please email us at contact@thecreatureconservancy.org.
TCC Camp Policies
Behavior
By registering for camp, caregivers acknowledge that their child must follow camp rules and directions from the camp staff while at The Creature Conservancy. At the occurrence of a disciplinary problem, campers are encouraged to choose to take a “break”, and reflect on their actions with the support of staff members. However, actions that are severe or put the camper or others in danger may result in immediate dismissal from the program.
A disciplinary problem is defined as an action or behavior that hinders the flow of the program by requiring constant one-to-one staff attention; inflicting physical, verbal, or emotional harm on other campers or camp staff; or is unable to conform to the rules and guidelines of the program.
Upon a disciplinary problem, a child may be removed from their camp for the day or the remainder of the camp program for their safety and the safety of other program participants, TCC staff, and the resident animals. In this case, the parent or emergency contacts will be notified to pick up the child immediately. No refunds will be given if your child is removed from the program due to a disciplinary problem.
Weather
In the case of inclement weather, lead camp staff will decide on what action to take. At the first sight of lightning, all groups will be instructed to take cover in the nearest shelter. The camp director will provide instructions to all staff via radio or cell phone as conditions warrant.
Late Drop Off/Early Pickup
If you arrive late, please locate any staff member to notify the camp director. A camp staff member will meet with you to sign your camper in, before escorting them to their designated camp group.
If your child has a conflict and is in need of an early pickup during camp, please notify the camp director via email at education@thecreatureconservancy.org and share with camp staff at check-in. Early pickup times must be prior to 3:30 p.m. Upon arrival, please locate any staff member to notify the camp director. The adult picking up early must be listed as an authorized pickup person and present a photo ID to sign out your camper.
Your camper must be in 3rd or 4th grade in order to register for this camp.With any questions, please email us at contact@thecreatureconservancy.org.
Art & Animals - SOLD OUT!
Ozzy the Armadillo is the Star of Our Popular Art & Animals Event!
Meet Ozzy the Armadillo up close and learn all about him from one of our wildlife educators. Then, channel your creativity and paint your own masterpiece of Ozzy with guidance from a local artist. Feel free to bring your own drinks and snacks for this fun evening! (Ages 21+)
We provide all the art supplies and instruction—you bring the refreshments!
Preregistration is required.
This event is held in our Education Center at:
4940 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(The building is adjacent to our parking lot and looks like a farmhouse with a porch on the front.)
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience with art, animals, and creativity!
Creatures Unleashed - Ages 14+ Sold Out!
Creatures Unleashed: A Unique Wildlife Experience
7pm - 9 pm
Explore our facility and view animals in their habitats before an educational presentation at 7:30 PM, featuring a cougar, wolf hybrid, and kangaroo and more! Watch as they move freely on the spacious Stone Stage, exhibiting natural behaviors they don’t typically display—an unforgettable experience! (Safety fencing included.)
Creatures Unleashed - SOLD OUT!
Creatures Unleashed: A Unique Wildlife Experience
7:00 PM 9:00 PM
Explore our facility and view animals in their habitats before an educational presentation at 7:30 PM, featuring a cougar, wolf hybrid, and kangaroo and more! Watch as they move freely on the spacious Stone Stage, exhibiting natural behaviors they don’t typically display—an unforgettable experience! (Safety fencing included.)
First Fridays
Predator Month First Fridays!
Price: FREE for Members! $15 for non-members
Check out our some of our predators this month! Get a more in depth presentation of the animals for this month, this is an adult only presentation (18+).
7-7:30 is walk around time to see the rest of the animals, the presentation will start at 7:30.
The animals featured this month will be:
Harper the Cougar
Black-headed Python
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Wolf Hybrid
(due to the nature of our work, all animals are subject to change)
Art & Animals
Priscilla & Paisley are the stars of our popular Art & Animals'!
See and learn about them with one of our wildlife educators. Then, create your own painting of them with guidance from local artist, Mary Lewison. Bring your own drinks & snacks. (Ages 21+)
Preregistration is required.
Creature Courtship
Get Wild This Valentine’s Season!
Who: 21+
Cost: $50/person (includes snacks & adult beverages)
Advance Registration Required
Spice up your evening with a hilariously eye-opening look at animal love and family life! From over-the-top mating rituals to surprising parenting tactics (and yes, lots in between!), you’ll get the inside scoop on how critters hook up and raise their young. Expect plenty of laughs, tasty nibbles, and a toast or two—after all, this is an adults-only adventure!
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, treat your date (or your friends!) to a night that’s equal parts fun and fascinating. Mark your calendars, snag your tickets, and get ready to discover the wilder side of the animal kingdom in a way you’ve never seen before!
Creature Courtship - SOLD OUT!
Get Wild This Valentine’s Season!
Who: 21+
Cost: $50/person (includes snacks & adult beverages)
Advance Registration Required
Spice up your evening with a hilariously eye-opening look at animal love and family life! From over-the-top mating rituals to surprising parenting tactics (and yes, lots in between!), you’ll get the inside scoop on how critters hook up and raise their young. Expect plenty of laughs, tasty nibbles, and a toast or two—after all, this is an adults-only adventure!
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, treat your date (or your friends!) to a night that’s equal parts fun and fascinating. Mark your calendars, snag your tickets, and get ready to discover the wilder side of the animal kingdom in a way you’ve never seen before!
Creature Courtship
Get Wild This Valentine’s Season!
Who: 21+
Cost: $50/person (includes snacks & adult beverages)
Advance Registration Required
Spice up your evening with a hilariously eye-opening look at animal love and family life! From over-the-top mating rituals to surprising parenting tactics (and yes, lots in between!), you’ll get the inside scoop on how critters hook up and raise their young. Expect plenty of laughs, tasty nibbles, and a toast or two—after all, this is an adults-only adventure!
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, treat your date (or your friends!) to a night that’s equal parts fun and fascinating. Mark your calendars, snag your tickets, and get ready to discover the wilder side of the animal kingdom in a way you’ve never seen before!
First Fridays
Social Species First Fridays!
Price: FREE for members or $15 for non-members!
Check out our some of our surprisingly social species! Get a more in depth presentation of the animals for this month, this is an adult only presentation (18+).
7-7:30 is walk around time to see the rest of the animals, the presentation will start at 7:30.
The animals featured this month will be:
Mac the Kangaroo
One of our three Opossums: Wanda, Waylon, or Wynonna
Widget the Patagonian Mara
Flapjack the Pancake Tortoise
(due to the nature of our work, all animals are subject to change)
Bat Flight
Price:
Members $5
General admission: $10
Ages 10+ Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by and adult.
Park in the paved lot shared with Animal Kingdom Veterinary Hospital and Creature Comforts Bed & Bath.
Check in at the Gift Shop / Main Entrance
The program will start promptly at 7pm.
Cancellation Policy: If you cancel more than three weeks before the event, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel within two weeks of the event, you will receive a 50% refund. If cancelled within a week of the program, no refunds will be given. We thank you for your support!