Southeast Michigan Boy is New 'Mayor' of Zoo's Amphibiville

The Detroit Zoo’s Amphibiville has a “newt” leader. Jack Salvati, 8, of Milford, Mich., was sworn in as Mayor of Amphibiville on Wednesday for a two-year term. Amphibiville is a 2-acre wetland village that is home to the National Amphibian Conservation Center.

Jack ran for office because of his love of amphibians and his knowledge of the different species. “I love them so much, I started writing a science book about frogs,” he said. The newly elected mayor added, “This is the happiest day of my life.”

In honor of Jack’s victory, a plaque bearing his name and photo will be displayed in the National Amphibian Conservation Center throughout his term. He also receives a plush frog and a one-year family membership to the Detroit Zoo.

The Zoo invited candidates ages 7-12 who live in Michigan to enter the race for Mayor of Amphibiville by submitting an essay of 100 words or fewer describing their qualifications for the position. A roster of 150 candidates was trimmed to a short list of finalists and voted on by a panel of Zoo staffers.

Amphibiville’s outgoing mayor is Gabriel P. J. Graydon, 13, of Southfield, Mich., who was sworn into office in November of 2012.

Amphibiville opened in 2000, featuring the award-winning National Amphibian Conservation Center – a state-of-the-art facility boasting a spectacular diversity of frogs, toads, salamanders, newts and caecilians. The Wall Street Journal dubbed the attraction “Disneyland for toads.”

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Jack Salvati, 8, of Milford, is sworn in as Mayor of Amphibiville by Detroit Zoo Director Ron Kagan. (Photo courtesy of Detroit Zoo)