on Saturday, April 25, 2026 7 am - 12 pm
We will be welcoming our walkers, survivors, and sponsors; sharing stories of why it matters to be a part of our Foundation; and showcasing the importance of our mission.
We need walkers. We need volunteers. We need sponsors. We need donors. We need you!
$0 raised$500,000 goal
2026 Event Information
Registration is required.
Ticket pricing:
Adults (18+) $35 $45 after January 31 Child/Teen (6-17) $25 $35 after January 31 Little Ones (2-5) $10 $20 after January 31 Under 2 years Free
Virtual/Sleep Walker $25 $35 after January 31
This is for those who would like to support us but are unable to be there in person.
Event Details
Parking: Included in your registration.
SOPF A Walk at the Zoo Entry Time: Enter the Zoo between 7-9 am and then enjoy the day on your schedule. Apparel: Information is forthcoming. Collectible Pin: Available for first 2,000 adult registrants who pick up their tickets at Packet Pickup or the Zoo.
Big Top Celebration: 7 am to Noon. Celebrate the mission of SOPF with fellow supporters as we enjoy entertainment, vendors (7-11 am), snacks, raffle baskets, kid's activities, and more. Recognition of sponsors, top fundraisers, and teams with highest number of participants.
The Walk Route: Want to get your steps in? There is a 1.7 mile recommended route through the Zoo for you to enjoy at your leisure. Already have your steps in? Stay at the Big Top and enjoy the festivities!
Early Packet Pickup - Thursday, April 23, 10 am to 5 pm. Skip the lines the morning of the Walk and pick up your Zoo tickets early at English Gardens (4901 Coolidge Hwy, Royal Oak, MI 48073). Raffle baskets will be on display with ticket sales taking place.
Route Signs - Click on the Register button to purchase a route sign. Verbiage must be suitable for a general audience, including children. We kindly ask that you take your sign home with you the day of the Walk.
Vendors: For inquiries, email Stasi Schlenker at sschlenker@motor.com.
Volunteers: Interested in volunteering at the event? Registration is required for most volunteer shifts. After you register, you will be directed to a volunteer interest form where you can choose your preferred shift. For questions, please email Naina Desai, volunteer coordinator, at nainadesai0@outlook.com.
Click here for 2026 SOPF A Walk at the Zoo Sponsorship Package. Mail-In Forms: 2026 SOPF A Walk at the Zoo Mail-In Registration Form 2026 SOPF A Walk at the Zoo Mail-In Donation Form 2026 SOPF A Walk at the Zoo Mail-In Route Sign Order Form 2026 SOPF A Walk at the Zoo Mail-In Sponsorship Form
Event Schedule at The Detroit Zoo
7:00 am: Gates Open & Big Top Activities Begin! Explore exciting activities in the Big Top: Vendors, Cappuccino Man, Mimosa/ Bloody Mary Bar, Raffle Baskets, Scavenger Hunt, Team Meeting Point, Shopping, Entertainment, and more!
7:00 - 8:30 am: Walk-Up Registration Available 8:00 am: Time to Turn Up the Music & More of the Program 9:00 am: All Walkers Must Enter Zoo by 9:00 AM. 9:00 am: Recognition of Sponsors and Presentation of Awards.
11:00 am: Raffle Ticket Winners Announced, Virtual Auction & Vendor Shops Close.
12:00 pm: Big Top Closes.
Reminders
Teams that raise $1,000+ by April 16 will be recognized on banners lining the path from the Big Top to the Start Line.
Early registration online: Ends at midnight on Saturday, January 31. Regular registration online ends at 5 pm, Wednesday, April 22. Remember, all registration online will close at 5 pm on Wed, April 22. In-person Registration: You can register in person at Packet Pickup on Thursday, April 23 from 10 am to 5 pm at English Gardens (4901 Coolidge Hwy, Royal Oak, MI 48073) and the day of the Walk from 7-8:30 am.
Your ticket allows you to visit the Zoo for the whole day. Remember, you must enter by 9 am.
Thank you to our generous 2025 Walk Sponsors!
Pink
Rose
Blush
Carnation
Flamingo
Registered Participants and Teams
You can support a participant or a team by searching for the participant or team name below; or, you can make a general donation to A Walk at the Zoo.
Shades of Pink Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 20-3946913. All donations are tax deductible.