The Detroit Zoologicial Society and Michigan's Griffin Claw Brewing Company have teamed up on a new brew.
The Piping Plover Pilsner is a special beer that highlights the DZS's conservation work for the endangered Great Lakes piping plover, according to a release.
The brew will be available in four-pack 16-ounce cans at Griffin Claw in Birmingham, and will also be sold in select grocery stores and specialty markets throughout metro Detroit.
For each beer sold, Griffin Claw will donate a portion of the proceeds to support DZS's wildlife conservation work.
“We are thrilled to partner with Griffin Claw to raise awareness of recovery efforts for the Great Lakes piping plover,” said Ron Kagan, DZS executive director and CEO, in a release. “This unique brew will help spread the word to a whole new audience about the conservation needs of this tiny shorebird and help educate the public about saving wildlife and wild places. We think our Millennial audience in particular will enjoy helping a good cause while drinking a great beer.”
According to DZS, in 1986, fewer than 20 pairs of Great Lakes piping plovers existed – the population was close to extinction. A federal recovery program has helped recover the wild population to 63 pairs in 2018, nearly halfway to the recovery goal of 150 pairs.
Piping Plover Pilsner is a "crisp, refreshing pilsner" made with locally grown and sourced grain, hops and malt. It is the first in a series of special brews Griffin Claw will introduce under the Survival Series label.
Future released will highlight the DZS's conservation work for Grauer's gorillas, Panamanian golden frogs and Partula snails.
