ROYAL OAK, Mich. (AP) — Dealing with slimy constituents will be just part of the job for the new mayor of Amphibiville, the Detroit Zoo's habitat for frogs, toads and other amphibians.

Claire Kozal of Whitmore Lake began her two-year term Tuesday as mayor of the two-acre facility, which also is home to the National Amphibian Conservation Center. She won with an essay judged best by a panel of zoo staffers out of 185 submitted by kids aged 6-12.

A plaque bearing Claire's name and photo will be displayed in the conservation center throughout her term in office.

Claire, an aspiring marine biologist who has built a backyard nature center at her home 40 miles west of Detroit, says she loves all animals, "even the slimy ones."

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Detroit Zoological Society: http://www.detroitzoo.org