From the glaciers of the Arctic Ring of Life to the apes of Harambee, the Detroit Zoo is truly one of Michigan’s must-see attractions. Established in 1928, the 125-acre zoo is home to an array of exotic animals from over 245 species, including anteaters, polar bears, and zebras. With its commitment to animal welfare, education, and conservation, it provides visitors with unique opportunities to explore and learn more about the fabled creatures within its walls.
Discover Michigan’s Impressive Zoos
Michigan is home to some of the most impressive zoos in the nation. These remarkable attractions offer wonderful opportunities for visitors to observe exotic animals in their natural habitats, learn about their behaviors and diets, and gain a better understanding of the conservation efforts that are being taken to protect them. With four of the best zoos in the state, there’s something for everyone! Discover which ones are most suited to your interests and find out when the ideal time to visit each is.
Home to Over 2,000 Animals
The Detroit Zoo, located in the suburbs of Huntington Woods and Royal Oak, is a 125-acre facility that showcases an impressive array of animals from over 245 species. Established in 1928, the Detroit Zoo was the first zoo in the United States to feature bar-less enclosures for its residents. It is home to over 2,000 animals, including anteaters, Chinese alligators, gorillas, grizzly bears, lions, ostriches, penguins, polar bears, sloths, tigers, and zebras. Visitors can explore state-of-the-art attractions such as the Arctic Ring of Life, a 4-acre polar enclosure that is one of North America’s largest, or the Great Apes of Harambee, a rotating habitat that replicates the migration patterns of apes in the wild. The Detroit Zoo is undoubtedly one of the most impressive zoos in Michigan.
Hours of Operation
The Detroit Zoo is renowned for its commitment to animal welfare, education, and conservation. It was the first zoo in the United States to no longer keep elephants due to ethical considerations and invests heavily in projects to protect endangered species at home and abroad. It is open year-round, however, there are certain holiday closures. During fall and winter months it is open daily between 10 am and 4 pm, while spring and summer hours are from 9 am to 5 pm. There are also several special events throughout the year including Zoo Brew featuring Michigan brewers and Spooky Spirits, a Halloween-themed event with live music, games, haunted attractions, and specialty cocktails.
Educational Programs and Conservation Efforts
John Ball Zoo is an incredible attraction located in the heart of Grand Rapids. It is a 140-acre destination visited by over 600,000 people each year, boasting more than 2,400 animals from over 220 species. This unique zoo is committed to helping the local community, with free admission given to over 55,000 economically disadvantaged children in Kent and Ottawa counties every year. Among the many popular features of the John Ball Zoo are its red pandas, snow leopards, bald eagle, spider monkeys, lions, and even a soon-to-open pygmy hippo exhibit. Visitors can also enjoy the funicular ride, budgie aviary, zip line, and sky ropes course. The zoo offers educational programs for youth, such as camps, classes, and preschool programs, and has been involved in conservation efforts in over 30 countries since 1985. They have also supported projects that protect native animals, including the Massasauga rattlesnake, Kirtland’s warbler, and Poweshiek skippering.
East Zoo
The East Zoo is home to many exotic animals from North and South America, as well as Australia. Visitors can explore the vast grounds and sea creatures such as Mexican Gray Wolves, addaxes, cheetahs, red kangaroos, and ring-tailed lemurs in their natural habitats. The East Zoo also features a variety of interactive activities for visitors to take part in, including animal encounters, keeper talks, and special events that are held throughout the year.
SkyLark Ridge
Binder Park Zoo is a premier destination for groups of all sizes, providing fun activities and even spaces to rent for birthday parties. SkyLark Ridge is an exciting feature where visitors can test their climbing skills on a ropes and obstacles course with routes available for adults and children alike. Youth summer camps and overnight programs offer an immersive zoo experience, while the WolfWatch program gives people the opportunity to view the Mexican Gray Wolves exhibit from the comfort of home. Open from May 1st to October 30th each year, visitors should keep in mind that admission closes one hour before the zoo closes, and weekdays or afternoons are the best times to visit to avoid crowds. Special events throughout the year, such as the Cheetah Chase 5-kilometer race in June and Corks & Kegs event in August, are also great opportunities to enjoy the park.
Potter Park Zoo
Potter Park Zoo, the oldest public zoo in Michigan, officially opened in 1915 and now houses over 350 animals representing 160 species. Visitors can experience some of the most awe-inspiring creatures, such as Amur tigers, binturongs, black rhinos, Magellanic penguins, and spider monkeys. The reptile house offers rare, endangered reptiles like the Madagascar hognose snake. Additionally, Farmyard EdVentures provides an opportunity to get up close with farmyard animals like cattle, chickens, goats, and pigs. Potter Park Zoo even offers camel rides and animal “meet and greets” where zookeepers feed big cats, otters, penguins, and black rhinos.
Above and beyond these incredible exhibits, Potter Park Zoo also offers a variety of educational opportunities such as an on-site animal science and zoo management class for local high schoolers, summer camps, and overnight experiences.
Hours of Operation
Potter Park Zoo is open 365 days a year, except for Christmas Day, providing visitors with plenty of opportunity to explore and discover its wonderful animal inhabitants. From November 1st to March 31st, the zoo is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, while from April 1st through Labor Day, the hours change to 9 am to 5 pm. Furthermore, from Labor Day to October 31st, the zoo has extended hours of operation on weekends, from 9 am to 5 pm.
The visited zoos in Michigan are an awe-inspiring experience! Whether it be to admire the over 2,000 animals at the Detroit Zoo or the captive breeding programs of the other zoos, visitors can gain a better understanding of animals, learn about conservation, and create memories that will last forever. Every zoo offers something unique for everyone- from educational tours and events to beer tastings and live concerts- each zoo is sure to make your expedition worthwhile. Each facility pledges to protect nature and wildlife which ultimately makes these zoos a great way to support current and future generations of endangered species.
