Program areas at Detroit Zoological Society
ANIMAL CARE, WELFARE AND CONSERVATION: The Detroit Zoological Society demonstrates leadership in animal care, wildlife conservation and animal welfare. The Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center had 2,118 individual animals representing 222 species in its care as of December 31, 2022. The Detroit Zoological Society is a leader in species conservation through its local, national and international field conservation programs, its support of partners' field conservation work and captive breeding of threatened and endangered species at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. The Detroit Zoological Society's Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics is a resource center for captive animal welfare knowledge, research and best practices; a convener and forum for exotic animal welfare science, practice and policy discussions; and a center conducting research and training, and recognizing advances in exotic animal welfare.
GUEST ENGAGEMENT: The Detroit Zoological Society continues to inspire the community with engaging, meaningful and memorable experiences. Significant animal habitats/facilities include the Arctic Ring of Life habitat for polar bears and sea otters, the Devereaux Tiger Forest, the Great Apes of Harambee, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, the Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness, the Australian Outback Adventure, and the National Amphibian Conservation Center. The Detroit Zoo welcomed 1.25 million visitors in 2022. In addition to animal experiences, other attractions at the Zoo include the 4-D Theater, Giraffe Encounter, Tauber Family Railroad, Science On a Sphere, and the Carousel. Visitors can also participate in Zoo-sponsored events including Greenfest, Sunset at the Zoo, Run Wild, Zoo Boo and Wild Lights. Attendance returned to 95% of our pre-pandemic average in 2022, and the DZS continued to provide a safe and secure experience to all guests.
EDUCATION: The Detroit Zoological Society continues to provide a broad audience with outstanding and unique educational opportunities that lead to the appreciation and stewardship of nature. Humane education, environmental literacy, responsible resource management, conservation, science literacy and stewardship are fundamental components of education programming. Programs utilize a variety of instructional strategies - including inquiry-based learning, storytelling, interactive technology and citizen science - to meet the various learning styles of individuals within the community. Regional school district partnerships enhance humane education and life science experiences in the classroom through onsite programs, teacher training and curriculum support. The DZS education team also creates unique and engaging educational content for a variety of audiences online.
The Detroit Zoological Society continues to demonstrate organizational excellence consistent with a commitment to outstanding environmental leadership. The Detroit Zoological Society maintains grounds at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center totaling 130 acres and 80 different buildings where staff members and volunteers are committed to lessening their environmental impact on the Earth. The Detroit Zoological Society has developed a unique, green roadmap called the Greenprint. This comprehensive strategic plan guides our operations and is the plan by which we refine and improve our facilities and daily practices, develop new policies and programs and improve green literacy in our community. The DZS is committed to planting 2,000 trees by the end of 2023, in an effort to continue positively impacting our community.