Detroit Zoological Society

CONSERVATION, ANIMAL CARE, AND WELFARE: The Detroit Zoological Society demonstrates leadership in wildlife conservation, animal care, and animal welfare. The Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center had 2,221 individual animals representing 214 species in its care as of December 31, 2023. 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 at both the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. Significant animal habitats/facilities at the Detroit Zoo 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 1.24 million visitors in 2023. 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 in 2023 was very close to our pre-pandemic average, and the DZS continued to provide a safe and secure experience to all guests. At the Belle Isle Nature Center, visitors are able to get an insider's view of an active beehive and get an up-close view of Michigan wildlife, including native reptiles and amphibians. Admission and programming at the Belle Isle Nature Center are free of charge.

EDUCATION: The Detroit Zoological Society provides 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 participatory 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, community-based afterschool programs, internships, 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 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.