We're going to camp. 🏕️
Summer Sips at the Detroit Zoo is Friday, July 17— the 21+ version of every camp memory you forgot you had.
Bug juice swapped for craft beverages. Friendship bracelets swapped for tasting wristbands. Counselors swapped for zookeepers.
Check out the activity sheet and get tix now at the link in our bio!
Summer Sips is presented by KeyBank.
Only 1 week to go. 🎉
At Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails, connection begins the moment you walk through the gates. The final touches are going up on the new entryway, and in just one week, guests will enter the space for the very first time.
We can't wait to officially welcome guests into a new kind of Zoo experience — one filled with up-close animal encounters, immersive pathways, hands-on discovery and unforgettable moments around every corner.
From curious goats and soaring views to vibrant art and interactive spaces, Erb Discovery Trails was designed to bring people closer to animals, nature and each other.
The finishing touches are coming together, and we can’t wait to welcome the public through the gates on Saturday, May 23 to experience it all together for the very first time.
#DetroitZoo #ErbDiscoveryTrails #SeeYouSoon
Today, we are remembering and honoring Abby, a beloved primate who called the Zoo home for more than three decades. At 42 years old, Abby had lived beyond the median life expectancy for a female chimpanzee.
She was compassionately euthanized this week following a decline in her health related to kidney failure. Our veterinary and animal care teams worked closely to keep her comfortable throughout her care, and the decision was made with deep love and respect for her quality of life.
Abby arrived at the Detroit Zoo in 1988 and spent the next 38 years stealing hearts — and the occasional toy. She was famously clever, often "finding" items in her habitat that didn't belong and bringing them to her care team in hopes of trading for a treat.
She was a devoted mom to daughters Chiana and Jane, helping each navigate life within the troop. She was a loyal best friend to Trixi, waiting for her each morning before greeting the rest of the troop as they joined her outside. And from her favorite perch high in the root tree, she watched over the yard like the matriarch she was.
Her wit and her unmistakable presence made this place brighter. To everyone who knew Abby — guests, volunteers and especially our primates team — thank you for loving her as much as we did.
We will miss you, Abby.
We’re welcoming Nguvu, a young adult male giraffe, to the Detroit Zoo after recently arriving from @hoglezoo . Over the past several days, our animal care teams have been helping him get settled in, and he’ll begin introductions to the rest of the herd soon.
Nguvu's arrival is part of our long-term plan for the giraffe herd at the Zoo. This move was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Giraffe Species Survival Plan, which promotes the health, genetic diversity and overall sustainability of giraffe populations in zoos – and we’re eager to support Nguvu as he adjusts to his new home.
During his acclimation period, guests may notice changes in giraffe viewing based on his comfort, care needs and the weather. There may be times when the indoor giraffe habitat is closed to the public as well.
Happy birthday to two fierce felines, Asha and Amirah!
These lionesses turned 10 today and celebrated with some special enrichment just for them. They even had a beautiful birthday banner — though the cubs took an immediate liking to it and quickly tore it to shreds.
Watch as the sisters and the rest of the pride chew, climb and pounce on their treats – skills similar to what they would utilize when hunting in the savannah.
But even the mightiest big cats need our help. African lions are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, facing serious threats including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching and declining prey populations.
In the last century, wild lion populations have dropped by nearly 90%, and some scientists warn lions could disappear from the wild by 2050 without stronger conservation efforts.
Visit the Detroit Zoo to meet these incredible animals and learn how we can help protect their future.
#DetroitZoo #Lions #EndangeredSpeciesDay
There’s nothing like a mother’s love — in the wild or at the Zoo 🐾
From playful moments to protective bonds, every connection between moms and babies reminds us how deeply connected we all are.
Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all moms! Visit the Detroit Zoo and experience these meaningful connections up close.
#DetroitZoo #MothersDay #MomsandBabies
Only 2 weeks to go. 🎨
At Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails, connection comes together piece by piece.
Within Mosaic Plaza, created by local artist Hubert Massey (@hubert.massey ), you’ll discover a vibrant mosaic wall celebrating animals, nature and community — all brought to life through touchable tiles that fit together like puzzle pieces.
Designed to be explored hands-on, the artwork invites guests of all ages to connect not just with the stories in the mosaic, but with one another through shared discovery and creativity.
The finishing touches are coming together, and we can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself!
#DetroitZoo #ErbDiscoveryTrails #MosaicPlaza
Your Wednesdays are officially booked through August 🎶
Wild Summer Nights are back select Wednesdays starting June 3.
Get ready for:
- The ENTIRE Zoo open until 8 p.m.
- Live music from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The best part? It’s included with admission (and completely free for Zoo members)!
Get the deets at the link in our bio!
Wild Summer Nights are presented by Genisys Credit Union.
Are we ready for Zoo Brew? Shell yeah! 🐢
This year, we are excited to raise a glass to turtles and feature the work we do to protect turtle species and their habitats. But the fun doesn't stop there. During this exclusive 21+ event, you can choose from 100+ beverages, dance to live music, explore the Zoo after hours and more!
So come out of your shell and party in the name of turtle conservation – your ticket price helps support our work locally and globally.
Get your tickets today: /events/zoo-brew/
Zoo Brew is presented by KeyBank.
#DetroitZoo #ZooBrew #Party #Conservation #AfterHours
Your yoga studio called. It’s jealous.
Summer Yoga at the Zoo is back with new habitat locations — including inside our new Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails.
Plus, new Tuesday evening flows from 6-7 p.m. for post-work yogis who'd rather salute the sunset than the sunrise.
All-levels classes. Certified instructors. Zookeeper chat included with every session. Zoo admission + parking included.
Small classes, limited spots.
Reserve now at the link in our bio!
What do you know about sloth bear diets? 🐻✨
With their flexible snouts and missing front incisors, sloth bears like Jagger can slurp up thousands of insects in one go — loud enough for you to hear from yards away!
Even cooler: sloth bears can close their nostrils completely to keep dust and bugs out while they feast. Talk about built-in protection!
Ready to see Jagger in action? Come see this sloth bear for yourself at the Detroit Zoo this weekend!
#DetroitZoo #slothbears #bearfacts #weekendplans
📷 Roy Lewis
Only 3 weeks to go. 🦅
At Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails, adventure takes you to new heights and connection is closer than ever.
Climb your way up the Canopy Trail for a bird’s-eye view of the action below. Cross bridges, navigate swaying walkways and explore an aerial pathway designed for curious climbers of all ages.
At one special lookout, you can even step into an eagle’s nest and take in Erb Discovery Trails from a whole new perspective.
Construction crews are working hard assembling the nest twig by twig — we can’t wait for you to experience it.
#DetroitZoo #ErbDiscoveryTrails #BirdsEyeView
