Visitor Information
Convenience Rentals
Single and double strollers, wagons, wheelchairs and Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECV) are available for rent at the Main Train Station (near the front of the park) and at the Africa Train Station (in the far corner of the park when the train is operating). Rented items cannot be taken on the Tauber Family Railroad. Guests will receive a deposit refund upon return of the rental unit.
Korman Tadpole Playscape (Play Area)
The Korman Tadpole Playscape is appropriate for children ages 2 to 5. Children must be supervised at all times. Clothes with drawstring closures, scarves and other neck apparel are prohibited. The Playscape is closed during the winter season (November- March), at night and during inclement weather.
Safety Shelters
In the event of a need for shelter, our staff will direct guests to secure areas. Shelters include all restrooms, the Penguinarium, barn, and rhino, lion, giraffe and great ape buildings. When directed to the shelter, please remain inside until staff gives the "all clear" signal.
First Aid/Lost and Found
Please contact any staff member for assistance. Adhesive bandages and sting relief are available at the Security Office (First Aid/Lost and Found) near Rackham Fountain. Pain relievers, antacids, etc., are available in vending machines at certain restrooms.
Lost Children
We advise the use of name tags for small children to facilitate their return to parents or guardians. Please have a designated spot in the Zoo to meet if you and your group are separated. Lost children are taken to the Security Office at the west underpass near Rackham Fountain.
Picnic Areas
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages into the Zoo. A 3-acre, 40-table main picnic grove (located behind the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery) and several smaller picnic areas are provided. Tables are not reserved. No personal grills or alcoholic beverages are allowed. (Alcoholic beverages are provided by the Catering Division for private events only and must be consumed in reserved area.) Please refrain from bringing drinking straws and Styrofoam products into the Zoo. Open fires on the ground are not permitted.
To reserve a picnic site for corporate picnics, family reunions, etc., contact our Events Manager at (248) 541-5717, ext. 3305, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Refreshments
There are several concession stands conveniently located throughout the park (locations open seasonally). Items that are generally available include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, garden burgers, French fries, pizza, potato chips, soft drinks, frozen beverages, ice cream and coffee. Operated by Service Systems Associates.
Zoo Information
Animal Feedings/Demonstrations
In order to encourage natural behavior, feeding and socialization activities occur throughout the day. This is called "animal enrichment". View our enrichment schedule on the "Today at the Zoo" page.
Animal Viewing
Natural behaviors are encouraged in Zoo animals. If animals are resting, eating, or socializing away from public view at the time of your tour, we encourage you to enjoy a return visit.
The Giraffe Encounter
Public feeding opportunities are available at the Detroit Zoo’s Giraffe Encounter, an elevated viewing platform overlooking the giraffe habitat, bringing guests to eye level with the Zoo’s tallest creatures. From late spring through early fall, 50 patrons per feeding are able to purchase a ticket for $5.00 from the Ambassador Booth at the main entrance of the Zoo, redeemable for a supervised opportunity to serve special giraffe food. Feeding opportunities are available subject to the giraffes’ appetites, the weather and special events. Feeding times may vary and no other food or giraffe-feeding opportunities are permitted.
Tauber Family Railroad
Operates May through September, weekends in October. One-way ride only. Riders must disembark at the other train station and wait in line if they wish to reboard for a round-trip ride. Stations are located at the front of the Zoo near the Main Entrance and in the far northwest corner of the Zoo (Africa), past the rhino habitat. Folding wheelchairs, wagons, and folding strollers can be accommodated. Rented Zoo strollers and wagons cannot be taken on the train.
Facility Availability
Occasionally, a building or facility may be closed to the public for part or all of a day due to animal health needs, maintenance repairs, or special events. Sorry, refunds and rain checks are not available. Schedule subject to change without notice.
Guided Tours
Available for students, scout troops and other groups, guided, walking tours on the topic of your choice are available September - April. Just ask your reservationist when you call (248) 541-5717, Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April - October (Wednesday - Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., November-March) to make your group reservation. Tour reservations must be made at least two (2) weeks in advance.
May to August, it’s Animal Answer Days throughout the park. Our volunteer educators, Docents, will be stationed at major animal exhibits to answer questions. Educators: if you need ideas for your visit or classroom or to learn about other programs contact the Docent Office at (248) 541-5717 ext. 3801.
Convenience Rentals
Single and double strollers, wagons, wheelchairs and Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECV) are available for rent at the Main Train Station (near the front of the park) and at the Africa Train Station (in the far corner of the park when the train is operating). Rented items cannot be taken on the Tauber Family Railroad. Guests will receive a deposit refund upon return of the rental unit.
Korman Tadpole Playscape (Play Area)
The Korman Tadpole Playscape is appropriate for children ages 2 to 5. Children must be supervised at all times. Clothes with drawstring closures, scarves and other neck apparel are prohibited. The Playscape is closed during the winter season (November- March), at night and during inclement weather.
Safety Shelters
In the event of a need for shelter, our staff will direct guests to secure areas. Shelters include all restrooms, the Penguinarium, barn, and rhino, lion, giraffe and great ape buildings. When directed to the shelter, please remain inside until staff gives the "all clear" signal.
First Aid/Lost and Found
Please contact any staff member for assistance. Adhesive bandages and sting relief are available at the Security Office (First Aid/Lost and Found) near Rackham Fountain. Pain relievers, antacids, etc., are available in vending machines at certain restrooms.
Lost Children
We advise the use of name tags for small children to facilitate their return to parents or guardians. Please have a designated spot in the Zoo to meet if you and your group are separated. Lost children are taken to the Security Office at the west underpass near Rackham Fountain.
Picnic Areas
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages into the Zoo. A 3-acre, 40-table main picnic grove (located behind the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery) and several smaller picnic areas are provided. Tables are not reserved. No personal grills or alcoholic beverages are allowed. (Alcoholic beverages are provided by the Catering Division for private events only and must be consumed in reserved area.) Please refrain from bringing drinking straws and Styrofoam products into the Zoo. Open fires on the ground are not permitted.
To reserve a picnic site for corporate picnics, family reunions, etc., contact our Events Manager at (248) 541-5717, ext. 3305, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Refreshments
There are several concession stands conveniently located throughout the park (locations open seasonally). Items that are generally available include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, garden burgers, French fries, pizza, potato chips, soft drinks, frozen beverages, ice cream and coffee. Operated by Service Systems Associates.
Zoo Information
Animal Feedings/Demonstrations
In order to encourage natural behavior, feeding and socialization activities occur throughout the day. This is called "animal enrichment". View our enrichment schedule on the "Today at the Zoo" page.
Animal Viewing
Natural behaviors are encouraged in Zoo animals. If animals are resting, eating, or socializing away from public view at the time of your tour, we encourage you to enjoy a return visit.
The Giraffe Encounter
Public feeding opportunities are available at the Detroit Zoo’s Giraffe Encounter, an elevated viewing platform overlooking the giraffe habitat, bringing guests to eye level with the Zoo’s tallest creatures. From late spring through early fall, 50 patrons per feeding are able to purchase a ticket for $5.00 from the Ambassador Booth at the main entrance of the Zoo, redeemable for a supervised opportunity to serve special giraffe food. Feeding opportunities are available subject to the giraffes’ appetites, the weather and special events. Feeding times may vary and no other food or giraffe-feeding opportunities are permitted.
Tauber Family Railroad
Operates May through September, weekends in October. One-way ride only. Riders must disembark at the other train station and wait in line if they wish to reboard for a round-trip ride. Stations are located at the front of the Zoo near the Main Entrance and in the far northwest corner of the Zoo (Africa), past the rhino habitat. Folding wheelchairs, wagons, and folding strollers can be accommodated. Rented Zoo strollers and wagons cannot be taken on the train.
Facility Availability
Occasionally, a building or facility may be closed to the public for part or all of a day due to animal health needs, maintenance repairs, or special events. Sorry, refunds and rain checks are not available. Schedule subject to change without notice.
Guided Tours
Available for students, scout troops and other groups, guided, walking tours on the topic of your choice are available September - April. Just ask your reservationist when you call (248) 541-5717, Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April - October (Wednesday - Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., November-March) to make your group reservation. Tour reservations must be made at least two (2) weeks in advance.
May to August, it’s Animal Answer Days throughout the park. Our volunteer educators, Docents, will be stationed at major animal exhibits to answer questions. Educators: if you need ideas for your visit or classroom or to learn about other programs contact the Docent Office at (248) 541-5717 ext. 3801.
Info from: http://www.detroitzoo.org/plan/zoo-visitor-information
Detroit Zoological Society, 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, 248.541.5717
COPYRIGHT © 2014 DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY |
PRIVACY POLICY TERMS OF USE CONTACT US PHOTO POLICY PURCHASING SITE MAP
Detroit Zoological Society, 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, 248.541.5717
COPYRIGHT © 2014 DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY |
PRIVACY POLICY TERMS OF USE CONTACT US PHOTO POLICY PURCHASING SITE MAP