Detroit Zoological Society

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo. The organization has over 50,000 member households and over 1,100 volunteers who contribute 100,000 hours each year. The Detroit Zoo hosts over 1.3 million visitors annually. Opened in 1928, the 125-acre zoo was the first in the United States to use barless exhibits extensively. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Detroit Zoo is a natural habitat for more than 2,500 animals representing 300 species. Major exhibits include the National Amphibian Conservation Center, Polk Penguin Conservation Center, Deveraux Tiger Forest, Great Apes of Harambee and Arctic Ring of Life, voted the number-two zoo exhibit in the U.S. by the Intrepid Traveler’s guide to “America’s Best Zoos”. The Detroit Zoological Society provides outstanding and unique educational opportunities to thousands of children in the Metro Detroit area.