DETROIT, Mich. – The Belle Isle Nature Zoo today opened its Deer Encounter, where 13 fallow deer that once roamed the island are enjoying a new one-acre enclosure and barn.   The exhibit is part of  a multi-phase project to convert the former nature center on Belle Isle into a Nature Zoo focusing on Michigan wildlife, flora and fauna.

“We’re excited to introduce this opportunity to see and interact with deer in a way that is fun and safe for both people and the animals,” said Detroit Zoological Institute Director Ron Kagan.  

Numerous other improvements and enhancements to the Nature Zoo were introduced as well, including a renovated 100-seat auditorium and uniquely themed elements throughout the building.  The Nature Zoo also has added a turtle exhibit featuring native Michigan turtles, an indoor beehive allowing year-round viewing of bee behavior, and a Creation Station for children’s educational programming, all funded by the Junior League of Detroit. 

Capital costs of $2 million for the renovation of the Nature Zoo came from City of Detroit general obligation bonds.  Additional support has been provided by the federal government, the Community Foundation of Southeastern Michigan, LaSalle Bank and the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, which also provides programming, staff and interpretive support.   

In 2004, the Detroit Zoological Institute captured all of the free-ranging deer on Belle Isle because of the damage these non-native animals were doing to the island's ecosystem.  “There was great concern that the deer were harming the island’s habitat, destroying the vegetation, being fed unhealthy human food, and being injured by cars,” said Kagan.  “Now they are in a healthy environment where they can be safely viewed.”  For a nominal cost, visitors can feed the deer special food provided by the Nature Zoo.

Almost 200 deer from the original wild herd are being cared for as the Detroit Zoological Institute continues to seek placement with accredited sanctuaries and refuges where the deer will not be hunted. 

The Belle Isle Nature Zoo encompasses approximately 20 acres of unique Michigan forested wetland ecosystem populated by pumpkin ash trees, a rare hardwood species characteristic of southern Ontario but not found elsewhere in the state.  The Nature Zoo provides year-round educational, recreational and environmental conservation opportunities for students, teachers and families.  Future plans include nature trails, small mammal exhibits, a birds of prey exhibit, Great Lakes aquatic life exhibit, wetland pond and outdoor classroom. 

The Detroit Zoological Institute is comprised of the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Founded in 1928, the Institute is committed to celebrating and saving wildlife.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily April through October, with extended hours 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August.  Admission is $11.00 for adults 13 to 61, $9.00 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7.00 for children ages 2 to 12; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 398-0900 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo provides educational programming, with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, on Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on weekdays with advance reservations by calling (313) 852-4056.  The Detroit Zoological Society works to promote the general welfare and interests of the Institute.  Financial support has allowed the Zoo to open new exhibits, develop important education and conservation programs and implement major beautification projects.  To help the Detroit Zoological Society through financial support, partnership opportunities, membership or volunteering, please call (248) 541-5717.

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