Attendance Tops 1.27 Million; Membership Increases

ROYAL OAK, Mich., January 13, 2010 – Detroit Zoo attendance was 1,271,663 in 2009, compared to 1,114,221 in 2008, a 14 percent increase.  This represents the fourth consecutive year-to-year increase in attendance – which has exceeded one million since 2006 – and the second-highest recorded attendance.

In addition, membership increased by more than 11 percent year to year, ending 2009 with 56,064 member households compared to 50,306 in 2008.

“Year after year, the Zoo provides a unique and wonderful experience and great value for the community.  In 2009, Dinosauria, lots of new animals and our Vitamin Z advertising campaign helped drive attendance,” said Executive Director Ron Kagan.  “We’re grateful to tri-county voters for passing the Zoo millage, which has allowed us to make continued improvements to facilities and guest service.”

Dinosauria, the Zoo’s blockbuster summer attraction featuring 19 life-like animatronic dinosaurs, attracted roughly a third of Zoo visitors between mid-May and Labor Day. 

The Zoo’s “Vitamin Z – Part of a Complete Childhood” advertising campaign highlights immersive experiences at the Detroit Zoo, including the Arctic Ring of Life, Australian Outback Adventure, Butterfly Garden and Giraffe Encounter.

The Zoo plans to create another immersive experience in 2010 with a habitat makeover for the lions, featuring glass viewing panels that will bring the big cats and visitors nose to nose.