Deer Encounter

Visit Deer Encounter

Twenty-five fallow deer that once roamed the island now enjoy a one-acre enclosure and barn at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo. The habitat 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 provide 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 Society Executive Director Ron Kagan.

In 2004, the Detroit Zoological Soceity 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.” Visitors can feed the deer special food provided by the Nature Zoo.

Numerous other improvements and enhancements have been made to the Nature Zoo, 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 was 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.