Thank you for contacting the Detroit Zoological Society!

Got a question?

Please see the FAQs below. If you don’t find the answer, kindly fill in the requested information and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible. And, as always, we appreciate any and all questions, suggestions and comments … positive or negative. Thank you!

Can we bring our own food/picnic?

Yes, you can bring in your own food, non- alcoholic beverages and cooler. Grilling on Zoo grounds is prohibited. We have a large number of picnic tables throughout the Zoo for guest use, some of which are under tents. Feel free to sit at any that are not reserved. You are free to leave your supplies at the table. Another option is to rent a wagon. That way, you'll have your snacks with you whenever you get hungry or thirsty. Wagons are available at the Chrysler train station at the front of the Zoo during the summer months.

Can we rent wagons/strollers? How much are they?

Yes! Single strollers rent for $7 per day, double strollers for $9 and wagons for $9. We ask that you leave $1 as a deposit for each rental. During the summer months, they are available at the Chrysler train station at the front of the Zoo.

Can you rent electronic convenience vehicles/wheelchairs? How much are they?

Yes! We have a limited number of motorized wheelchairs available for rent. During the summer months, they are available at the Chrysler train station at the front of the Zoo. They rent for $25 per day and we ask that you leave a driver's license as a deposit. We also have a large number of manual wheelchairs which rent for $10 per day.

Can I bring my dog/pet?

For the safety of your pet and our animals, pets are not allowed on Zoo grounds.

Are you open during certain holidays or in the winter?

The Detroit Zoo is open 362 days a year; we are only closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Starting in October, the Tauber Family Railroad operates weekends only. On November 1, it shuts down for the season and we switch to our winter hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Do you have any discount tickets?

Each year we honor special groups by granting free admission on certain days. For instance, on Senior Day (twice yearly) we offer free admission to tri-county (Macomb, Oakland and Wayne) senior guests and their caregivers. On Veteran's Day, we offer free admission to active and retired U.S. military personnel; $2 off regular admission other days. And of course, our Members enjoy free admission every day.

We also offer reduced admission prices throughout the year – for instance, Super Bowl Sunday, President's Week, and so on. On Wednesdays in July or August, we offer a "6 After 6" special: $6 after 6 p.m. The Zoo stays open until 8 p.m. on those evenings for our Wild Summer Nights concert series. Each week we offer a different performance – everything from pop and rock to Motown and children's music.

The best way to find out about special rates and programming is by checking our website at www.detroitzoo.org. You'll get the most up-to-date information to help you plan your next visit.

I am having an event. Can I get a donation?

The Detroit Zoological Society does donate to a number of charitable organizations. In order to determine eligibility, all donation requests must be received in writing by mail or fax on organization letterhead with a return address and containing your organization's 501(c)(3) non-profit tax ID number. Schools are not eligible for donations due to the significant discounts offered on gate admissions to school groups. Parent Teacher Organizations and Associations are eligible if they meet the qualifications above. The standard donation is a family four-pack of tickets (two adults and two children). All requests are reviewed every two weeks for eligibility, and written responses are mailed whether your request is approved or denied. Please send all requests to:
Alexis H. Means
Guest Relations Director
Detroit Zoological Society
8450 W. 10 Mile Road
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Fax: (248) 398-0504


I would like to have an event at the Zoo. How do I get information?

We offer a large variety of unique opportunities for private events. Please visit here for more information.

Can I rent an animal? Can I touch an animal?

Zoo animals are cared for by specially trained keepers who, in most cases, do not come in direct contact with them. So while it isn't possible for anyone to pet a Zoo animal or volunteer to work with them, we do have a couple of suggestions. Also, our WildLife Preserver's "Adopt-an-Animal" program allows you to make a donation in someone's name. It is a symbolic adoption - the donation will be used for the care of that animal - and he or she will receive a certificate and information about the animal they love.

How long does it take to walk around the Zoo? How far is it?

The Zoo is 125 acres. If you walk all the primary pathways on the main route, it is a 1.7-mile trip. Adding in smaller paths increases your distance.

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