The Detroit Zoo smashed its modern-day attendance record in 2015, attracting 1,476,378 visitors. The previous record, set in 1997, was 1,364,905. This marks the ninth consecutive year the Zoo’s attendance has exceeded one million.
Wild Lights – the Detroit Zoo’s annual holiday light display presented by Bank of America – drew more than 144,000 guests, contributing to the year’s robust attendance figure. The new Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness, which opened in June, also proved to be a popular attraction, as did summer’s spectacular Dinosauria exhibit with 40 animatronic dinosaurs.
“Good weather for most of the year, Wild Lights, wolves, dinosaurs and continued improvements in operations and facilities are all contributing factors,” said Ron Kagan, Detroit Zoological Society executive director and CEO. “We’re grateful to our community for another fantastic year and look forward to providing even more outstanding experiences in 2016.”
The Polk Penguin Conservation Center, scheduled to open in April, is expected to increase the Detroit Zoo’s attendance even more. It will be the largest penguin facility in the world, home to more than 80 birds of four species – gentoo, macaroni, rockhopper and king.
The Detroit Zoological Society – a nonprofit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo – is recognized as a leader in conservation, animal welfare and sustainability as well as providing sanctuary for animals in need of rescue. With an annual regional economic impact of more than $100 million, the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak is one of Michigan’s largest paid family attractions, hosting more than 1.4 million visitors annually. Its 125 acres of award-winning naturalistic habitats are home to 2,500 animals representing 270 species. In recognition of its environmental leadership, the Detroit Zoo received the top Green Award from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and was named Best-Managed Nonprofit by Crain’s Detroit Business.
The Belle Isle Nature Zoo sits on a 5-acre site surrounded by undisturbed forested wetlands on Belle Isle State Park in Detroit and provides year-round educational, recreational and environmental conservation opportunities for the community.
For hours, prices, directions and other information, call 248-541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org
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