Detroit Zoological Society

This National Security Officer Appreciation Week, we’re proud to recognize the 33 individuals who make up the security team at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. From gate officers to foot and vehicle patrol to dispatch, these team members are instrumental in keeping our grounds safe and our operations running smoothly every day. Their vigilance, professionalism and dedication often go unseen, but their impact is felt in every corner of what we do. 👏 Thank you to our security team for your hard work and commitment — we appreciate you! 👏 #NationalSecurityOfficerAppreciationWeek #DetroitZoo #BelleIsleNatureCenter

A "peng-winning" collaboration! 🐧🏆 Bird Supervisor Lindsay and the penguins who call the Zoo home made a splash on the Discovery Channel’s Bassquatch Hunter: Fish Out of Water, reeling in fish (and fans!) alongside host Mike. The episode highlighted Lindsay’s incredible work with the penguins — and viewers loved it. It went on to win two Telly Awards and a Michigan Emmy! Learn from host Mike himself how this episode came to be and what makes the Detroit Zoo a magical place to him. 👨💻 DZS Blog: https://ow.ly/H3wi50WU05r Then swim over to the Discovery Channel to see this award-winning episode for yourself. 🐟 Show link: https://ow.ly/JY1q50WU05s

You went the extra mile for the animals at the Detroit Zoo! 🏃♀️ We are grateful to all the 2,242 participants who hit the pavement during Run Wild For the Detroit Zoo last Sunday. Because of you and our sponsors, we raised an impressive net revenue of $138,000! These funds will support the Ruth Roby Glancy Animal Health Complex and the exemplary veterinary care provided to the animals at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. Thank you to all who walked, ran, donated and met or surpassed our fundraising challenge – you are all truly wildlife champions! 🏅 Run Wild was presented by Michigan First Credit Union.

Michigan beaches are for plovers! 🌊❤️ When we swim, we share the shores with Michigan's wildlife, such as the Great Lakes piping plover. Unfortunately, sharing isn't always easy. This little shorebird suffers from habitat loss and predation and is listed as an endangered species. For more than 20 years, the Detroit Zoological Society, Great Lakes Piping Plover Recovery Program and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have been working hard to protect this plover. Every summer, our team rescues abandoned eggs, incubates and raises chicks and releases them into the wild to support the species' recovery. 🔔 Good news alert: Great Lakes piping plover numbers are on the rise. A record-breaking 88 breeding pairs and 101 nests were recorded this year — the highest numbers since the species was listed as endangered in Michigan. Additionally, 36 captive-reared chicks were released into the wild, thanks to our animal care experts. Pip, pip, hooray! These wins are a powerful reminder of what conservation can achieve.  #DetroitZoo #Conservation #SavingSpecies

🚧 Discovery Trails Update: New Features Unveiled! 🚧 Opening in 2026, Discovery Trails continues to take shape — and in this update, we’re unveiling even more brand-new features coming to the Detroit Zoo. Here’s what else you'll experience: • Get ready to feed and interact with stingrays and bamboo sharks in the incredible Stingray Cove aquatic habitat • Enjoy the Senses Trail, a playful path where kids and families can use sight, sound, smell and touch to connect with the natural world • Grab a souvenir, get your face painted or transform into your favorite animal with fun costumes at Base Camp We’re laying the foundation for something bigger than ever before — and there’s still more to come! Stay tuned for even more exclusive previews of Discovery Trails. #DetroitZoo #DiscoveryTrails #ZooConstructionUpdate #ComingSoon

We’re excited to share some fantastic news from our Veterinary Department and the Great Ape Heart Project (GAHP) team! Thanks to the generous support of the UW Health School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the Detroit Zoo has received a Philips IE33 ultrasound machine to further our mission of monitoring and improving cardiovascular health in great apes. What makes this donation even more meaningful: GAHP sonographer Leanne Harmann and her daughter Erin personally drove the machine from Madison, Wisconsin, to Detroit last Friday—an extraordinary act of dedication. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this possible. Your support directly advances the health and well-being of great apes around the world. #GreatApeHeartProject #DetroitZoo #UWHealth

A big thank you to our outstanding Landscaping team at the Detroit Zoo for their recent work in the giraffe habitat! Over the course of three days, the team completely removed and replaced the decomposed granite substrate in the giraffe addition — the first full replacement since the space was constructed. More than 50 tons of new decomposed granite were brought in and installed. This type of substrate plays a key role in supporting animal welfare, as it helps naturally wear down giraffes’ hooves and provides essential variation in terrain. This project is a great example of the behind-the-scenes work that directly contributes to the well-being of the animals in our care. We’re proud to recognize the Landscaping team for their dedication and collaboration in helping us maintain a healthy and enriching environment for all species at the Zoo. #DetroitZoo #GiraffeCare #AnimalWelfare #ZooBehindTheScenes #Teamwork

We are thrilled to announce two well-earned promotions within our leadership team! Firstly, Claire Lannoye-Hall, Ph.D. has been promoted to vice president of education! For nearly two decades, Claire has led with vision, heart and a deep commitment to making conservation education inclusive, accessible and action-driven. From mentoring youth to leading award-winning global programs, her work continues to transform lives and inspire change. Additionally, Mike Murray has been promoted to chief life sciences officer! In just two and a half years, Mike has elevated our animal care and conservation efforts—guiding successful births of endangered species, advancing welfare practices and expanding our impact in metro Detroit and beyond. Together, Claire and Mike are helping shape a future where people and animals thrive. Please join us in celebrating their leadership and the powerful difference they continue to make!

We were very saddened to learn that Ruth Roby Glancy, longtime chair of the Detroit Zoological Society (1990-2005), passed away on Friday after a long illness. Ruth was a noted philanthropist and community leader and was especially passionate about the mission of the DZS. She was a tenacious fundraiser and played a pivotal role in the development of the Great Apes of Harambee habitat. More than a decade later, she led the Celebrating Wildlife campaign that raised more than $30 million for the National Amphibian Conservation Center, Arctic Ring of Life, Ford Education Center and the Ruth Roby Glancy Animal Health Complex named in her honor. Even after stepping down as Board Chair, Mrs. Glancy and her family continued to generously support the DZS. In her community activities, Ruth was known for her indomitable spirit and unflagging energy. Her passing is a tremendous loss to the DZS and the many other cultural and charitable institutions in which she was involved. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends as they grieve her passing.

Help save Arctic sea ice for polar bears and people with the Detroit Zoo and Polar Bears International! When Arctic waters are cold enough, the top layer freezes into a special type of ice called “sea ice.” Sea ice is to the ocean as soil is to a forest: it supports the entire Arctic food chain. However, warming temperatures are putting Arctic sea ice and its inhabitants in peril. Together, we can help slow the melting of sea ice by making everyday choices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes actions like using energy-efficient appliances, reducing car trips, conserving electricity, and supporting clean energy options at home. Talking about climate change with your friends and family also helps raise awareness and inspire others to take action. The Detroit Zoo is proud to partner with Polar Bears International. Visit their website for more information about Arctic sea ice: bit.ly/arcticseaiceday #DetroitZoo #EnergyShift #SaveOurSeaIce #TalkAboutIt #ArcticSeaIceDay