Detroit Zoo Detroit Zoo News 2024

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wild boar said:
It looks larger than the grottos at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, which I guess isn't really saying much but it wouldn't be the worst for either species. I don't remember where this is in the zoo from my single visit though, so I don't know if the picture is misleading.
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Measuring both on Google Maps, Brookfield's exhibit is slightly larger. This exhibit may be longer, but it is also significantly shallower of an exhibit. Brookfield's exhibit: 0.075 acres, Detroit's exhibit: 0.069 acres.

JVM said:
I think it looks a bit big for something like a coati or a porcupine but definitely wouldn't fit with Detroit's standards for other megafauna.... grotto-style exhibits are out for cats and bears but tend to be a poor fit for smaller species in my experience. Look forward to finding out what goes there.
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And I definitely think "Detroit's standards for other megafauna" is a big key here. While this exhibit may be perceived as a slightly outdated bear exhibit at a different zoo, but given the high standards at Detroit it'd stand out as easily one of the worst exhibits at the zoo. Perceptions matter, and it is easy for someone to leave a zoo with a bad taste in their mouth purely due to one exhibit they didn't like, even if the rest of the zoo was excellent.

The grottos at Brookfield don't stand out as overly bad because the rest of the zoo similarly contains some dated sections, the same can not be said about Detroit, which maintains some of the largest and most modern exhibits in the AZA for many of their species.

USZOOfan42 said:
It’s not that small of an habitat, in recent years it held, black bears, red pandas and most recently a grizzly bear. I’m not sure what we may get but I still think the sloth bear is a possibility.
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Even if it housed bears historically doesn't mean it is acceptable to house bears again. I would be absolutely SHOCKED if this exhibit became home to sloth bears, or any megafauna for that matter.
 
Neil chace said:
Even if it housed bears historically doesn't mean it is acceptable to house bears again. I would be absolutely SHOCKED if this exhibit became home to sloth bears, or any megafauna for that matter.
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This exhibit is obviously too massive for many animals so what else is left? I don’t think it would be that bad for sloth bears. Although they may stay for the American theming and do porcupine, cougar, black bear or maned wolf.
 
USZOOfan42 said:
This exhibit is obviously too massive for many animals so what else is left? I don’t think it would be that bad for sloth bears. Although they may stay for the American theming and do porcupine, cougar, black bear or maned wolf.
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Any number of small-to-medium sized mammals. Of the species you named, only porcupines seem acceptable for this exhibit. They could go with any species of fox, a variety of different primate species, a smaller felid (e.g., serval, ocelot, lynx, bobcat), coatimundi, capybara, Patagonian cavy, etc. Plenty of options. If they are trying to fit an Americas theme, Canadian lynx would probably be my first choice, though by no means the only choice.

Zoos shouldn't be aiming for "not that bad" for new exhibits, they should be aiming for genuinely good exhibits.
 
Nile Hippo Expert said:
No, Sun Bears are a phase-out species in the US with just eleven individuals remaining, with the youngest being 16 (and just three being under 25, though I am not sure on Catocin's sun bear's age), and they typically have a lifespan of 25-30 years, so I am 100% sure Detroit is not getting Sun Bears.
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Would it not be better if a major part of the sun bear population left in the North Americas be "shifted" (export on permanent breeding loan) to EAZA/EEP and its collections as the region has an active ex situ conservation breeding program?

ATM: they are especially looking to acquire more male sun bears.... from outside the region to expand the ex situ conservation effort in Europe!

Moreover and admittedly slightly off-topic: What is the current status of sun bears in the United States? Which zoos and in what numbers/sex/age are sun bears still maintained / held? Any US Zoochat members have a good overview for me (PM / DM is also appreciated)?!!!


Azamat Shackleford said:
What species do we think will be the new inhabitants, fellas?

Detroit Zoo on Instagram: "We will soon welcome back a species that hasn't been seen at the Detroit Zoo in over 20 years! Keep your eyes peeled for hints as to who will be joining us soon as we spruce up their new home. #DetroitZoo #NewtotheZoo #SomethingsComing"
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Do you have an outlay or ground plan for the exhibit?
 
Kifaru Bwana said:
Would it not be better if a major part of the sun bear population left in the North Americas be "shifted" (export on permanent breeding loan) to EAZA/EEP and its collections as the region has an active ex situ conservation breeding program?

ATM: they are especially looking to acquire more male sun bears.... from outside the region to expand the ex situ conservation effort in Europe!

Moreover and admittedly slightly off-topic: What is the current status of sun bears in the United States? Which zoos and in what numbers/sex/age are sun bears still maintained / held? Any US Zoochat members have a good overview for me (PM / DM is also appreciated)?!!!



Do you have an outlay or ground plan for the exhibit?
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The fate of Sun Bears in the US

This thread would be a good place to start to get some info on current sun bears in the US. Interestingly, Brookfield specifically named sun bears in their master plan. Who knows if they have plans to gain new individuals or if it was just included as a pipe dream.
 
BlobfishBoy said:
The fate of Sun Bears in the US

This thread would be a good place to start to get some info on current sun bears in the US. Interestingly, Brookfield specifically named sun bears in their master plan. Who knows if they have plans to gain new individuals or if it was just included as a pipe dream.
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Thanks @BlobfishBoy, I will look into it ..., I hope they updated the thread lately ... This as I am planning to check up and over the European sun bear population with other regions including the AZA zoo community.

Yeah, I did note that Chicago Brookfield interestingly was quoted as planning on sun bears ... (which is completely against what AZA is currently doing .... with phase out to extinction ... Well all know my perceptions over that and that it would be best to export most if not all that are still able to travel ...!).
 
The zoo has announced that 0.1 Binti will leave soon and the zoo with welcome an unknown male.Detroit Zoo on Instagram: "You say, "Goodbye" and I say, "Hello!” – we’re welcoming a new lion and saying farewell to another. As the first lion cub born at the Detroit Zoo in 40 years, Binti has truly made a special impact on all of us. With that said, she has received a Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation and will soon head to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo. The SSP recommends moves such as this to promote the health, genetic diversity and overall sustainability of lion populations in zoos – and we're hopeful that one day Binti will contribute to the conservation of her species by becoming a mother herself. Saying goodbye is always bittersweet – especially for an animal that has such a special bond with our animal care staff. Born to parents Simba and Asha on Sept. 10, 2020, Binti had to be hand-raised because of complications that occurred during her mother’s labor. However, with the help of our incredibly dedicated zookeepers, Binti has grown and thrived to become a healthy, well-socialized lion. As a fellow AZA-accredited facility, Binti’s new home will offer her outstanding care and everything she needs to continue thriving as a positive ambassador for lions everywhere. Though she will be missed at the Detroit Zoo, we're excited for all that awaits Binti in this next adventure. Even though we’re saying goodbye to Binti, we are excited to announce that a new male lion will soon be joining Asha and Amirah! Be sure to stay tuned to our social media channels in the coming weeks as we announce new details on what’s planned for this pride. Jennifer Harte & Patti Truesdell"
 
Few updates from today’s visit:
• The 2 vulture species are now mixed
• Red Panda Cubs are not on habitat yet
• Both ape habitats (outdoors) are closed for new climbing structures (wooden) and a renovation
• African Rock Python Exhibit is Unoccupied
• Binti (Lion) has left
• Jahari (Giraffe) has left
• New habitat behind grizzlies is receiving a new climbing structure
• Outback was closed
• Sea Otter was no out as usual
• Suka is denned up, hopeful for cubs!
• Volunteer told me the species of the habitat behind the grizzlies, it isn’t public information yet. (very surprising)
• Volunteer confined AJ (Tree Kangaroo) is still alive
• She also stated that the animals for Discovery Trails are (Still not for sure on the plan for the habitat, the director), Bush Dog, Stingrays, Prairie Dogs, Burrowing Owls, Giant Anteaters, Domestics, Capybaras, and Tree Kangaroos!
 
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USZOOfan42 said:
Few updates from today’s visit:
• The 2 vulture species are now mixed
• Red Panda Cubs are not on habitat yet
• Both ape habitats (outdoors) are closed for new climbing structures (wooden) and a renovation
• African Rock Python Exhibit is Unoccupied
• Binti (Lion) has left
• Jahari (Giraffe) has left
• New habitat behind grizzlies is receiving a new climbing structure
• Outback was closed
• Sea Otter was no out as usual
• Suka is denned up, hopeful for cubs!
• Volunteer told me the species of the habitat behind the grizzlies, it isn’t public information yet. (very surprising)
• Volunteer confined AJ (Tree Kangaroo) is still alive
• She also stated that the animals for Discovery Trails are (Still not for sure on the plan for the habitat, the director), Bush Dog, Stingrays, Prairie Dogs, Burrowing Owls, Giant Anteaters, Domestics, Capybaras, and Tree Kangaroos!
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Are we allowed to know if the new species fits the North America, Africa, or Australia area theme?
 
AlmightyKingPrawn said:
Are we able to get its class? Is it a mammal or bird? (I won't ask any further questions, thought this one was vague enough)
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I'm guessing it's the North American porcupine. Although, northern hemisphere is broad, I'm assuming it's from North America. I don't know what else would live in the Northern hemisphere and need a climbing structure in an exhibit that size. Hopefully it's not raccoons lol, although Denver has albino raccoons, so that's pretty cool. Unless it something from Asia, but that placement would be way off for the zoo's layout.
 
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Based off the video here are the species included:
Domestic Goat (unknown breed)
Alpaca
Miniature Donkey
Domestic Chicken (Unknown)
Giant Anteater
Bush Dog
Burrowing Owl
Prairie Dog
Bamboo Shark (Unknown Species)
Stingrays(based off concept art and video most likely southern and cownose)

And here are the other possible additions:
Domestic Pig- Currently BTS
Domestic Sheep- Highly Likely
Matchie’s Tree Kangaroo- BTS, volunteer mentioned it
Capybara- Unlikey, volunteer mentioned it
Squirrel Monkey- Unlikely, BTS
Black Footed Ferret- Unlikely, mentioned by volunteer (could go in old prairie dog habitat)
 
Questions for you guys:
What do you want to be worked on next at the zoo? For example I’d like to see an Asia renovation and add takin, tapir, otter, birds and possibly oranguatan.
 
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