Detroit Zoo Detroit Zoo News 2024

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I'm definitely mixed as the enclosure definitely doesn't seem quite big enough for a bear, but I can't help but be excited for them regardless! Detroit getting a new species of bear -- or really any megafaunal carnivoran -- is huge news!
 
For a zoo that's known for being very generous with enclosure size, sometimes to a fault even, I'm surprised they've chosen to display sloth bears in what's really just a spruced up 1930s grotto. It's certainly nice to see the zoo bring in a new megafauna species and with a few modificationsit can serve as an adequate enclosure, but Detroit usually sets it's bar a lot higher.

EDIT: Cross-post with @blospz. Knowing this is a temporary accommodation makes much more sense. Hopefully they settle on a smaller inhabitant once the bears move back.
 
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If the sloth bears were a temporary addition I’d be somewhat disappointed but it isn’t the best habitat. Could this be a temporary habitat then later on they receive a new habitat in a plausible Asia expansion? A volunteer told me she heard a rumor about that after discovery trails. Also I kind of doubt the sloth bears are temporary let alone for two, I’d expect just one in the space.
 
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"

Does anyone know where Binti ended up going to?
 
Any idea as to when the sloth bears will be out? I can only go once, maybe twice before winter fully sets in, and I want to wait until they're out.

Also, it's great to hear that the director wants to expand, or at least renovate the Asia section.
I'd expect late November to Late December for it to go on exhibit. Based on yesterday's facebook post it looks like it is coming along smoothly.
 
New sloth bear revealed: Log in to Facebook

“You’ve seen the posts and made your best guesses – now, the wait is over!

We’re thrilled to introduce Jagger, a 3-year-old sloth bear and the first of her kind at the Detroit Zoo in decades. While she’s still behind the scenes, the Zoo’s newest resident will be venturing outdoors in the next week – and this year, your Giving Zoo Day gift can directly impact Jagger’s life as she settles into her new habitat.

Donations this year will go toward enrichment items like a wobble chair, a food ball and more that will enhance her new habitat and promote her well-being through interactive play.

Here's the cherry on top - thanks to the generous Jeffrey Farber Family Foundation, your kindness will have double the impact! Every donation up to $5,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. That means your generosity goes twice as far to enrich Jagger’s new home — along with all the animals who call the Zoo home!

To learn more: Giving Zoo Day - Detroit Zoo
 
New sloth bear revealed: Log in to Facebook

“You’ve seen the posts and made your best guesses – now, the wait is over!

We’re thrilled to introduce Jagger, a 3-year-old sloth bear and the first of her kind at the Detroit Zoo in decades. While she’s still behind the scenes, the Zoo’s newest resident will be venturing outdoors in the next week – and this year, your Giving Zoo Day gift can directly impact Jagger’s life as she settles into her new habitat.

Donations this year will go toward enrichment items like a wobble chair, a food ball and more that will enhance her new habitat and promote her well-being through interactive play.

Here's the cherry on top - thanks to the generous Jeffrey Farber Family Foundation, your kindness will have double the impact! Every donation up to $5,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. That means your generosity goes twice as far to enrich Jagger’s new home — along with all the animals who call the Zoo home!

To learn more: Giving Zoo Day - Detroit Zoo
Question- Does it state when she will go on exhibit and will this be a permanent addition?
 
After a quick thought, is it possible we see an Asia renovation next? The signs point to it, sloth bear addition, white lipped deer not seen in over a year, new vulture yards and most importantly, a volunteer saying she heard that Asia was talked about a lot by the director! With her experience with primates I hope to see some sort in the expansion, preferably an ape but I’d take something else.

Edit- @Neil chace what do you think of their addition?
 
I am planning on visiting on Saturday/Sunday so I will ask about what’s after kid zone and see if the sloth bears are out. I will also check for the new terrariums in the reptile house that recently opened.
 
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