Female red panda leaving:
11-month-old red panda joins Beardsley Zoo
11 month old Ponya is going to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.
11-month-old red panda joins Beardsley Zoo
11 month old Ponya is going to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.
Detroit Zoo Detroit Zoo News 2025
- Thread starter USZOOfan42
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USZOOfan42
Well-Known Member
I was looking at stuff trying to find information on the zoo’s future, and it seems soon we will see a giraffe habitat renovation. The company is the same one who did Tiger forest and discovery trails (also some Cleveland and Akron future projects @EagleScout610). This project is estimated to cost 3 million dollars and start in October of this year. It will renovate the entire giraffe habitat and will create a new feeding deck. AMHigley_Zoo_9.9.24-2 the new information is on page 8.
USZOOfan42
Well-Known Member
Few updates from today’s visit:
• Soon all of the empty habitats will have new animals and species, prairie dogs will be especially exciting (a volunteer told me)
• The zoo has 4+ white storks behind the vultures
• The red panda bridge has reopened
• There’s some sort of water feature being built in the right flamingo habitat (its currently empty)
• Dart Frog habitat has reopened, Mantellas now are under construction
• Arrau Turtle habitat is getting renovated, currently empty
• Soon all of the empty habitats will have new animals and species, prairie dogs will be especially exciting (a volunteer told me)
• The zoo has 4+ white storks behind the vultures
• The red panda bridge has reopened
• There’s some sort of water feature being built in the right flamingo habitat (its currently empty)
• Dart Frog habitat has reopened, Mantellas now are under construction
• Arrau Turtle habitat is getting renovated, currently empty
Did they give any kind of time frame for how soon the animals will be on exhibit? Will we be able to see them?
The water feature is likely for the sandhill cranes and rhea, which currently live in that section of the exhibit.
The water feature is likely for the sandhill cranes and rhea, which currently live in that section of the exhibit.
USZOOfan42
Well-Known Member
The animals in the former exhibits? She said that the prairie dogs will be next spring, and mousebird and python within the next year.
Wonder what the prairie dog replacement will be! Did you notice any major modifications to their former habitat?
USZOOfan42
Well-Known Member
None. She said there will be extensive renovations for this “exciting addition next year”
I’d imagine it will probably be some kind of smallish mammal from the Americas, but who knows.
USZOOfan42
Well-Known Member
Detroit doesn’t have a red panda named “Sundara”, was it Patti?
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
Her name appears to have been changed upon arriving in Akron.
I went to the zoo yesterday. Here are some updates (if the information is new, if info that's already been shared, I apologize)
- The Discovery Zone is coming along nicely, with a lot of construction that was new since my last visit: lots of the wooden play structures are in place, a building is taking shape in the back (sharks and rays, I think), the domestics building is coming along.
-The large turtles that lived with the Caiman have been moved to a other zoo, and will not return
- The New Blue and yellow Macaw was behind the scenes, and is still adjusting to its habitat.
- The White-naped cranes were visible, but not on exhibit yet.
- I didn't see anything that looked like construction behind the kangaroo, but it looked like they did a lot of tree trimming. I asked a volunteer and they said they're not building anything back there.
-A volunteer said the Japanese Giant salamanders should be back on exhibit next week, they're currently under construction. She said they're gonna add a shader to the glass ceiling to help combat the excessive algae growth.
- A volunteer also did they hope to have another large lizard in the previous water monitor exhibit, but the zoo is likely waiting for one in need of rescue, which is fair.
- The Fiji Island Iguana was in plain view, and seems comfortable now.
- The bats were still not out in the Hang Out.
- The American white pelicans were not out, I really hope they're not gone, they're one of my favorites.
- The sloth bear was sleeping, which she seems to do most of the time, although she seems to have spurts of activity. I think sloth bears sleep a lot anyhow, similar to lions.
- The Discovery Zone is coming along nicely, with a lot of construction that was new since my last visit: lots of the wooden play structures are in place, a building is taking shape in the back (sharks and rays, I think), the domestics building is coming along.
-The large turtles that lived with the Caiman have been moved to a other zoo, and will not return
- The New Blue and yellow Macaw was behind the scenes, and is still adjusting to its habitat.
- The White-naped cranes were visible, but not on exhibit yet.
- I didn't see anything that looked like construction behind the kangaroo, but it looked like they did a lot of tree trimming. I asked a volunteer and they said they're not building anything back there.
-A volunteer said the Japanese Giant salamanders should be back on exhibit next week, they're currently under construction. She said they're gonna add a shader to the glass ceiling to help combat the excessive algae growth.
- A volunteer also did they hope to have another large lizard in the previous water monitor exhibit, but the zoo is likely waiting for one in need of rescue, which is fair.
- The Fiji Island Iguana was in plain view, and seems comfortable now.
- The bats were still not out in the Hang Out.
- The American white pelicans were not out, I really hope they're not gone, they're one of my favorites.
- The sloth bear was sleeping, which she seems to do most of the time, although she seems to have spurts of activity. I think sloth bears sleep a lot anyhow, similar to lions.
Why you’ll love Zoo Keys: ️ Hear the Zoo through poetry Spark curiosity and conversation Take home a reusable souvenir Support local student voices Perfect for kids, nostalgic adults and everyone in between! #ZooKeys #DetroitZoo #UnlockTheWild #ZooMemories #StorytellingInTheWild"
USZOOfan42
Well-Known Member
Made a quick visit today, only visited half of the zoo. Here are some interesting developments:
• Sandhill Cranes and Rheas now reside in the “former” right flamingo habitat
• There are dozens of Panamanian golden frog tadpoles in their exhibit, they are signed.
• Many penguins are on eggs!
• Sandhill Cranes and Rheas now reside in the “former” right flamingo habitat
• There are dozens of Panamanian golden frog tadpoles in their exhibit, they are signed.
• Many penguins are on eggs!
USZOOfan42
Well-Known Member
A pig nosed turtle is now in the former Arrau turtle tank.
Was a rentable event pavillion already known for Discovery Trails? Not much else new otherwise, though there's new concept art and a promise for further updates on other parts not mentioned here (which is mostly focused on the Barnyard and playgrounds). Still on track for 2026 opening!
Detroit Zoo on Instagram: " Discovery Trails Update: Kicking Things Off! The future of the Detroit Zoo is coming to you soon! Opening in 2026, Discovery Trails will connect you to nature like never before. This immersive, 7-acre experience will feature new and reimagined animal habitats, up-close animal encounters, playful features and so much more. Here’s a sneak peek at everything Discovery Trails has to offer: - A barnyard where you can brush goats, feed chickens and meet animals such as alpacas and donkeys - A canopy trail that’s designed for kids (and kids-at-heart) - An event pavilion where you can host your next birthday party or celebration - So much more! Watch for additional updates as we build this new experience. Keep following for exclusive previews and ways you can be part of Discovery Trails! Want to learn more? Comment 'discovery' and we'll send you a DM with more information."
Detroit Zoo on Instagram: " Discovery Trails Update: Kicking Things Off! The future of the Detroit Zoo is coming to you soon! Opening in 2026, Discovery Trails will connect you to nature like never before. This immersive, 7-acre experience will feature new and reimagined animal habitats, up-close animal encounters, playful features and so much more. Here’s a sneak peek at everything Discovery Trails has to offer: - A barnyard where you can brush goats, feed chickens and meet animals such as alpacas and donkeys - A canopy trail that’s designed for kids (and kids-at-heart) - An event pavilion where you can host your next birthday party or celebration - So much more! Watch for additional updates as we build this new experience. Keep following for exclusive previews and ways you can be part of Discovery Trails! Want to learn more? Comment 'discovery' and we'll send you a DM with more information."
The Detroit Zoo website has been updated to have a pretty good guide on how these small Detroit Zoo Directs are going to work, based on parts that don't yet have attached video as they haven't released:
* This update was Barnyard/Canopy Trail/Events Pavilion
* August Update: Stingray Cove/Senses Trail/Base Camp
* October Update: Bush Dogs/Farmer's Market/Mosaic Plaza
* December Update: Prairie Dogs/Little Sprouts/Gather Area
Who knows how much new we get from these, if anything, but it's still worth keeping an eye out!
Discovery Trails - Detroit Zoo
* This update was Barnyard/Canopy Trail/Events Pavilion
* August Update: Stingray Cove/Senses Trail/Base Camp
* October Update: Bush Dogs/Farmer's Market/Mosaic Plaza
* December Update: Prairie Dogs/Little Sprouts/Gather Area
Who knows how much new we get from these, if anything, but it's still worth keeping an eye out!
Discovery Trails - Detroit Zoo
The Barnyard concept art BTW (only exhibit concept art so far):
Not very different from what we've seen prior, but still a great look. Two goat yards, one being a large contact yard and another they can cross over a bridge to get away from guests, a donkey yard, an alpaca yard, and a very colorful chicken coop. Extremely unsurprisingly, the goat breeds of choice appear to be pygmy and Nigerian dwarf.
Not very different from what we've seen prior, but still a great look. Two goat yards, one being a large contact yard and another they can cross over a bridge to get away from guests, a donkey yard, an alpaca yard, and a very colorful chicken coop. Extremely unsurprisingly, the goat breeds of choice appear to be pygmy and Nigerian dwarf.
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I also just found this brochure:
https://detroitzoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DiscoveryTrailsbrochureFINAL.pdf
* Most important update here is our clearest map of the place yet
* Samples of colorful signage and architecture
* Per one example of said signage, it appears the prairie dog and burrowing owl exhibits will be made to seamlessly appear to be the same prairie dog town by being directly next to each other and barely divided. Both have underground viewing, including viewable nurseries for the babies (so they're probably breeding both species). Something tells me this exhibit in particular will be a highlight.
* The goat outside the pasture in the concept art above isn't real. He's a model intended to help kids learn to pet the real ones properly before going in.
* Chicken contact of some sort.
* Vegetable garden in the Barnyard
* Guest stingray and shark feeding
* "Most" experiences included with admission - encounters?
https://detroitzoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DiscoveryTrailsbrochureFINAL.pdf
* Most important update here is our clearest map of the place yet
* Samples of colorful signage and architecture
* Per one example of said signage, it appears the prairie dog and burrowing owl exhibits will be made to seamlessly appear to be the same prairie dog town by being directly next to each other and barely divided. Both have underground viewing, including viewable nurseries for the babies (so they're probably breeding both species). Something tells me this exhibit in particular will be a highlight.
* The goat outside the pasture in the concept art above isn't real. He's a model intended to help kids learn to pet the real ones properly before going in.
* Chicken contact of some sort.
* Vegetable garden in the Barnyard
* Guest stingray and shark feeding
* "Most" experiences included with admission - encounters?
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