Detroit Zoological Society

Mission

Demonstrate leadership in wildlife conservation and animal welfare; Provide a broad audience with outstanding and unique educational opportunities that lead to the appreciation and stewardship of nature; Inspire our community with engaging, meaningful and memorable experiences; Provide innovative zoological facilities that contribute to the regions economic vitality; Demonstrate organizational excellence consistent with a commitment to outstanding service and progressive resource management. (Approved by the Detroit Zoological Commission Directors on May 6, 1998 and by the Detroit Zoological Society Board of Directors on June 18, 1998)

Programs

The 125-acre Detroit Zoo, with its more than 50 major exhibits, serves more than one-million annual visitors and 48,000 member households. The Zoo's conservation, education and collections programs focus on providing top-quality care for animals and exceptional experiences for visitors. The Zoo's visitors are primarily southeastern Michigan residents of diverse demographics, though the Zoo also welcomes tourists from across the nation and worldwide. Approximately 400,000 children visit the Zoo each year, 150,000 of them with organized school groups. Another 10,000 children participate in formal education programs, from summer camps to wildlife art to humane education, which are conducted both onsite and in local schools, libraries and at the Children's Hospital of Michigan. Approximately 1,900 animals make their home at the Detroit Zoo- mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes - representing 286 species from almost all the earth's possible habitats. In the past five years, the Zoo has won two major national awards from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for significant exhibits. The Zoo also participates in several important conservation initiatives, both locally and worldwide, and maintains several significant partnerships.