Safety and Enjoyment

We want your visit to be pleasant and safe, so we ask that you observe the following rules:

No-Feeding Policy
Visitors are strictly prohibited from feeding any animal at the Detroit Zoo. Animals have specialized and nutritionally balanced diets, and throwing food and other objects into habitats may risk their health and safety. Guests who violate this rule will be escorted from the Zoo.

No Admittance to Restricted Areas
For your own safety and the safety of your children, NEVER get close to the animals. Do not climb over, lean on or lift children onto or over fences. Please stay out of service areas.

Security Services
Guests are required to abide by all posted rules and regulations and to follow the direction of Security Officers.

  • Smoking and vaping are not permitted on Zoo grounds.
  • Shoes and shirts are required.
  • No obscene or indecent clothing.
  • No bicycle riding, ball or frisbee playing, skateboarding, roller or in-line skating, shoes with built-in skates, tricycles and scooters.
  • No running or jogging.
  • Segways and other similar upright assisted mobility devices are not permitted on Zoo grounds.
  • Absolutely no pets on Zoo grounds or in parking lots.
  • No grills or alcohol.
  • No distribution of merchandise or printed literature of any kind in the Zoo.
  • No collection of signatures. No solicitation.
  • No radios or televisions.
  • No balloons (they are dangerous to animals).

 

Drone Policy
The use or deployment of unmanned, remote-controlled, autonomous, or semi-autonomous aircraft (including drones, model aircraft, rockets, and similar aerial devices) on or over the Detroit Zoo can pose a serious and direct threat to the safety and welfare of Detroit Zoo animals, patrons, and staff. Animals may be startled or panicked by such devices, and these devices pose an immediate physical threat due to propulsion systems and/or uncontrolled flight.

Except as specifically authorized under Federal Aviation Administration, and with the permission of the DZS Chief Life Sciences Officer and Chief Operating Officer, operation or launch of such a device from the Detroit Zoo property is prohibited. While the DZS cannot control the conduct of individuals located off Detroit Zoo property, the DZS further prohibits overflight of the Detroit Zoo by such a device, except as specifically authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration. In the event that such a device lands on Detroit Zoo property, the device will be confiscated.