Adopt an Animal at the Detroit Zoo | ADOPTS Program
October 12, 2026
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Visit detroitzoo.org/adopts to pick your animals, choose your support level and ignite positive change.
A Gift That Starts a Tradition
Adopt an Animal at the Detroit Zoo
About 10 years ago, Rosemary Dirksen, a grandmother of six from Rochester Hills, wanted to give her grandson Max a birthday gift that would stand out — something beyond another toy destined for the storage bin. She discovered the Detroit Zoo’s ADOPTS program and symbolically adopted an animal in his name.
That single gift sparked a cherished family tradition. Every grandchild born after Max received a Detroit Zoo animal adoption on their first birthday.
“My grandchildren get plenty of toys,” Rosemary shares. “I was really looking for something that could be an experience — something special we could share together.”
What is the ADOPTS Program?
ADOPTS stands for Animals Depend on People to Survive. Every symbolic adoption helps fund daily care and expert veterinary treatment for more than 2,000 animals representing more than 200 species at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. Beyond metro Detroit, your support directly fuels the Detroit Zoological Society’s global conservation efforts.
It all connects to our core mission, creating meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive.
The Fun Starts at Home
For Rosemary’s family, opening the adoption package is half the magic.
“I love it because they send the picture of the animal with its name, a full background story, facts about the species and an official personalized certificate,” she says. Rosemary often pairs the adoption packet with a matching book about the animal to make her gift even more memorable.
Each grandchild picks their own animal. When her youngest turned 4, he surprised her by choosing a warthog. “It was Pumbaa from The Lion King!” she laughs. “So, that’s exactly what he got.”
Visiting “Their” Animal at the Zoo
As soon as the adoption packet arrives, the excitement builds for a zoo visit. Max’s first adopted animal was a penguin, which turned every trip to the Polk Penguin Conservation Center into a treasure hunt.
“They can’t wait to get to the Zoo and try to spot their animal,” Rosemary recalled. “Who knows which specific penguin was his, but we pointed one out, and he was convinced that was his penguin!”
Four Adoption Packages to Choose From
Whether you're shopping for a birthday, holiday or classroom project, there is an ADOPTS package level to fit your goal:
- Friends of Wildlife ($50): Personalized adoption certificate, an 8x10 color photo and an informative species fact sheet.
- Protector of Wildlife ($100): Includes everything above plus an adorable plush version of your animal from the Zoofari Market.
- Champion of Wildlife ($250): Includes all the above plus recognition on the ADOPTS Honor Roll on the Detroit Zoo website.
- Guardian of Wildlife ($1,000): Includes all the above plus a custom medallion displayed at your adopted animal’s habitat for a full year.
Great for Classrooms and Groups, Too!
ADOPTS isn't just for families — it’s also a wonderful educational experience for school groups! Classes studying ecosystems or conservation can adopt an animal together, or a school can sponsor their official mascot. It gives students a hands-on connection to wildlife while instilling values of care and stewardship.
Give the Wildest Gift of the Season
More than 10 years and six grandchildren later, Rosemary still highly recommends ADOPTS to friends.
“I think it’s a wonderful program,” she says. “It’s a far better use of money than another toy, and it supports a cause that truly matters.”
From anteaters to zebras, find the animal that will bring a smile to someone special and start your own wild tradition today.
