A Day at the Zoo

By Sarah Culton, Communications Manager

When Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) Director of Education Dr. Claire Lannoye- Hall recalls a moment in her career that has truly made a difference, the image that comes to mind is one of joy.

“I was driving down Woodward, and I see this bus full of kids pulling up to the Zoo,” Lannoye-Hall says. “These kids were pumped. You could see the excitement in the windows — they were vibrating. They were so excited to visit and spend time with my team. Even now, I’m tearing up just thinking about it.”

But this wasn’t just any trip to the Zoo. These children were about to experience a Day at the Zoo — an experience so special, it deserves capital letters.

Run through the DZS education department, the Day at the Zoo (DATZ) program provides an opportunity for students to experience the Detroit Zoo by awarding financial assistance and travel stipends to classrooms where funds may be limited. School groups awarded funding through the DATZ program application process may choose between an in-person Zoo visit and experience with the education team, a virtual option or a combination of the two.

“Day at the Zoo removes the barriers of funding and transportation from a Zoo education,” adds Sandy Ling, curator of education. “It levels the playing field and ensures we are truly welcoming to all.”

Made possible by generous donors, including those who contributed to the David K. Page Fund and who donated during the Zoo’s annual fundraising gala Sunset at the Zoo, DATZ has been making a difference for more than a decade. In 2024 alone, the project served 9,150 students and teachers, giving them access to a learning experience that fosters empathy and an understanding of animals and nature.

“It’s critical to get kids out of the classroom,” Lannoye-Hall says. “The time teachers have to teach science in the classroom is extremely limited. When kids come to the Zoo to observe the animals and interact with our team, they are building critical skills that you can’t replicate on a screen, in a book or in a classroom. It really gets kids excited about science.”

“When you see an animal like a camel in real life, it’s a full sensory experience,” Ling adds. “Those sensory experiences are crucial to building lasting memories, which will help these kids care about animals and nature in the future.”

The proof of DATZ’s success is clear to see. Lannoye-Hall and Ling have countless stories of excited students and smiling faces; they keep a stack of brightly colored thank you cards written by the students they have reached. However, perhaps the most telling thing is that many teachers apply for the program year after year.

“We get a lot of positive feedback, and a lot of this program is spread through word of mouth,” Lannoye-Hall says. “Day at the Zoo is one of the highlights of my career, and it is such a privilege to work with students and teachers. I’m so glad people see the value in it and that we get to continue to provide this experience to kids for years to come

“This is our opportunity to reach those classrooms that wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to come here,” Lannoye-Hall says. “For many of these kids, it’s their first opportunity ever to come to the Zoo. It is such a privilege to make that connection and have them see all the amazing things we have here. It is hands-down one of the best parts of my job.”