Community Impact
where community connects
Every day, the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world. Through conservation, education and community engagement, we're helping our region and our planet thrive.
See Our Impact Read Our Stories
Giving back to our community
Connecting people, animals and the natural world
The Detroit Zoo has always been more than a destination — we’re part of our community. From free Senior Days to classroom programs to activations at community events across Southeast Michigan, giving back is something we work at every day. This is a look at the difference we make together with gratitude for the community that makes it possible.
Our community impact
By the numbers
7,100+
Seniors Welcomed Free IN 2025
Older adults enjoy free admission on Senior Days, so cost is never a barrier to a day of connection and discovery at the Zoo.
1.3M
Annual Visitors
Families, students and lifelong fans of all ages visit each year, making the Zoo one of the region's most beloved places to gather.
166,000+
LEARNERS Reached
Through field trips, classroom programs and outreach, we bring hands-on science learning to our region.
46,000+
Tri-County Members
Residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties enjoy a discounted membership with unlimited visitation all year long.
Real change, real community
Stories of Impact
The people, partnerships and moments behind our work — from a senior’s first visit in years to a classroom discovering wildlife up close. These are the stories of the difference we make together.
The Detroit Zoo is Making Dreams Come True
The Detroit Zoo is proud to partner with our community to provide children dealing with chronic or terminal illnesses with a free, restful evening at the Zoo through Dream Night. Learn how this program brings smiles to faces and makes dreams come true.
Read Story
A Day at the Zoo
We believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to conservation education. That’s why our Day at the Zoo program offers a free visit to the Zoo for classrooms in need throughout the tri counties. Learn more about how this donor-funded program creates connections that make a difference.
Read Story
Something BIG on Belle Isle
The Belle Isle Nature Center, operated by the Detroit Zoological Society, offers free admission and programming — creating meaningful connections in the heart of Detroit. Read about just one of those programs that brings our mission to life.
Read Story
Youth Day Making a Difference for Children in Detroit
We know that igniting positive change starts with the youth. That’s why we are proud to support Metro Detroit Youth Day each year. Read how this special day of collaboration and fun is making a difference in the lives of children in southeast Michigan.
Read Story
Jungle Journey: DZS Team Working in Peru to Promote Education and Protect the Amazon Rainforest
Our community impact goes far beyond metro Detroit. Learn how we work with communities along the Amazon River in Peru to support education and conservation.
Read StoryBEYOND OUR GATES
Out in the Community
From classroom visits to senior centers to community festivals, the Detroit Zoo shows up for our community all year long. Here's a look at last year's reach across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
265+
Special Programs Delivered
~30,000+
Residents Engaged
$190M
in Economic Impact
Give to the Zoo
Be part of the difference
Generous supporters like you help care for the animals who call the Zoo home, create meaningful experiences for guests of all ages, and protect the natural world through conservation and sustainability. Every gift makes a difference.
- Make a gift of any size
- Explore membership and the Renaissance Circle
- Symbolically adopt an animal through ADOPTS
Partner with us
Bring the Zoo to your community
Schools, libraries, community organizations and businesses: let’s work together. From classroom programs to sponsorships that extend our reach, partnership helps us serve more of the community across the region.
- Explore corporate sponsorship
- Connect on a community program
- Support access for more families