Introducing Discovery Trails!
In 2026, something new is coming to the Zoo! From new animal habitats, hands-on encounters and play areas for guests of all ages, Discovery Trails will be an immersive, 7-acre experience that connects you to animals and nature like never before.
Discovery Trails will feature:
Connect with animals like alpacas, donkeys, anteaters, bush dogs, goats, chickens, stingrays, bamboo sharks and burrowing owls. Get closer with exclusive animal encounters. Explore with an imaginative farmers market, senses trail, elevated canopy walkway and Little Sprouts area. Then, relax with gathering spaces — including sensory-friendly areas.
No matter what you’re looking for, Discovery Trails has it all.
Discover Your Next Adventure
Connect with animals like alpacas, donkeys, anteaters, bush dogs, goats, chickens, stingrays, bamboo sharks and burrowing owls. Get closer with exclusive animal encounters. Explore with an imaginative farmers market, senses trail, elevated canopy walkway and Little Sprouts area. Then, relax with gathering spaces — including sensory-friendly areas.
No matter what you’re looking for, Discovery Trails has it all.
Join us on the journey to Discovery Trails!
Discover What’s Just Been Announced!
The Barnyard
An immersive area where guests of all ages can brush goats, feed chickens and connect with animals like alpacas and donkeys.
The Canopy Trail and Treetop Crossing
An accessible, aerial adventure where kids and adults alike can climb, play and explore from above.
The Gathering Pavilion
The perfect place for you to host your next family gathering, birthday party or celebration.
Discover What's Coming Next
Stingray Cove | Senses Trail | Base Camp
Bush Dogs | Farmers Market | Mosaic Plaza
Prairie Dogs | Little Sprouts | Gather Area
Introducing Discovery Trails
An immersive, 7-acre experience coming to the Detroit Zoo
Ready to explore Discovery Trails?
Join us on the journey and take a deeper dive into all the new features coming in 2026.
Discover Even More Discovery Trails
Advancing Our Mission
At the Detroit Zoological Society, our mission is simple but powerful — to create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive. For more than a century, we’ve achieved this through unique experiences and programs that have reached millions, conservation work on all seven continents and advocacy that is igniting positive change far and wide. Discovery Trails will bring our mission to life in a new and exciting way. Join us on this incredible journey!
Your Support Makes a Difference
To bring these exciting plans to life, philanthropic investments are now being sought and compelling naming opportunities are available. For more information, please contact the Detroit Zoological Society Development Office at development@dzs.org or (248) 336-5728.
Stay Informed About Discovery Trails
We will continue to make new and exciting announcements in the coming months.
Sign up below for email alerts to stay informed.
Discovery Trails
