Animal Day Celebrations
Free with Zoo admission I Free for members
Celebrate the animals who call the Detroit Zoo home!
Have you ever wondered why a tiger has its stripes or pondered why snakes have forked tongues? Maybe you’ve been itching to know how wide a gorilla’s arm span is or what a polar bear eats in a day?
Satisfy your curiosity when you join us for an upcoming Animal Day Celebration! Throughout 2023, the Detroit Zoo will be highlighting a featured animal or topic every month for an in-person celebration. Free with admission, you can learn about your favorite animals directly from our animal care specialists, partake in hands-on activities and leave with an exclusive animal day passport card. Attend each event to collect them all!
What can you expect during our 2023 Animal Day Celebrations?
- Habitat chats
- “Ed-zoo-cation” stations
- Wildlife Adventure Stories
- And much more!
2023 Animal Day Celebrations Schedule:
Jan. 28 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
World Wetlands Day
Did you know Michigan is home to more than 33 different types of wetlands that cover nearly 15 percent of our state? Joins us as we celebrate the biodiversity of wetlands!
Feb. 25 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
International Polar Bear Day
Meet the polar bear family that calls the Detroit Zoo home! Learn all about how Suka and her twins live at the Zoo and how their wild counterparts survive in the wild.
March 4 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
World Wildlife Day
Celebrate the wild animals and plants that keep our planet healthy and diverse! Join us to meet animal ambassadors and learn how you can contribute to the wildlife around you.
April 22 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Earth Day
It’s easy being green at the Detroit Zoo! Join us to learn about our eco-friendly initiatives and explore how everyone — even our littlest guests — can help make our world a greener place.
May 20 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Endangered Species Day
More than 42,000 species worldwide are threatened with extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Join us to learn how the DZS is helping to protect endangered species and explore the importance of conservation.
June 10 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
World Oceans Day
Celebrate the waters that cover 71 percent of the Earth! We will highlight ocean and water conservation, as well as teach you to keep waterways clean and connect with nature.
July 29 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
International Tiger Day
Say “hi” Nikolai and Ameliya! Join us to meet the Detroit Zoo’s resident Amur tigers and learn all about these majestic mammals.
Aug. 10 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
World Lion Day
The Detroit Zoo is home to four African lions. Join us to meet the pride and learn about the diets, behaviors and habitats of this special species.
Sept. 23 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
World Gorilla Day
Did you know gorillas share 98 percent of their DNA with humans? Learn all about the similarities we share with these special animals and much more!
Oct. 15 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
National Wolf Awareness Day
Meet the wolves who call the Detroit Zoo home! Say “hello” to Kaska and Renner, learn about their lives at the Zoo and discover how wolves survive in the wild.
Nov. 4 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
National Bison Day
Join us to learn more about North American’s largest land mammal! You’ll meet the resident bison, Teetonka and Takoda, and explore how bison live — both at the Zoo and in the wild.
Nov. 4 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Day
Discover the importance of the connection humans share with animals! Not only will you take part in fun activities, but you will also learn how compassionate attitudes contribute to animal well-being.
Dec. 9 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
International Day of Veterinary Medicine
Meet the amazing team that keeps the animals who call the Detroit Zoo home healthy! Discover how the animals at the Zoo are cared for and everything that goes into ensuring each species is kept healthy and comfortable.
Dec. 27 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
National Visit the Zoo Day
There’s no better day to visit the Zoo! Visit us to learn how the Zoo is the gift that keeps on giving and see animals who are more active in the winter months.
How do Animal Day Celebrations support the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) mission?
By attending events hosted by the Detroit Zoo, you are directly supporting the DZS mission of creating meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive. Your Zoo admission also provides vital support so that DZS can continue to demonstrate leadership in animal welfare, conservation, education and environmental sustainability.