Reservations

Before making your reservations, please review our new safety guidelines here.

All guests and members visiting the Detroit Zoo, ages two and older, are required to have reservations. In an effort to maintain physical distancing among guests, the DZS will be limiting capacity within the Zoo over the 125 acres. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance. Reservations will be limited to 6 people per order.

Members will only be able to make reservations for the people currently listed on their membership. Due to limited capacity, we ask that members only book a reservation once every two weeks to allow other members the opportunity to visit.

  • Member Reservations

    Already a member?

    Schedule your visit today

    Book Reservation

  • Public Reservations

    $14-19 Adults (19 years – 64)

    $10-15 Children (2 years – 18)

    $10-15 Seniors (65+)

    $8   Parking

    Buy Reservation

  • Cancel My Member Reservation

    Members can fill out the form below or email info@dzs.org to cancel reservations. Please be sure to provide your order confirmation number.

    All ticket purchases are non-refundable. Visitors purchasing general admission tickets will be required to pay a change fee per ticket to visit the Zoo on a different date.

  • Detroit Zoo Safety Guidelines & Updates

    Our goal is to provide a great Zoo experience in an environment that is as safe as possible for all. To maintain the health and safety of our guests, staff and endangered animals, there are a few safety guidelines and updates we would like you to review before your arrival.

    Book Reservations    FAQs

    MASK POLICY

    The Detroit Zoological Society has revised safety protocols. We request that if you are not fully vaccinated, you please wear a mask inside buildings. It is our goal to make the Zoo experience one that is safe for our visitors, staff and animals. Let’s work together.  Please be respectful, help each other and help protect the endangered animals.

    YOUR MEMBERSHIP

    If you would like to purchase or renew a membership, click here. Purchasing a membership does not guarantee reservation availability. Please check back as spots may become available, due to cancellations, no shows or increased availability. Members who purchase general admission tickets for entry on member sold out dates will not be eligible for a refund. We ask that members only book a reservation once every two weeks. Members will only be able to make reservations for the people currently listed on their membership.

    BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

    • All guests are required to schedule their time slot on our website prior to their visit so that we can maintain capacity limits and ensure touchless transactions. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance and can be booked here. A limited number of general admission tickets will also be available at the gate each day with pricing of $15 per child or senior, and $19 per adult. The reservation requirement will end soon.
    • The DZS is limiting capacity at the Detroit Zoo over our 125 acres. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and gradually increase capacity limits.
    • After scheduling your visit, you will receive an email with your digital ticket, safety details and a digital map, as the Zoo will not be providing paper maps. Please check your spam folder if you do not receive your tickets after making a reservation.

    AS YOU ARRIVE

    • The members-only entrance at Rackham Fountain currently open on Saturdays and Sundays.
    • Parking is available in the surface lots and the parking structure.
    • Please show your ID and membership card (if applicable) before presenting your digital or printed timed ticket to the booth attendant, who will scan it.

    DURING YOUR VISIT

    • Explore Zoo Treks for information about the animals and the habitats.
    • Visitors are strictly prohibited from feeding any animal at the Detroit Zoo. Animals have specialized and nutritionally balanced diets, and throwing food and other objects into habitats risks their health and safety. Guests who violate this rule will be escorted from the Zoo.
    • Please pay attention to the signs around the Zoo alerting you to any temporary closures as well as all the safety guidelines:
    • EXPERIENCE UPDATES: Most indoor areas have reopened. Current exceptions include the Wild Adventure Zone, Great Apes of Harambee building and Rhinoceros building. The Polk Penguin Conservation Center is also closed for repairs.
    • FOOD AND GIFT OPTIONS: Click here for food options. Click here for gift options. Credit or debit cards are strongly preferred as means of payment.

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    ANIMAL CARE

    Knowledge regarding potential susceptibility of animals to COVID-19 continues to emerge, and DZS protocols adapt to include new information as it is available. We are taking proactive measures to limit any potential risk to animals who live at the Detroit Zoo as we continue to properly care for them. The DZS staff is wearing personal protective equipment while caring for certain species. It is now known that lions and tigers in one U.S. zoo have contracted COVID-19 infections. In addition, current understanding of potential susceptibility of other species in zoos to infection by COVID-19, based on a number of academic studies of this and related viruses, suggests that they may be susceptible. Guests may notice a few temporary barriers in areas that might present a risk of transmission of COVID-19 from a guest to an animal. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to keep the animals at the Zoo healthy.

    COVID-19 WARNING

    The safety protocols and reopening information were developed after reviewing scientific data, consulting with health experts, local officials and other zoos around the world. As a visitor, you are required to follow all of the safety guidelines established by the Detroit Zoological Society. COVID-19 is a new disease that is highly contagious and can cause severe illness and even death. Older adults and people who have underlying illnesses may be at greater risk for severe illness if they contract COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is still a risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 while in outdoor areas with other people, though it has been established that viruses do not, in general, survive sunlight/UV radiation for very long. When you visit the grounds of the Detroit Zoo, or any other public place, you are accepting there is a risk of exposure to COVID-19.

    To limit the spread of COVID-19, everyone must share the responsibility of following safety guidelines to help keep themselves and others safe. When you make the choice to visit the Detroit Zoo, you represent that you are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, have not tested positive for COVID-19 within the last two weeks and have not been in direct personal contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last two weeks. While in the Zoo, you are expected to observe the DZS’s safety guidelines that are derived from the CDC, WHO and other experts. They are outlined above and posted throughout the Zoo and include wearing face coverings, following posted routes of circulation, physical distancing and adhering to sanitization requirements.

  • Frequently Asked Questions
    Do I need a reservation to visit the Detroit Zoo?

    Yes, all visitors (two and older) are required to have a reservation prior to their visit in order for us to maintain capacity limits within the Detroit Zoo. The reservation requirement will end soon.

     

    Do I have to wear a face mask when I visit?
    • The Detroit Zoological Society has revised safety protocols. We request that if you are not fully vaccinated, you please wear a mask inside buildings. It is our goal to make the Zoo experience one that is safe for our visitors, staff and animals. Let’s work together.  Please be respectful, help each other and help protect the endangered animals.
    • We all have a shared responsibility to keep guests, volunteers, staff and the animals who live here safe. Guests who do not comply with the Detroit Zoo’s policies may be escorted from the Zoo.
    • Face masks are for sale at the Detroit Zoo’s Zoofari Market.
    Does purchasing a membership automatically guarantee me a specific reservation at the Detroit Zoo?

    Temporarily, due to the pandemic and capacity limits within the Detroit Zoo, purchasing a membership does not guarantee you will be able to select any time and date slot to visit. While you may see openings for general admission tickets, that may not necessarily mean membership slots are available for those same dates and times. General admission tickets are available in order to give people who may not be able to afford a membership a chance to visit. However, we continue to open up date and time slots for members each day.

    Why are there general ticket slots available?

    General ticket admission is currently available because we don’t want to exclude anyone from visiting who may not be able to afford a DZS membership. Each day, we open up more date and time slots for members. You will be able to visit your Detroit Zoo, we just ask that you check detroitzoo.org/reservations often.

    If I’m a member, can I book more than one reservation at a time?

    Currently, we’re asking members to only make a reservation once every two weeks in order to give other members the chance to visit.

    Can I make a reservation in person?

    All guests are required to make an advance reservation prior to their visit. If you need reservation assistance, please contact us at info@dzs.org or call 248-541-5717. Please be advised we are experiencing high traffic on our reservation site and through our call center. Please try again if you have issues. Thank you for your patience as we do our best to support all of our members and guests. A limited number of general admission tickets will also be available at the gate each day with pricing of $15 per child or senior, and $19 per adult. The best way to guarantee your Detroit Zoo visit is to book your visit in advance online.

    Do I have to show up for my selected time and date slot?

    Please only make a reservation for a day and time you are planning to come. Unfortunately, we have a high percentage of members who are not showing up for their reservations, which is preventing other members from visiting.
    Visitors purchasing general admission tickets will be required to pay a change fee per ticket to visit the Zoo on a different date.

    How do I cancel my reservation?

    Members can fill out the form here or email info@dzs.org to cancel reservations. Please provide your order confirmation number.

    All ticket purchases are non-refundable. Visitors purchasing general admission tickets will be required to pay a change fee per ticket to visit the Zoo on a different date.

    Can I enter through the member-only entrance?

    The members-only entrance at Rackham Fountain is open Saturdays and Sundays.

    What are the dining and gift options available?

    Click here for dining options. Click here for gift options. Credit or debit cards are strongly preferred as means of payment to reduce transmission risk of handling cash.

    Is the Giraffe Encounter open?

    For the safety of our animals, the Giraffe Encounter is temporarily unavailable.

    Will convenience rentals be available?

    Yes, convenience rentals are available. View our current list here.

    Where can I find your full list of safety guidelines?

    You can read the current safety guidelines at detroitzoo.org/health. We are updating the page often.

    Can I find out which habitats are open prior to my visit?

    Yes, check out Zoo Treks to find out which habitats and indoor areas are currently open.

    Why aren’t visitors allowed to feed the animals?

    Visitors are strictly prohibited from feeding any animal at the Detroit Zoo. Animals have specialized and nutritionally balanced diets, and throwing food and other objects into habitats risks their health and safety. Guests who violate this rule will be escorted from the Zoo.

    Is the Polk Penguin Conservation Center temporarily closing for repairs?

    The Polk Penguin Conservation Center is expected to reopen in 2021.

    Can I bring my own food/picnic?

    Yes, you can bring in your own food, non-alcoholic beverages and cooler. Grilling on Zoo grounds is prohibited. We have a large number of picnic tables throughout the Zoo for guest use, some of which are under tents. Feel free to sit at any that are not reserved.

    Can I bring my dog/pet?

    For the safety of your pet and our animals, pets are not allowed on Zoo grounds.

    Are you open during certain holidays or in the winter?

    The Detroit Zoo is open 362 days a year; we are only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Starting in October we switch to our winter hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

    I would like to have an event at the Zoo. How do I get information?

    We offer a large variety of unique opportunities for private events. Please visit here for more information.

    Can I rent an animal? Can I touch an animal?

    Zoo animals are cared for by specially trained keepers who, in most cases, do not come in direct contact with them. So while it isn’t possible for anyone to pet a Zoo animal or volunteer to work with them, we do have a couple of suggestions. Also, our WildLife Preserver’s “Adopt-an-Animal” program allows you to make a donation in someone’s name. It is a symbolic adoption – the donation will be used for the care of the animals – and he or she will receive a certificate and information about the animal they love.

    How long does it take to walk around the Zoo? How far is it?

    The Zoo is 125 acres. If you walk all the primary pathways on the main route, it is a 1.7-mile trip. Adding in smaller paths increases your distance.