Tributes and Memorials
The Detroit Zoo is a cherished part of our lives, our children’s lives and our grandchildren’s lives. Visits to the Zoo are often some of our fondest memories. Now you have the opportunity to make those memories a part of our Zoo.
Honor and Memorial Gifts
Make a donation in honor or in remembrance of that special person or moment in your life or the life of a loved one.
Nature Paver
Participate in the Pathway Program: In Step with Nature and purchase a nature paver. There are three sizes from which to choose.
$1,000 for 12×12” paver
$900 for Zoo and Renaissance Circle members
Inscription area has a max of 7 lines and 21 spaces per line
$500 for 8×8” paver
$450 for Zoo and Renaissance Circle members
Inscription area has a max of 5 lines and 15 spaces per line
$100 for 4×8” paver
$90 for Zoo and Renaissance Circle members
Inscription area has a max of 3 lines and 15 spaces per line.
Order confirmation will be mailed after purchase. Placement confirmation with locater map will be mailed upon completion of paver installation.
For spring installation, paver must be purchased by March 15; for fall installation, paver must be purchased by August 15. The spring paver installation will be completed by the end of May and the fall paver installation will be completed by the end of November.
Placement is determined by Detroit Zoological Society staff and paver cannot be moved once placed. Installation dates are contingent upon weather.
Brass Butterfly
$500
Purchase an engraved brass butterfly that mirrors the beauty of life and friendship. All tribute butterflies are on display in the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery. Brass Butterfly display cases are located at the entrance to, and exit from the Butterfly Garden. Butterflies are installed monthly.
Tree
$5,000
Your gift includes the planting, care and maintenance of a tree and recognition plaque. The type of tree and its location will be mutually agreed upon between Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) staff and the donor. Trees will be maintained by DZS staff and will be replaced when necessary.
Bench
The purchase of a Zoo bench includes a brass recognition plaque. The location of the bench will be mutually agreed upon between DZS staff and the donor.
Theater Seat
$750 / $500
Theater seats are located in the 4-D Theater in the Ford Education Center. Choose the location of your seat (based on availability). A brass recognition plaque will be placed on your theater seat.