Zoo Guidelines

The best zoo is a safe zoo! Please review our health and safety guidelines before your next visit to ensure a fun, safe and healthy experience for all.

Safety Shelters

In the event of a need for shelter, several areas of the Zoo are storm-ready certified. Shelters include all restrooms, lower level of the Ford Education Center, and the lower level of the Ron Kagan Wildlife Interpretive Gallery. When directed to the shelter, please remain inside until staff gives the “all clear” signal.

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First Aid

If you need first aid, please notify a staff member for assistance. Adhesive bandages and sting relief are available at the Security Office behind Buddy’s Pizza and at the Customer Care Office next to the Main Admission Gates. Pain relievers, antacids, etc., are available in vending machines in some restrooms.

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Lost and Found

If you have lost an item at the Detroit Zoo, please submit a lost and found form. You will receive an email confirmation that your submission has been received. Once we receive your form, we will do our best to help you locate your lost item and return it to you.

Lost and found form

Lost Children

If you lose a child at the Zoo, please notify a staff member immediately. We advise using name tags for small children to facilitate their return to parents or guardians. Please have a designated spot in the Zoo to meet if you and your group are separated. Lost children are taken to the Security Office behind Buddy’s Pizza.

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Picnic Areas

You are welcome to bring food and beverages into the Zoo and enjoy them at one of our picnic areas. Tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Personal grills, alcoholic drinks and open fires are not allowed at the Zoo. Please leave drinking straws and Styrofoam products at home.

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Food & Refreshments

There are several convenient food and beverage locations throughout the Zoo. From burgers and fries to coffee and sweets to all-vegan fare, you are sure to find the right options for you.

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Convenience Rentals

Single and double strollers, wagons, wheelchairs and Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECV) are available for rent at the Main Train Station (near the front of the park) and seasonally at the Africa Train Station (in the far corner of the Zoo). Rented items cannot be taken on the Tauber Family Railroad.

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Water Stations

As part of our commitment to sustainability, the Detroit Zoo does not sell bottled water. You can bring your own bottles or buy reusable ones at concessions, all of which are refillable for free at filtered-water stations throughout the Zoo.

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General Zoo Rules

No feeding the animals
No smoking or vaping
No grilling on Zoo grounds
No biking or skateboarding
No balls, baseball bats, frisbees, or balloons
No roller skates, electric or kick scooters, in-line skates, Heelies or Rollies
No Hoverboards, Segways or similar upright mobility devices
No pets on Zoo grounds or in vehicles
No distribution of printed literature of any kind
No radios, TVs or drones
Do not throw things into animal habitats
Do not climb or cross barriers

Zoo Policies

No-Feeding Policy

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 may risk their health and safety. Guests who violate this rule will be escorted from the Zoo.

No Admittance to Restricted Areas Policy

For your own safety and that of those around you, never enter an animal habitat or restricted area. Do not climb over, lean on or lift children onto or over fences. Please keep a safe distance from service areas.

Service Animal Policy

The Detroit Zoo is a place for individuals of all abilities, and we welcome qualifying service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Read the Policy

Know before you go

Explore everything you need to know before your next Zoo adventure.

Zoo Guidelines

Safety Shelters

First Aid

Lost and Found

Lost Children

Picnic Areas

Food & Refreshments

Convenience Rentals

Water Stations

General Zoo Rules

Zoo Policies

Service Animal Policy

Know before you go

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