Detroit Zoological Society

Programs: Animal care, welfare and conservation: the detroit zoological society continues its purpose of celebrating and saving wildlife by demonstrating leadership in animal care, wildlife conservation and animal welfare. The detroit zoo had 2,810 individual animals representing 247 species in its care as of december 31, 2017. The detroit zoological society is a leader in species conservation through its local, national and international field conservation programs, its support of partners' field conservation work through grants and technical and/or on-the-ground assistance, and captive breeding of threatened and endangered species at the detroit zoo. The detroit zoological society's center for zoo and aquarium animal welfare and ethics is a resource center for captive animal welfare knowledge, research and best practices; a convener and forum for exotic animal welfare science, practice and policy discussions; and a center conducting research and training, and recognizing advances in exotic animal welfare.

education: the detroit zoological society continues to provide a broad audience with outstanding and unique educational opportunities that lead to the appreciation and stewardship of nature. Humane education, environmental literacy, responsible resource management, conservation, science literacy and stewardship are fundamental components of education programming. Programs utilize a variety of instructional strategies - including inquiry-based learning, storytelling, interactive technology and citizen science - to meet the various learning styles of the community. Regional school district partnerships enhance humane education and life science experiences in the classroom through onsite programs, teacher training and curriculum support.

guest engagement: the detroit zoological society continues to inspire the community with engaging, meaningful and memorable experiences. Significant animal habitats/facilities include the arctic ring of life polar bear/seal habitat, the great apes of harambee, the polk penguin conservation center, the cotton family wolf wilderness, and the national amphibian conservation center. In 2017 the detroit zoo welcomed almost 1. 6 million visitors. In addition to animal experiences, other attractions at the zoo include the 4-d theater, the wild adventure simulator, giraffe encounter, tauber family railroad, science on a sphere, and the carousel. Visitors can also participate in zoo-sponsored events including greenfest, sunset at the zoo, meet your best friend at the zoo, run wild, zoo boo and wild lights.

the detroit zoological society continues to demonstrate organizational excellence consistent with a commitment to outstanding service, progressive resource management and environment leadership. The detroit zoological society maintains grounds of 125 acres and 78 different buildings where staff members and volunteers are committed to lessening their environmental impact on the earth. The detroit zoological society has developed a unique, green roadmap called the greenprint. This comprehensive strategic plan guides our operations and is the plan by which we refine and improve our facilities and daily practices, develop new policies and programs and improve green literacy in our community.