Alpacas, bamboo sharks, burrowing owls, bush dogs, and stingrays will soon call the Detroit Zoo home as part of a new immersive experience dubbed “Discovery Trails.”
The zoo announced the new attraction on Tuesday, a seven-acre addition that will highlight “the wonder of wildlife, the power of education, and the joy of discovery.” The new area, expected to open in 2026, will span from Buddy’s Pizza to the bison and wolverine habitats.
Discovery Trails will offer expansive habitats for new and returning species, along with updated spaces for Detroit Zoo favorites like giant anteaters, miniature donkeys, and prairie dogs. Visitors will also enjoy new up-close animal encounters, including a tank where they can feed and touch stingrays, and a barnyard where they can brush goats and feed chickens.
“Discovery Trails is a shining example of our mission coming to life,” Dr. Hayley Murphy, executive director and CEO of the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS), said in a press release. “These up-close encounters in Discovery Trails will foster empathy and understanding for animals, nature and the environment, creating meaningful connections and building curiosity and appreciation for the world around them.”
In addition to animal experiences, Discovery Trails will feature youth educational programs, a Canopy Trail that elevates guests 14 feet above ground, sensory-friendly quiet spaces for rest, and more.
The project will cost over $20 million, with most funds coming from donations and grants. It is expected to boost the Zoo’s annual economic impact to $185 million, increase visitation, and bring 13,000 additional students to school field trips each year.
For more information and updates, see dzoo.org/discoverytrails.
Get a sneak peak at the upcoming experience below.
