Big things are coming to the Detroit Zoo. The Zoo has just announced plans for Discovery Trails, an exciting new 7-acre space set to open in 2026.
This immersive experience will give visitors the chance to get up close with animals like alpacas, bamboo sharks, burrowing owls, and bush dogs, according to a news release. The new exhibit will also feature some Zoo favorites, such as giant anteaters, miniature donkeys, and prairie dogs, but with updated habitats that are better than ever.
Discovery Trails is more than just a space to see animals; it’s designed to let visitors interact with wildlife in a whole new way. Guests will have opportunities to touch and feed stingrays or get hands-on with goats and chickens in the barnyard, officials said.
“This is our mission in action,” said Dr. Hayley Murphy, CEO of the Detroit Zoological Society. “Discovery Trails will help people build empathy and understanding for animals and nature, making real, meaningful connections.”
Besides the animal encounters, Discovery Trails will offer a variety of other experiences. Kids will have educational features like a pretend farmers market, an outdoor classroom, and a special “Little Sprouts” area. For adventure seekers, there will be a Canopy Trail, a 14-foot-high pathway that gives visitors a whole new view of the surrounding environment.
The project, which is expected to cost more than $20 million, is being funded mainly through gifts and grants. Once completed, the Zoo expects to see a boost in visitors and economic impact, with Discovery Trails projected to bring in more than 13,000 additional school field trips each year.
For more updates on the project, visit dzoo.org/discoverytrails
