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S U M M E R 2 026 ISSUE 82

HAPPY TRAILS

A look inside Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails

INSIDE:

Meet the Zoo’s newest baby animals

HABITAT | FROM THE DIRECTOR

FROM THE DIRECTOR Something bigger than ever recently opened at the Detroit Zoo. On May 23, Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails officially opened to the public — and it’s been an incredible joy to share it with our community. Designed to inspire curiosity, connection and adventure, this immersive new space invites you to get closer than ever to the natural world. You can touch stingrays, brush goats, meet animals such as anteaters and alpacas, climb high above the trees in Treetop Crossing and the Canopy Trail, explore the imaginative Farmers Market and so much more. What makes Erb Discovery Trails especially meaningful is that it was created for everyone. No matter your age, ability or background, there are countless ways to explore, discover and connect. And along the way, I hope every guest leaves with a deeper appreciation for animals and nature.

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Inside Ask The Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Exploring Erb Discovery Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Erb Discovery Trails represents an exciting new chapter for the Zoo and an important step forward in our mission to create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive. You’ll be able to read all about it in this edition of Habitat magazine — as well as meet some of our newest residents, explore our upcoming events and so much more.

Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Dr. Hayley Murphy Executive Director and CEO

Belle Isle Nature Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT AND DESIGN Crain's Content Studio CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Sarah Culton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Karen Dybis

Igniting Positive Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 5 Reasons Summer is Prime Time at the Zoo . . . . . . 14 Baby Fever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Hot Temps Call for Cool Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Kids Corner: Step into the Barnyard . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Conservation Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Habitat is produced quarterly for members of the Detroit Zoological Society.

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CONTACT Detroit Zoological Society 8450 W. 10 Mile Road Royal Oak, MI 48067 Phone: (248) 541-5717 www.detroitzoo.org For questions about membership, please contact: info@dzs.org

The Detroit Zoological Society — a renowned leader in humane education, wildlife conservation, animal welfare and environmental sustainability — operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. The Detroit Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Recipient of the 2020 WAZA Environmental Sustainability Award. Habitat magazine is an Award of Excellence winner for the Communicator Awards.

FIND THE DZS ONLINE

Printed in the USA

SUMMER 2026 | HABITAT

ASK THE EXPERT

AN INTERVIEW WITH CRYSTAL BELL, VOLUNTEER SERVICES MANAGER

hen guests visit the Detroit Zoo or Belle Isle Nature Center, the animals and experiences naturally take center stage. But behind every memorable visit is a dedicated team working to ensure every guest leaves with a meaningful connection to animals and the natural world. Among them are more than 2,000 volunteers who generously donate their time each year. Leading that team is Crystal Bell, volunteer services manager. A member of the Detroit Zoo team for nearly a decade, Bell recruits, trains and supports the volunteers whose passion and dedication help make the Zoo and Nature Center such special places. What does your day-to-day look like? There are a lot of logistics behind the scenes. We work with other departments to ensure volunteers are trained and have everything they need. We work on planning for the future and how we can recruit volunteers from different backgrounds and areas. It sometimes looks like hanging out in the Zoo and seeing how guests engage with the habitats. Some days, we are planning an appreciation party for our volunteers. No two days are ever the same. How did you get into this line of work? My major was in public relations, and my minor was in gerontology, which is the study of aging. I completed an internship at a senior center, where I helped develop an adopt-a-grandparent program. I then moved forward to managing volunteers at different nonprofit organizations, and then came to the Zoo, where my experience has really served me well. What do you love about your job? I love to see all the behind-the-scenes tasks that I do on a daily basis — project management, budgeting, event planning — all come together when we welcome a new volunteer at the Zoo or Nature Center. I love seeing people’s passions come to life.

“There are studies showing significant benefits to volunteering and spending time in nature. So, being able to volunteer here at the Zoo or at the Nature Center allows you to enjoy being outside and make an impact on your local community.” What is it like working at the Detroit Zoological Society when you don’t directly interact with the animals?

veterinary procedure on a polar bear, but you can still support the Zoo’s work and make an impact for the animals.

Obviously, the first thing you think of when you think of the Detroit Zoo or Belle Isle Nature Center is ‘I want to work with the animals.’ But it is incredible when you can engage with guests. Your conversation may affect how they treat their pet at home or how they interact with their environment. Your support at an event helps generate revenue that funds conservation work around the world. A volunteer may not have the chance to do conservation work abroad or perform a

Why do you think people should volunteer? There are studies showing significant benefits to volunteering and spending time in nature. So, being able to volunteer here at the Zoo or at the Nature Center allows you to enjoy being outside and make an impact on your local community. You can put your passions toward a good mission, and that’s exciting. Plus, it’s just fun and impactful.

HABITAT | EXPLORING ERB DISCOVERY TRAILS

EXPLORING ERB DISCOVERY TRAILS

SUMMER 2026 | HABITAT

By Karen Dybis, contributing writer

hildren laughing. Chickens clucking. People chatting and wondering where to go next — all of this and more is what make the newly opened Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails a happy mix of sights and sounds. The 7-acre development that took more than six years of planning, two years of active construction and thousands of hours of collaboration has paid off with hours of family fun and engaging animal experiences and a place for the Detroit Zoo to showcase the best and latest in immersive experiences. “It’s come to life,” says Emily Crichton O’Hara, the lead staff member who supervised the development and implementation of Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails. “It’s a place for people to gather, play and connect with animals and nature through a variety of experiences, all at their own pace,” O’Hara says. Erb Discovery Trails officially opened May 23, and people flowed into the community-centered space with ease, O’Hara says. Plus, she is a natural tour guide for the project, which has brought more people to the Zoo and upped its membership numbers. To start, O’Hara says there are three main areas to Erb Discovery Trails, all easily visible thanks to its brightly colored signage: Connect, Play and Gather. The lime green-themed Connect area includes an expanded barnyard with spaces to observe chickens, including four new breeds who now can be observed inside and outside. The Zoo added alpacas for the first time, and O’Hara says people love watching them stroll along the new fence line. Kids of all ages can brush the goats in a new encounter yard, coming in near a life-size, touchable representation — one of three creations from Detroit’s Prop Art that introduces guests to these friendly ambassadors. Nearby, a pretend Farmers Market gives children a chance to see and learn how their food is grown. Educational areas within this space like Garden Grove allow school groups and family program participants to get their hands in the dirt, creating a new kind of immersive experience as well, O’Hara says. “That’s where we want you to make those Continued on page 6 5

HABITAT | EXPLORING ERB DISCOVERY TRAILS

“That’s where we want you to make those connections with animals and nature that build memories.” Emily Crichton O’Hara, lead staff member who supervised the development and implementation of Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails

From page 5 connections with animals and nature that build memories,” she says. The orange-themed Play area on the eastern portion of Erb Discovery Trails features accessible play areas like Little Sprouts, which allows toddlers to interact with blocks, climbers and an ageappropriate slide. The Canopy Trail has hard plank surfaces and sway features as well as a vantage point Eagle’s Nest. Treetop Crossing has climbing nets, slides and accessible elevated platforms. You can never have too many slides, O’Hara says. And if you need an exploration space, a walk along Senses Trail offers the smells of floral installations, a whimsical kaleidoscope and an interactive Erb Discovery Trails map. The Play area also has Aaron and Carolynn Frankel Stingray Cove, a year-round touch tank that has been an instant hit. Everyone from toddlers to seniors loves getting to touch, feed and connect with stingrays and get up close to bamboo sharks, O’Hara says. The purple-themed Helen B. Etkin Gather spaces are for rest and recharging with food options, comfortable seating and accessible restrooms for families as well as 6

a lactation station. This is where you find Hubert Massey’s joyous Discovery Trails Mosaic, bringing together images of bats, bees and butterflies and people of all walks of life in the Zoo’s new color palette of green, orange, teal and purple. O’Hara says the small yet important details make Erb Discovery Trails the ideal blend of fun and education.

The Zoo wanted to reflect the local community, so its signage has four languages represented. Prop Art created the realistic goat and stingray for guests to touch and gain confidence when meeting the real animals. And the storybook panels provide insights about animal behavior and offer prompts for conversation.

SUMMER 2026 | HABITAT

ensure the space is on a firm foundation. There also are areas where the community can host events, like corporate gatherings, receptions or birthday parties. There are dark sky compliant streetlamps and string lights in certain areas to create that twilight glow while others can go to sleep to ensure every Detroit Zoo animal inhabitant also is getting their 40 winks, O’Hara says. Another highlight is how Erb Discovery Trails weaves in high-tech fun. There is the Draw Alive digital experience inside the Base Camp shop where your drawings turn into moving animals. And in the Wild Explorer VR experience, a ticket gets you one of three shows on dinosaur evolution, a polar odyssey and dolphins of the reef.

The Zoo’s deep experience with animal habitats also is visible. Some, like the anteaters, got an enhanced space. Others, like the prairie dogs and burrowing owls, have new habitats. Zoo favorite structures, like the historic barn, got improvements but maintained their longtime charm. The Zoo’s thoughtful design also

included sustainability efforts. There are recycled materials used throughout, like in the central gateway. Water runoff is captured in rain gardens throughout the space. The Farmers Market has permeable pavers to allow water to flow through. O’Hara says the Zoo also invested in the stuff you don’t see — like new underground infrastructure to

Erb Discovery Trails will add more amenities and educational experiences in the months and years to come. Best of all, the humananimal connection will be at the forefront, boosting the relationship between the two for now and into the future. “This is our test bed for a lot of amenities and new experiences we want to bring to the Zoo as a whole,” O’Hara says. “We wanted to be thoughtful and develop a project that appeals to all ages and includes everyone.” 7

HABITAT | EXPLORING ERB DISCOVERY TRAILS

Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director and CEO Dr. Hayley Murphy doesn’t play favorites at the new Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails — she says you have to see and experience it all.

urphy says Erb Discovery Trails is both a once-in-a-lifetime project and a reflection of the people and community that support the Detroit Zoological Society. “Erb Discovery Trails truly embodies our mission to create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive,” Murphy says. “The creativity, inclusivity and wonder for the natural world that went into the space is an incredible representation of the future of the Detroit Zoo.”

While children are a key reason for fun experiences like the Farmers’ Market, Canopy Trail and Treetop Crossing, each generation from toddler to senior was considered in making Erb Discovery Trails a must-see experience, Murphy says. “Everyone who visits the Zoo helps bring our mission to life, which is why we are thoughtful to appeal to all generations when planning new experiences for our guests. Erb Discovery Trails is built for everyone,” Murphy says. “There are spaces for our littlest guests to explore,

like the Little Sprouts area, spaces for parents and grandparents to rest and recharge — and everywhere in between.” Murphy also says Erb Discovery Trails is an investment in the community — and it has been enriching to see them embrace the 7-acre project with excitement since it opened. “We want to inspire the next generation of conservationists and stewards of the planet we share with animals and nature. Erb Discovery Trails accomplishes this by building learning into every aspect of the space,” Murphy says. “In the Farmers Market, kids aren’t just playing with food. They are learning about the journey that food takes to

SUMMER 2026 | HABITAT

make it their plates — or to the plates of their favorite animals. In the goat yard, they aren’t just brushing goats,” she adds “They are making connections that will foster a deep love and respect for animals. This is so important to creating a future where animals and nature are understood, valued and protected by all.”

“We want to inspire the next generation of conservationists and stewards of the planet we share with animals and nature. Erb Discovery Trails accomplishes this by building learning into every aspect of the space.” Dr. Hayley Murphy, Executive Director and CEO

HABITAT | EVENTS

EVENTS

From family-friend outings to 21+ events, our summer event line up has something for everyone! Explore all our events at dzoo.org/events. WILD SUMMER NIGHTS

Select Wednesdays in July and August; 6-8 p.m.; Free with Zoo admission; Free for members The Zoo is staying open late this summer. Enjoy full access to habitats as the day cools off, catch live music in picnic grove from 6 to 7:30 p.m., grab a bite, ride the carousel and explore everything the Zoo has to offer.

TRI-COUNTY SENIOR DAY

Sept. 9; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Free for tri-county seniors and one adult guest Seniors living in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, along with one adult guests, are invited to enjoy free admission, parking, live entertainment and special activities.

PRESENTED BY

RUN WILD SUMMER SIPS

Rescheduled to Sept. 3; 6 to 10 p.m.; Tickets on sale now Get into the summer spirit at this camp-themed 21+ event featuring a selection of beer, cocktails, seltzers, wine and zero-proof options. Plus, enjoy live entertainment, lawn games and so much more. PRESENTING SPONSOR

BIRDS IN ART

April 1-Sept. 7; Zoo hours; Free with Zoo admission; Free for members This exhibition from the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum celebrates its 50th anniversary with 60 original paintings, sculptures and graphics from contemporary artists across the globe. Explore the hands-on interactives, children’s reading nook and art that inspires. 10

Sept. 13 ; 8 a.m.; Registration open Help raise funds that support incredible veterinary care for all your favorite animals! With 5K run and 1.5-mile fun walk options, this is the perfect way to put your steps toward a cause. PRESENTING SPONSOR

SENSORY-FRIENDLY MORNINGS

Second Monday of every month; Zoo opening-noon; Free with admission; Free for members These special hours, hosted once a month, are tailored to meet the needs of guests with sensory sensitivities and different sensory needs. During this time, the Zoo and its attractions remain open to all, with thoughtful adjustments to ensure everyone can enjoy a welcoming and accessible experience.

DINOSAURIA

May 23-Sept. 7; Zoo hours; Tickets on sale now The dinos are back! All season long, you can explore a trail filled with adventure, learning and larger-thanlife animatronic dinosaurs. PRESENTING SPONSOR

SUMMER 2026 | HABITAT

Save the date for our fall and winter events! ZOO BOO

First four weekends in October; 3-8:30 p.m.; Tickets on sale now Enjoy some “spook-tacular” fun for the whole family.

SPOOKY SPIRITS Oct. 2; 6:30-10 p.m.; Tickets on sale now

Let your inner ghoul out at this 21+ event. PRESENTED BY KeyBank

WILD LIGHTS

Select evenings November through January; Tickets coming soon See the Zoo lit up in millions of twinkling lights and more than 500 displays. PRESENTED BY Michigan First Credit Union

POLAR BEERS

Dec. 3; 6:30-10 p.m.; Tickets coming soon Enjoy the magic of Wild Lights — and all the fun of our 21+ event series. Clockwise from top

PRESENTED BY

Wild Summer Nights, Spooky Spirits, Tri-County Senior Day, Dinosauria, Polar Beers

HABITAT | IGNITING POSITIVE CHANGE

IGNITING POSITIVE CHANGE

SUMMER 2026 | HABITAT

Thank you for making Sunset at the Zoo 2026 a success

early 2,000 guests gathered at the Detroit Zoo this summer for an unforgettable evening with a purpose: igniting positive change for animals and nature. On June 18, the Detroit Zoological Society hosted its annual Sunset at the Zoo fundraiser, presented by KeyBank and chaired by Shawn and Kathie Patterson. Guests enjoyed exceptional food and drinks, live music, dancing, a silent auction and exclusive afterhours access to the Zoo — all while supporting a mission worth celebrating.

This year’s event was especially meaningful as guests experienced the newly opened Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails. Much like Sunset itself, Erb Discovery Trails embodies the Zoo’s commitment to creating meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our attendees, sponsors, food and beverage partners, distributors and donors, the evening raised approximately $600,000. These

funds will help support daily Zoo operations, provide expert care for the more than 2,000 animals who call the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center home, and advance conservation protecting wildlife on all seven continents. To everyone who helped make this year’s Sunset at the Zoo a success, thank you. Your generosity is creating a brighter future for animals, people and the natural world — both here at home and around the globe.

HABITAT | 5 REASONS SUMMER IS PRIME TIME AT THE DETROIT ZOO

5 REASONS SUMMER IS PRIME TIME AT THE DETROIT ZOO Summer is a great time to visit the Detroit Zoo — the days stretch long (including a few late nights), the animals are active and every attraction is open. If a Zoo day has been sitting on your bucket list this season, here are five good reasons to bump it to the top. By Alex Macksoud, contributing writer

1 THE ANIMALS ARE OUT AND ON THE MOVE Many of the animals at the Zoo are native to warm climates, and summer is when you’ll see them at their most active. Start with the lion cubs. Mosi, Aziza and Fahari, who were born in November 2025, spent the spring growing into their paws. Now they wrestle, pounce and climb while the adults in the pride lounge nearby. The rhinos, warthogs and zebras spend long days out in their habitats, too, and the seasonal Giraffe Encounter puts you eye to eye with the world’s tallest land animal. If you’re looking for a cool-down, venture through the climate-controlled habitats at Polk Penguin Conservation Center or Arctic Ring of Life.

2 WEDNESDAY NIGHTS RUN LATE Wild Summer Nights, presented by Genisys Credit Union, keeps the Zoo open until 8 p.m. almost every Wednesday in June, July and August. That means more time to see your favorite animal’s evening routine and explore Erb Discovery Trails. You

can also bring dinner and a blanket and catch a live concert on the Main Picnic Grove. While this event (and SO much more) is completely free for members, everyone else gets half-price admission after 6 p.m.

SUMMER 2026 | HABITAT

3 EVERY ATTRACTION IS OPEN (INCLUDING NEW BIG ONES) The carousel, with its 33 hand-carved animal seats, runs daily in the summer. You can also escape the heat with an entertaining flick in the 4D Theater. Then there’s the new stuff. Fred & Barbara Erb Discovery Trails opened Memorial Day weekend 2026 with 7 acres of climbing, learning, playing, exploring, goat-brushing and animal-admiring. For an additional cost, Aaron and Carolynn Frankel Stingray Cove invites you to touch and feed stingrays while bamboo sharks glide past, and Wild Explorer VR straps you in for your pick of immersive animal adventures.

COME HUNGRY The drink and dining options at the Detroit Zoo are plentiful and oh-so-tasty. Start your journey with a cup of joe from Coffee Corner. Table 28 serves all-American classics. Woodward Slice bakes incredible pizza whole (trust us, they’re huge) or by the slice. Graze Grill piles up street tacos and follows them with warm cinnamonsugar churros. Marilyn’s blends organic smoothies and superfruit bowls. Gather pours Griffin Claw brews for the grownups. You crave it, we got it.

4 DINOSAURIA WON’T BE HERE FOREVER Dinosauria, presented by Michigan First Credit Union, is a thrilling, 3-acre trail teeming with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. Through Labor Day (Sept. 7) wind through, crane your neck and learn new facts about dozens of prehistoric beasts. Don’t forget your dino-themed souvenir from the gift shop to memorialize the visit.

Need a bonus reason to visit the Detroit Zoo during summer? Every ticket supports the care of more than 2,000 animals here at home, and important conservation work around the world. Pick a day, check the hours, plan your visit and pre-purchase your tickets at detroitzoo.org. 15

NEWEST ADDITION The Zoo welcomed a female gorilla to the Great Apes of Harambee habitat on July 12.

BABY FEVER

HABITAT | BABY FEVER

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Zoo welcomes newest — and tiniest — arrivals

here’s no shortage of new faces at the Detroit Zoo! From playful river otter and bush dog pups to adorable penguin chicks and a special new gorilla, this year’s newest arrivals are already stealing hearts. While each animal grows and learns in their own unique way, they all share one thing in common: the expert care they receive, which is helping them grow and thrive. Get to know some of the Zoo’s youngest residents:

A BABY GORILLA The gorilla troop is growing with the addition of a healthy baby girl born July 12. The infant, named Usala, meaning “forest” in the Kikumu language, was born to first-time mom Tulivu and the troop’s silverback, Mshindi. Today, she is sticking close to mom as she grows, but in time, Usala will grow into an important member of the troop alongside her 2-year-old half-sister Motema. You can visit this special new arrival and the rest of the troop at the Great Apes of Harambee habitat.

A GROWING OTTER FAMILY The Edward Mardigian Sr. River Otter Habitat is full of playful new energy this summer. This spring, river otters Kalee and Gus welcomed three pups — Allie, Meg and Sophie. Under Kalee’s attentive care, the trio is growing quickly as they learn to swim, explore their surroundings and develop the skills they’ll need to become expert otters.

TWO BUSH DOG PUPS The newest family in Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails has gotten even bigger. Just before opening day, bush dogs Dulce and Churro welcomed two pups — a boy and a girl

named Rolo and Pica— with big sister Mirabel eagerly joining in their care. Bush dogs are highly social animals, and every member of the family helps raise the young. After spending their first months growing and reaching important developmental milestones behind the scenes, the playful pups are beginning to explore their public habitat this summer.

PLENTY OF PENGUINS The waddle at the Zoo has gotten a little bigger.    Spring brought exciting new additions to the Polk Penguin Conservation Center with the hatching of three chicks. A gentoo chick was hatched to parents Thor and Nikki, while two macaroni chicks are being raised by foster pairs Bernie and Mabel and Pudge and Philomene. Behind the scenes, the chicks are growing their waterproof feathers and learning the skills they need to thrive. Before long, they’ll make their public debut alongside the rest of the penguin colony. 17

HABITAT | HOT TEMPS CALL FOR COOL SOLUTIONS

HOT

TEMPS

CALL FOR

COOL

SOLUTIONS DZS team keeps animals comfortable during summer heat waves By Sarah Culton, Communications Manager

s the sun beats down over the Detroit Zoo on a 95-plus degree day, Tubby — a 25-year-old African spurred tortoise — is nothing but cool as he romps around on a small, personalsized splash pad added to his habitat. “The heat is something he is used to, but he seems to really enjoy his little splash pad,” says Tamara Colt, reptile zookeeper. “The heat wave seemed like the perfect time to give it to him.” Tubby’s splash pad is just one of many ways the Zoo team helps animals stay cool and comfortable when temperatures soar during the summer months — especially during heat waves like the ones Michigan experienced in July. These cooling options take many forms, including ice treats made by zookeepers, indoor air-conditioned spaces, outdoor shade structures, misters or sprinklers, and, of course, mini splash pads. For Dr. Grace Fuller, senior director 18

of animal welfare and research, these options not only help the animals physically but also stimulate them mentally and promote natural behaviors. The rhinos, for example, have access to a fresh wallow — a muddy area in their habitat that they can roll around in for cooling and sun protection. The polar bears also have access to two outdoor pools (a 190,000-gallon saltwater pool and a 40,000-gallon freshwater pool), both chilled to 55 degrees Fahrenheit to keep them comfortable. “We offer animals a variety of choices so that they can regulate their temperatures appropriately — at any time but especially during a heat wave like this one,” Fuller says. “We put animal well-being first in all of our operations at the Zoo, in part because it helps us achieve our mission and because it’s the right thing to do.” Because the Zoo gives animals the choice of where they spend their time, you might not see some of your favorites on very hot days as they choose to spend time behind the scenes in their cool indoor habitats. This choice is vital to the animals’ well-being, but it's not just the animals who can cool off in the air conditioning. The Zoo is home to many indoor spaces where guests can beat the heat, like the

The polar bears have access to two outdoor pools:

190,000-gallon saltwater pool and a

40,000-gallon freshwater pool, totalling almost one-third the volume of an Olympic-sized swimming pool (660,000 gallons).

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Polk Penguin Conservation Center. The Center is kept at a crisp 60-65 degrees in the guest area and 45 degrees in the bird spaces, making it the perfect spot to cool off while watching five species of penguins swim and play. “No matter the temperature outside, our teams work very hard to ensure both the animals and our guests can have a great day at the Zoo,” Fuller says. Then, when you are ready to head back outside, you can see many warmweather-loving animals like giraffes, zebras and lemurs soaking up the sun. If you're lucky, you might even see Tubby on his splash pad. 19

HABITAT | KIDS CORNER

STEP INTO THE BARNYARD

Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails is full of opportunities to connect with animals — especially in the barnyard! Home to chickens, goats, alpacas and miniature donkeys, the barn invites guests of all ages to discover what makes these animals so special. Explore the kid-friendly activities in this magazine, then visit the barn to meet them in person and learn why they play such an important role in our world.

DINO DESCENDENTS Chickens are considered descendants of the T.Rex!

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE Goats have rectangular pupils that give them 320-degree vision.

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QUIZ

GROW YOUR GROCERIES

1. How many breeds of chickens call the Zoo home? A. 1 B. 3 C. 4 D. 7

Turn kitchen scraps into fresh, edible produce!

2. What part of the world are alpacas from? A. North America B. South America C. Asia D. Australia 3. How much do miniature donkeys weigh? A. 50-100 pounds B. 100-200 pounds C. 150-300 pounds D. 200-400 pounds 4. True or False: Some goat breeds can jump as high as 5 feet A. True B. False

Inside Erb Discovery Trails, kids can explore how food is grown and makes its way from the farm to your table — or into the mouths of your favorite Zoo animals — at the Farmers Market and Garden Grove. Continue the learning at home with this fun activity that demonstrates how you can grow food from scraps. SUPPLIES

DIRECTIONS

• Celery base or romaine lettuce base • An adult to help with a knife • Cup or bowl • Water • Sunny window • Paper, pencil and ruler

1. Ask an adult to cut a thin slice off the bottom of the celery or lettuce. 2. Place it in a cup with enough water to cover the bottom. 3. Put it in a sunny window. 4. Add water every day and change the water every other day. 5. Measure your plant each day and write down or draw what you notice. Enjoy! When your celery or lettuce has grown, it’s ready to eat! Bonus:

Answers 1. C; 2. B; 3. D; 4. A

Try growing both celery and lettuce. Which one grows faster?

KEEPING IN TUNE Alpacas are known to hum to communicate with each other.

HABITAT | BELLE ISLE NATURE CENTER

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK Macrophotography at the Belle Isle Nature Center encourages guests to appreciate pollinators

hen you visit Belle Isle, it’s easy to be taken in by the island’s grand sights — the Detroit River, the bright blue sky and the iconic James Scott Memorial Fountain. But at the Belle Isle Nature Center, one exhibit invites you to slow down and discover an entirely different side of the island, where some of its smallest residents become larger than life. Overlooked, a macrophotography exhibit by Joseph Ferarro, has been a guest favorite since 2021. Displayed both on the Nature

See Overlooked in person and learn more about the importance of pollinators at Bee Fest! Taking place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 15, this completely free event allows you to connect with nature through beekeeper talks, arts and crafts, honey tastings and so much more. Plus, you could get the chance to meet the photographer, Joseph Ferarro.

Center’s exterior and inside its main indoor space, the exhibit features larger-thanlife images of insects and other tiny animals — including bees, spiders and caterpillars — revealing the details that often go unnoticed. To Nature Center Director Amy Greene, the exhibit is more than just a collection of beautiful photography. It’s also a way to expand your observation skills, learn more about the importance of pollinators and native plants, and discover the diversity of the insect world. “Our Nature Center is committed to creating meaningful connections

between people, animals and nature, while highlighting how we share urban spaces with wildlife,” she says. “Overlooked does just that by magnifying these tiny animals and highlighting just how important they are to Belle Isle, nature and to all of us.” As a bonus, Greene says, the outdoor photographs help people find the Nature Center while they are exploring the island. “The next time you’re at the Nature Center, I would encourage you to take a closer look and get to know some of the incredibly important insects that often get overlooked,” she says.

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CONSERVATION CONNECTION

he Detroit Zoo is a supporter of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Not a Pet campaign, which helps people around the world understand why exotic animals belong in the wild and not in our homes.

Take Momma, a blue-throated macaw, for example. Before moving to the Matilda R. Wilson Free-Flight Aviary, she lived with a private owner. But

macaws require specialized diets, expert veterinary care, extensive enrichment and decades of commitment — needs that are difficult to meet in a typical household. By supporting the Not a Pet campaign, the Zoo is helping raise awareness about the dangers of wildlife trafficking and the challenges of keeping exotic animals as pets. Together, we can help ensure animals like Momma receive the care they need to thrive.

WILDLIFE BELONGS IN THE WILD Learn how the AZA’s Not a Pet campaign helps end the exotic pet trade. Visit notapet.net.