Detroit Zoological Society briefs Macomb commissioners on expansion, infrastructure and community programs

The Detroit Zoological Society told Macomb County commissioners on March 13 that the zoo is recovering visitor numbers after the pandemic, is managing urgent infrastructure repairs and is pursuing a seven‑acre educational expansion called Discovery Trails slated to open in 2026 “if construction proceeds as planned.” Commissioners voted 13-0 to receive the presentation.

Dr. Haley Murphy, CEO and executive director of the Detroit Zoological Society, said the zoo had “a little over 1,200,000 visitors” in 2024 and generated about $54 million in revenue. She said earned revenue contributed roughly 51% of operating income, public support about 34%, philanthropy 13% and other income 2%. Net operating expenses were reported as about $52.9 million in 2024.

Murphy summarized animal milestones and programs: the zoo reported its first-ever gorilla birth in its 97-year history, twin red panda cubs, an additional sea otter and a recent third polar bear arrival. Education and outreach included 153,000 participants in educational programs, school partnerships, a teacher-development program with Great Start Macomb, and collaboration with the Huron Clinton Metroparks Authority (HCMA) including a formal memorandum of understanding.

Infrastructure and Discovery Trails: Murphy said extensive underground pipe work was required on the seven-acre site that is the capstone of a master plan; she described approximately $18 million in pipe repairs on that seven‑acre area and said additional subsurface issues across the 125‑acre campus remain under investigation. A sinkhole near Feeder Road prompted emergency repairs. Discovery Trails will feature about 10 species, a Michigan farmyard, stingrays and bamboo sharks, an accessible canopy climbing trail and expanded capacity for camps and educational programming. Murphy said 20% of camp slots are scholarship funded and the zoo plans a mix of free admission and limited paid experiences (for example, supervised stingray feedings) with scholarship support available. She said the project remains on track to open in 2026 but did not commit to a firm date.

Accessibility and community programming: the zoo described sensory‑friendly hours, a ReBoca visual-access pilot for low‑vision visitors (described as the first such program at a U.S. zoo), adoption of the Sunflower hidden‑disabilities program, Dream Night for children with severe illnesses, and programs for seniors and for survivors of domestic abuse. The zoo cited a $168 million economic impact to Southeast Michigan in a recent study.

Commissioner questions and millage context: Commissioners asked about a previously discussed “Great Lakes Center for Nature” and whether that is still planned for Macomb County. Murphy said the zoo deferred construction of a standalone nature center and prioritized finishing its master plan and partnering with HCMA for broader regional reach, saying the zoo lacked resources after the pandemic to construct a new standalone facility. Commissioner Howard raised the county millage contribution and expected return: he stated that roughly $24 million had already been paid from the county millage and that the millage will total about $40 million; Murphy said the tax millage represents roughly 34% of the zoo’s operating revenue and that most of the remaining capital needs require fundraising.

Why it matters: the zoo is a major cultural and economic asset for Macomb County and the region; a large capital repair program and the Discovery Trails expansion will affect county residents and require coordination among local governments, funders and the zoo.

Action recorded: commissioners voted 13-0 to receive the Detroit Zoological Society update.