We love visiting the Detroit Zoo especially in the fall. This autumn was extra special because they opened the new Deveraux Tiger Forest. The new tiger exhibit features a spacious landscape that resembles their native home of Russia with waterfalls, pools, and wooded areas.
This exhibit is home to 2 young male Amur tigers named, Nikolai and Aleksei, and 16-year-old female, Kisa. Amur tigers, once called Siberian tigers, are extremely endangered with only 500 left in the world. We felt to fortunate to be able to be so close to such rare tigers and enjoy their new habitat with them.
If you plan to visit The Detroit Zoo this fall, you have to check out the new Tiger Forest. There are plenty of large glass windows that allow you to admire the tigers from afar or up close, as well as a fun safari Range Rover truck for kids to “drive” that sits right into the Tiger’s exhibit adding extra whimsy and fun.
Next to the brand new Tiger Forest, you’ll also see the new Red Panda exhibit with its suspension bridge that lets you walk amongst the trees for a birds eye view of the pandas and the tigers. These 2 new additions to the Detroit Zoo are simply amazing, and help increase conservation efforts right in the heart of our community.
Fall At The Detroit Zoo
Autumn is the perfect time of year to visit The Detroit Zoo. The leaves are gorgeous, the animals are typically active, and there is plenty of indoor exhibits where you can warm up. Oh, and if you something hot to drink, head over to the Polar Cafe where the hot chocolate is always flowing.
The New Devereaux Tiger Forest Exhibit
On this particular trip, we make a bee-line over to the new Tiger Forest exhibit. We ended up spending the majority of our zoo trip in this one this area of the zoo. The tigers posed on their rock cave just perfectly for pictures, and then came up to the glass to greet us. They seemed to really like their new home, even playing some hide-and-seek with each other in the wooded area.
Red Panda Suspension Bridge
And literally just next door to the tigers is the new Red Panda exhibit with it’s giant suspension bridge. It rocks and sways with movement making it extra fun. Plus, you get to walk amongst the trees and get eye-level with the cute little red pandas sleeping high on the branches.
Zoo Boo & The Candy Lane
October at The Detroit Zoo is extra special because they host Zoo Boo. This year’s theme included a Candy Land Treat Trail. If you decide to visit in October, get some tickets to Zoo Boo in the evening and explore the zoo during the day. We have plenty of amazing restaurants in the area to keep you busy while you wait to trick ‘r treat.
The Wizard Of Oz in the 4D Theater
The Detroit Zoo also has an amazing 4D Theater in the education center where they feature special season short-movies. This Halloween, The Wizard of Oz, is being featured and we can’t wait to go back and see it.
Buddy’s Detroit-Style Pizza
You can’t come to the Detroit Zoo with having some Detroit-style pizza! And now, Buddy’s Pizzeria, is right inside the zoo across from the fountain. Grab a slice and a pop (or soda, but we Michiganders call it pop) and sit inside or out. You’ll love this iconic pizza that is made in oil pans…truly a Motor City specialty.
Zoo Animal Pumpkin Displays
One of my favorite things about the zoo in October is the amazing painted pumpkin displays. I think my favorites this year were the solar system and the Super Mario Kart pumpkins.
I hope you decide to come visit The Detroit Zoo sometime soon to see our new Tiger Exhibit, swing and sway amongst the red pandas, and try a slice of Buddy’s pizza. For more amazing things to do in and around Michigan in the fall, click here.
