Updated
Updated · Detroit Free Press · Jul 4
Detroit Zoo Closes July 4, Reopening at 9 a.m. July 5 After Michigan Storms
Updated
Updated · Detroit Free Press · Jul 4

Detroit Zoo Closes July 4, Reopening at 9 a.m. July 5 After Michigan Storms

3 articles · Updated · Detroit Free Press · Jul 4

Summary

  • Detroit Zoo shut its gates for the entire July 4 holiday after Friday evening storms knocked out power, with reopening planned for 9 a.m. Sunday.
  • The zoo said all animals and staff are safe and being cared for despite the outage, and July 4 tickets will be honored on a future visit through Dec. 31.
  • Storm damage also hit Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, where okapi Elombe was pulled from exhibit while crews clear debris and repair fencing, though that zoo remains open.
  • Other Michigan zoos — including Binder Park, John Ball, Indian Creek and Saginaw Children's Zoo — stayed open through the holiday despite the broader storm impact.

Insights

After a $49M expansion, why was the Detroit Zoo's power grid so vulnerable to a summer storm?
As extreme weather worsens, are zoos' emergency plans truly enough to protect thousands of animals?