New attractions — including a deer exhibit opening today — have opened
at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo, and proceeds from a run/walk planned for
this weekend will help continue the zoo's transformation.
The Deer Encounter exhibit opens today, April 25, and allows for 13
fallow deer that once roamed the island to enjoy a new one-acre
enclosure and barn. It is just one aspect of the Belle Isle Nature
Zoo’s update from nature center to Michigan wildlife-based zoo.
Previous improvements include restoring the 100-seat auditorium, new
flooring, new attractions on things like Michigan turtles and bee
behavior, and a children’s educational programming center.
To help benefit the Nature Zoo, Detroit Synergy is hosting its
first-ever 5K Run/Walk on Belle Isle on April 29. “We think this is a
tremendous opportunity for people to support the Belle Isle Nature
Zoo,” says Mike Reed, the zoo’s assistant curator.
Allison Fox, Detroit Synergy project leader, explains her motivation to
organize the event. “I had the idea to do a run, and I wanted to do it
on Belle Isle because I run there a lot because I live downtown. I
chose the zoo [as the event’s beneficiary] because it’s a great
organization and I wanted to highlight something under the radar.” Both
parties note the timing of the renovations coinciding with the Run/Walk
as a positive aspect of the event. Pre-registration and information are
available at
www.detroitsynergy.org.
The same day, April 29, the Friends of Belle Isle are sponsoring an island clean-up.
Click here for information on volunteering.
For more information about the Belle Isle Nature Zoo,
click here.
Sources: Allison Fox, Detroit Synergy; Patricia Mills, Detroit Zoological Society; Mike Reed, Belle isle Nature Zoo