ROYAL OAK — The community said “thanks a million” to the Detroit Zoo for the eighth consecutive year on Sunday when 2013 attendance surpassed the one-million mark. The day ended with a total for the year so far of 1,002,425 visitors.
“There are thousands of ways to get Vitamin Z at the Detroit Zoo, as more than a million people have already discovered this year. It’s very gratifying to see the community continue to support and enjoy their zoo,” said Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director Ron Kagan.
Continued improvements to the Zoo and seasonable weather have contributed to the numbers. The Zoo set a modern single-day attendance record of 20,113 visitors on Aug. 3, boosting the year’s turnout.
The Detroit Zoo hopes to increase attendance further this year when, for the first time in nearly a decade, it brings back the popular Wild Lights holiday light display. For 24 nights, more than a million LED lights will illuminate trees, buildings and animal sculptures throughout the front of the Zoo.
The Detroit Zoo is open 362 days a year, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through Labor Day (with extended hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the day after Labor Day through October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March. Admission is $14 for adults 15 to 61, $12 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $9 for children 2 to 14 (children under 2 are free). The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March; closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is free. For more information, call 248-541-5717 or visit detroitzoo.org.
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