LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
In terms of numbers, 2023 was a big year for the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS). We celebrated our 95th anniversary, cared for more than 2,000 animals and participated in conservation work on all seven continents. Behind each of these numbers is a story of care, dedication, and a commitment to our mission to create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive.
We are excited to share these numbers and stories in our 2023 annual report. In these pages, you will explore our year at a glance — all the numbers, data and quick facts that make up the DZS. You’ll meet some new animals who joined the Zoo family, read about our ground-breaking initiatives, and learn about our work in animal care, conservation, education and environmental sustainability.
The DZS's achievements are a testament to the collective effort of our staff, volunteers, donors, board, guests and community. Every visit to the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center, every dollar donated and every word of encouragement adds up, making a big difference for wildlife and wild places.
We are deeply grateful for your generous support and belief in our mission. Together, we will continue to ignite positive change for animals and nature.
Dr. Hayley Murphy, DVM Executive Director/CEO
INSIDE
4-7 PEOPLE
Visitors and membership, Education, and Diversity and community engagement
8-11 ANIMALS
New arrivals, conservation and animal welfare
12-13 ENVIRONMENT Sustainability
14-15 RESOURCES
Financials
PEOPLE
Everyone who visits the Detroit Zoo or Belle Isle Nature Center becomes a part of our misson, and we are so grateful for all the support we receive from the community. Here’s how our guests contributed to the DZS in 2023.
MEMBERSHIP AND VISITATION
1,224,645
Guests at the Detroit Zoo
103,487 Guests at the Belle Isle Nature Center
42,395 Member households
STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
Here’s how the DZS team contributed in 2023. 587
Full-time, part-time and seasonal employees 1,836 Volunteers who contributed 51,532 hours
SPECIAL EVENTS
Each of our events supports our mission, from family-friendly activities to adult-only happenings. Here’s a look at some of our key events.
SUNSET AT THE ZOO
1,601 tickets sold; $851,500 in gross revenue
21+ AFTER HOUR EVENT SERIES
11,533 tickets sold; $594,647 in gross revenue
WILD LIGHTS
117,536 tickets sold; $2,438,957 in gross revenue
EDUCATION
In 2023, our award winnin education pro rams made an impact in our communit , helpin the ne t eneration i nite positi e chan e.
107,274
eople ser ed. he ma orit of these people are in a ne ount 2 a land ount 22 and acom ount .
e e s
DIVERSITY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
e are committed to culti atin an inclusi e culture. In 2023, we supported this commitment prioriti in i ersit , uit , Inclusion and Accessi ilit IA . As a leader in this area, we ensure the oo and ature enter are welcomin places where e er one can disco er the wonder of the natural world.
7,119
STUDENTS WHO RECEIVED A FREE DAY AT THE ZOO THROUGH THE DAY AT THE ZOO PROGRAM 75+ COMMUNITY PARTNERS
ANIMALS
Animals — both in our care and in the wild — have always been the DZS’s focus. Our commitment to animal well-being ensures that animals thrive wherever they live and inspires our guests to protect wildlife far and wide.
2,221*
Animals in our care at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center
*Invertebrates not included.
214*
Species in our care at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center
95
Endangered species in our care
NEW ARRIVALS
In 2023, we welcomed many new faces to the Zoo. Here are just a few:
Juhudi Giraffe Rain & Pearl Miniature donkeys
Finn S Mshindi, Tulivu, Bandia & Nayembi Gorillas
Tai Chimpanzee
Four spiny-headed tree frogs
Stanley & Fitzroy Macaroni penguins
Iray & Telo Red ruffed lemurs
Six Aruba Island rattlesnakes
Willow & Juniper Bison
Conservation is at the core of everything we do at the DZS. Here is a glance at how we helped protect wildlife and wild places in 2023.
7
15,230 2,619 1,449 1,200 781 61 39 12 9
Continents we work on to protect endangered species and habitats
SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) programs we are actively involved in through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Team members who received Conservation Action for a Resilient Environment grants to engage in conservation work throughout Michigan
Great Lakes piping plover chicks rescued, hand-reared by DZS zookeepers and released into the wild
Conservation programs we are actively involved in worldwide
Wyoming toad tadpoles raised at the Zoo and released in Laramie, Wyoming
Fruit trees planted in Peru to prevent deforestation and offer a fruitful future for locals
Critically endangered Partula snails released in the Papehue Valley of Tahiti
Students and teachers along the A R a DZS and CONAPAC partnership
Puerto Rican crested toads raised at the Zoo and released in Puerto Rico’s El Tallonal Reserve
The Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics (CZAAWE), operated by the DZS, uses data ac ed science to impro e the li es of animals at the Zoo, Nature Center and beyond.
800 HOURS
SPENT CONDUCTING BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATION
20 Research studies the CZAAWE team participated in
276 Welfare assessments the CZAAWE team contributed to
29,627 Animal enrichment opportunities implemented
NOTABLE RESEARCH
“Behavioral development of a captive polar bear (Ursus maritimus) cub in the maternal den," published in "Zoo Biology”
This study used continuous 24-hour monitoring to detail neonatal development and maternal behavior in polar bears comprehensively. The data demonstrated that Astra, a cub who grew up at the Zoo, spent about 20 percent of her day in nursing behaviors, where previous studies had su ested cu s would spend as much as 0 percent.
“Behavior of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) cubs postden emergence at the Detroit Zoo," published in "Zoo Biology"
A er initial den emer ence, our 0 wee monitorin offered opportunities to trac eha ioral de elopment in two cubs at the Zoo in a way that isn’t currently possible with wild populations.
SUSTAINABILITY
For animals and nature to thrive, our environment must thrive. That is why we continually strive to create sustainable systems that protect the planet, support net-zero strategies and foster universal healing. Here’s how we got there in 2023.
$6,000 given to sustainably minded students in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties through the GreenPrize Award Program and the Green School Initiative.
$1,055 donated in sponsorship to local watershed groups, land conservancies, coalitions and other sustainability organizations.
577 carloads of electronics recycled through our E-Recycling Event 1,560 devices collected through the Gorillas on the Line campaign, which supports the Gorilla SAFE program and protects wild gorilla habitats.
63 cubic yards of food waste diverted at Buddy’s Pizza A intelligence scanner, Oscar Sort by Intuitive Robotics, helped guests reduce waste contamination.
RESOURCES PHILANTHROPY
GENERATED IN ECONOMIC VALUE
Generous donor support makes all the difference for the DZS. Every contribution supports our mission, advancing conservation, animal well-being, education and sustainability.
2023 GIFTS
$5.6 million
G from 4,781 donors
$1.5 million
C from 47 donors
$2.0 million
Program and endowment
12 CONSECUTIVE YEARS WITH A FOUR-STAR RATING AND AN "EXCEPTIONAL" DESIGNATION FROM CHARITY NAVIGATOR
FINANCIALS
In 2023, we reaffirmed our dedication to responsible stewardship and management of the resources entrusted to us. As reflected in the 2023 financial snapshot, we are committed to transparent oversight, business excellence and investment in our community.
$50,166,403 2023 operating revenue
51% Earned revenue, $25.6 million
30% Public support, $15.0 million
15% Philanthropy, $7.3 million
4% Other revenue, $2.2 million
$51,876,751 2023 operating expenses
25% Park operations and facilities, $13.0 million
21% Animal care, $10.8 million
14% Guest experience, $7.3 million
13% Administration, $6.5 million
10% Capital projects and other, $5.4 million
9% Education programs and donated services, $4.6 million
4% Fundraising, $2.2 million
4% Marketing, $2.1 million
