The Best Aquariums and Zoos in Michigan

Kaycee

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Michigan’s beaches are not the only thing that interests us. There are many other Michigan zoos and aquariums.

Michigan is home to a wide variety of zoos and aquariums, each offering unique experiences for visitors of all ages. From the state’s largest zoo, the Detroit Zoo, to the interactive exhibits at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The state’s zoos and aquariums not only provide a fun and educational experience, but they also play a vital role in conservation efforts and animal welfare.

There are more than 25 aquariums and zoos in the state that you can explore. Take a stroll on the wild side to explore these amazing sanctuaries for wildlife.

School Field Trips

Many Michigan school students make field trips to Michigan’s aquariums and zoos a part of their rites of passage. But did you know that the best outdoor activity in Michigan for families is visiting a Michigan zoological park. This makes it a great day trip option or even a vacation idea.

A family outing that includes a visit to a zoo or aquarium is a great choice. A visit to the Zoo is both educational and inspiring because of the chance to see wild animals up close.

Continue reading to find out our top picks for Michigan zoos and aquariums.

Michigan Aquariums

Belle Isle Aquarium

3 Inselruhe Ave Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: (313) 402-0466

Belle Isle Aquarium is a beautiful and historic building. It is the oldest aquarium in North America, having been closed since 2003. It has seen a lot of popularity since its reopening in 2012.

The stunning architecture and beauty of Belle Isle surround this intimate aquarium make it even more special. This is an unforgettable local aquarium experience that you won’t want to miss.

To learn more about the aquarium, Belle Isle and the “Jewel of Detroit”, please refer to our Guide.

SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium

4316 Baldwin Rd Auburn Hills, MI 483226
Phone: (248) 409-6001

Auburn Hills’ SEA LIFE MIchigan aquarium is the largest and most recent aquarium in Michigan. You won’t find many unique exhibits anywhere else in Michigan, but this location has them all.

These include an underwater tunnel that allows you to see 20 species of sharks, turtles, and other marine life, as well as a 360-degree schooling ring exhibit, where hundreds of schooling fish like flagtails and pilchards surround you.

Michigan is home to the aquarium experience of your dreams.

Detroit Zoo

8450 W. 10 Mile Road Royal Oak, MI 4867
Phone: 248-541-5717

The Detroit Zoo, located in Royal Oak, is the state’s largest zoo and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Michigan. It is home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 290 species, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and polar bears. The zoo is also known for its innovative exhibits, such as the Arctic Ring of Life, which is the world’s largest polar bear exhibit, and the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, which is the largest penguin exhibit in the world.

Have you ever heard of the Macaroni penguins? You can get an up-close-and-personal view of these noodle-headed birds at the Detroit Zoo and watch as they frolic and play with their tuxedoed friends.

Royal Oak, MI’s Detroit Zoo boasts it is Michigan’s most popular family attraction. It draws millions of people to learn and see the wildlife they care for.

The world-famous Polk Penguin Conservation Center, despite being closed for repairs is still a popular attraction among guests. They flock to the aquarium to see the penguins in action.

There are many other animals at the zoo. The zoo is home to many animals, including giraffes, apes as well as elephants, zebras, zebras, and pink flamingoes.

Amur Tigers, one of the most popular species at the Detroit Zoo, are among the latest. The Belle Isle Nature Center offers a closer encounter with many Michigan-native species and supports the Detroit Zoological Society.

It is a focal point of the American Association of Zoos’s efforts to conserve creatures and provide top-notch exhibits.

John Ball Zoo

Grand Rapids (MI) 49504 – 1300 W. Fulton St.
Phone: 616-336-4300

Another notable zoo in Michigan is the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids. This zoo is known for its interactive exhibits, including the Koningin Julianatoren, which is a Dutch-style carousel featuring African animals. The zoo also has a variety of animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, and bears, as well as a petting zoo and a playground for children.

John Ball Zoo is a popular regional attraction for those living in the Grand Rapids region.

Red pandas are a favourite among visitors to the zoo. Expectations for them to be more active and visible in spring make this a great spot for an outing when it gets warmer.

John Ball Zoo has ten habitats that house over 2,000 animals and more animal touching exhibits than any other state zoo. It is a great place to take the whole family.

Binder Park Zoo

7400 Division Dr. Battle Creek, MI 49014
Phone: 269-979-3151

You can find the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, a Southwest Michigan treasure.

Binder Park is one of the most impressive Michigan zoos. It features the Wild Africa exhibit. Here you will see many African animals roaming on the open plains.

Hand feeding these gentle giants is simply the best thing. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Potter Park Zoo

1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
Phone: 517-483-4222

The oldest Michigan public zoo, Potter Park of Lansing, is located in the state capital. Potter Park houses over 160 species, from wolves and kangaroos to a variety of birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Potter Park Zoo celebrates 100 years of education and conservation for the 2020-2021 season.

GarLyn Zoo

W1904 US2, Naubinway (MI 49762).
Phone: 906-477-1085

GarLyn Zoo is located in the upper peninsula, 40 miles from Naubinway. It was established by a couple who love nature. The care they give to their animals is a direct result of their passion for wildlife.

GarLyn Zoo offers a unique opportunity for the upper peninsula to interact with native North American animals such as wolves and deer as well as international marvels like big cats and bears.

Saginaw Children’s Zoo

1730 S. Washington Avenue Saginaw, MI 488601
Phone: 989-759-1408

The children’s zoo is located in mid-Michigan and offers a variety of camps and activities that aim to educate children about the natural world.

Prairie dogs, pygmy and alpacas are just a few of the many animals that this park has. The park also features a replica of a “crawl-through beaver dam”.

The Carousel Train is a fun ride that takes you through the 10-acre park. It has been running for over 50 years.

Michigan Zoos and Aquariums: More

  • Mackinac Island Butterfly House
  • DeYoung Family Zoo, Menominee (Upper Peninsula).
  • Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park
  • Indian Creek Zoo in Lambertville MI
  • GT Butterfly House & Bug Zoo Traverse City
  • Domino’s Farm Petting Zoo Ann Arbor

What does Conservation efforts and Animal Welfare mean?

Michigan’s zoo and aquariums part take in conservation efforts and animal welfare, but what does this mean?

Conservation efforts and animal welfare are closely related and both play a vital role in ensuring the survival of various species and the preservation of the natural world. Conservation refers to the protection and preservation of natural resources, including plants, animals, and their habitats, while animal welfare concerns the physical and psychological well-being of individual animals.

Conservation efforts

Conservation efforts are aimed at protecting endangered species, preserving biodiversity, and managing natural resources in a sustainable manner. This includes protecting habitats, such as wetlands, forests, and grasslands, and implementing measures to control hunting, poaching, and overfishing. Additionally, conservation efforts also involve reintroducing endangered species into the wild, as well as breeding programs to increase their population.

One of the most important aspects of conservation is research and monitoring. This includes studying the behavior, population, and habitat of different species, as well as assessing the impact of human activities on the environment. Through this research, conservationists can develop strategies to protect endangered species and preserve habitats.

Animal welfare

Animal welfare, on the other hand, is focused on the physical and psychological well-being of individual animals. This includes providing animals with appropriate living conditions, such as adequate space, food, and water, as well as ensuring that they are free from pain, suffering, and disease. Animal welfare also includes minimizing stress and ensuring that animals are able to express their natural behaviors.

Who is involved?

Many zoos and aquariums are involved in conservation and animal welfare efforts, such as captive breeding programs, research and monitoring, and education programs. They also play an important role in educating the public about the importance of conservation and animal welfare. Additionally, many organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund and the Humane Society, are dedicated to promoting conservation and animal welfare through research, education, and advocacy.

In summary, conservation efforts and animal welfare are closely related and both play a vital role in ensuring the survival of various species and the preservation of the natural world. Conservation is focused on protecting endangered species, preserving biodiversity, and managing natural resources in a sustainable manner, while animal welfare concerns the physical and psychological well-being of individual animals. Research, monitoring, and education are important aspects of both conservation and animal welfare, and organizations such as zoos and aquariums, and NGOs play an important role in these efforts.

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