Detroit Zoo Announces New 7-Acre Immersive Experience Where Visitors Can Pet Stingrays and Brush Goats

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A representation of the area of ​​bamboo rays and sharks (Photo: Detroit Zoo)

ROYAL OAK, Michigan (FOX 2) – The Detroit Zoo plans to add a seven-acre immersive experience featuring up-close encounters with multiple animals and educational experiences.

Discovery Trails will span the zoo’s southwest corridor, from Buddy’s Pizza to bison and wolverine habitats. The area will be home to new and returning animals, including alpacas, stingrays, owls, wood dogs and bamboo sharks, giant anteaters, miniature donkeys and prairie dogs.

Guests will be able to touch and feed stingrays and bamboo sharks, brush goats and more.

A representation of the area where guests can pet goats.

In addition to the animals, the Discovery Trails will also include educational opportunities, sensory spaces and an area for young children.

The more than US$20 million project is expected to open in 2026.

“Discovery Trails is a shining example of our mission coming to life,” said Dr. Hayley Murphy, executive director and CEO of the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS). “These close encounters on Discovery Trails will foster empathy and understanding for animals, nature and the environment, creating meaningful connections and sparking curiosity and appreciation for the world around them.”