 
Little_buddy
Member
Username: Little_buddy
Post Number: 27
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 3:59 pm: |    |
I was down in Columbus this past weekend and went to the zoo, it was really great! Big, I only was able to take in half of it. Toledo also has a nice zoo, small, but clean. I think we need a new zoo. Where would you put it? Would we just expand into the golf course that is next door? Any thoughts |
Hans57
Member
Username: Hans57
Post Number: 192
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 4:12 pm: | |
asinine. |
Jdkeepsmiling
Member
Username: Jdkeepsmiling
Post Number: 297
Registered: 01-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 4:12 pm: | |
I would argue that instead we need to focus on a new aquarium. We are a very large city on the Great Lakes. Why can't the city and various stakeholders get together and raise enough to open a world class aquarium? |
Jt1
Member
Username: Jt1
Post Number: 10010
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 4:14 pm: | |
Until we can get regional support for the zoo, DIA or any other attraction there is no way that we can do anything better.
We live in SE Michigan where most people think supporting the arts is watching a show on PBS once a year. |
Michigan
Member
Username: Michigan
Post Number: 1080
Registered: 04-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 4:14 pm: | |
no |
Deandub11
Member
Username: Deandub11
Post Number: 148
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 4:17 pm: | |
What's wrong with our zoo? I agree with the aquarium. |
Motorcitydave
Member
Username: Motorcitydave
Post Number: 88
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 4:32 pm: | |
Why would you want to move it??
If anything just keep improving it (as they have been the past few years) in it's current location. |
Lilpup
Member
Username: Lilpup
Post Number: 2708
Registered: 06-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 4:45 pm: | |
"Until we can get regional support for the zoo, DIA or any other attraction there is no way that we can do anything better."
Those institutions that have had administration privatized are getting more support. The DIA might not be rolling in cash, but it's substantially better off than it used to be. The DHS and the zoo have been more recently turned over. DHS seems to be doing better, the zoo is going to take more work just due to the nature of it. |
Danindc
Member
Username: Danindc
Post Number: 3208
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 4:48 pm: | |
More bread and circuses? |
Michigan
Member
Username: Michigan
Post Number: 1084
Registered: 04-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 4:49 pm: | |
Why Dan, do you think Detroit needs more "Ghetto Bars"? |
Southen
Member
Username: Southen
Post Number: 262
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 4:50 pm: | |
Just improve what we have. They have been updating and building nicer exhibits over the years and they should continue with that trend. No point in building new when the foundation is already there it just needs some nicer exhibits thats all.
I too am a fan of getting an aquarium for the region. I think it would be a great asset just like it is for cities like Chicago. |
Paulmcall
Member
Username: Paulmcall
Post Number: 385
Registered: 05-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 5:05 pm: | |
They have a hard enough time paying for what we have right now. The city is trying to unload the golf course so that won't fly.
I say fix up what they have and get it on solid financial ground. |
Drjeff
Member
Username: Drjeff
Post Number: 6
Registered: 06-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 5:11 pm: | |
The Detroit Zoo is great as is! It really has been improved a lot of the past few years. |
Hpgrmln
Member
Username: Hpgrmln
Post Number: 140
Registered: 06-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 5:34 pm: | |
I worked at the zoo (security) 5 years ago. It was going downhill then. Exhibits were growing increasingly emptier and more overgrown with weeds.I visited a year later and it was even worse.Way too many unused exhibit spaces.It was looking pretty shabby.
a new zoo? No. But definitely a lengthy makeover and more animals |
Iheartthed
Member
Username: Iheartthed
Post Number: 1565
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 5:44 pm: | |
Build it at 32 Mile! |
Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw
Post Number: 3643
Registered: 02-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 7:44 pm: | |
Move it to a vacant area in the city proper. That's the only way you could improve on it. I would not be averse to a consolidation at Belle Isle, but you'd have to part with a lot of nice buildings and landscapes there at the current location.
If we truly are falling behind places like the Columbus Zoo (that hurts), then we need to get the zoo some more money, and we can't let it go the way of the Belle Isle attractions. This is best done through increasing private donations. |
Detroitplanner
Member
Username: Detroitplanner
Post Number: 1402
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 8:05 pm: | |
What the zoo needs:
- More benches
- Additional shade trees
- Picnic Tables (Its called the Zoological Park for petes sakes, let folks picnic!).
- Better signage.
What we don't need:
- An expensive public works project that duplicates something we already have. |
Ray
Member
Username: Ray
Post Number: 992
Registered: 06-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 8:17 pm: | |
I would say improve the zoo but keep it. its very charming |
Lefty2
Member
Username: Lefty2
Post Number: 91
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 8:21 pm: | |
It's the the New Zoo Review coming right at you...
from Skipper:
Hey Little_buddy. Only if you finance it. |
Ccbatson
Member
Username: Ccbatson
Post Number: 3259
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 9:06 pm: | |
They don't need more space, they need a better design and layout that is more visible to the visitors. |
Hybridy
Member
Username: Hybridy
Post Number: 142
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 11:13 pm: | |
zoos are pointless. me n the lady friend took a date there last year-worst smelly date ever. i love to support the arts and culture, but its a dying endeavor. i'm no animal rights activist but its depressing to go to a zoo and see an animal living in captivity like that. to them, we look like the fat fanny-packing fools in white shoes that we are when we go to europe. so they're supposed to act all happy to see us? they'd be better off in a protected area/preserve type area or their native lands for christos sake. go to the state fair and see the domesticated animals that we commonly eat-yum. conservatories and places like the mitchell domes in milwaukee are an endeavor of higher caliber and learning. the rest can be seen on planet earth on high def-nough said |
Sstashmoo
Member
Username: Sstashmoo
Post Number: 358
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 11:28 pm: | |
"We live in SE Michigan where most people think supporting the arts is watching a show on PBS once a year."
LOL |
Pete
Member
Username: Pete
Post Number: 95
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 11:44 pm: | |
I have an annual family membership to the Detroit Zoo and take my daughter about once every couple of weeks. I love it, and really couldn't ask for anything more.
Have you been to the zoo lately? It's well-landscaped, the displays are very nice, and it's a great place to spend an afternoon. And there are plenty of benches and picnic tables.
And by the way, aquariums are so 1980's economic development projects. It would be a financial white elephant (as most are) and community resources could be focused on so many other ideas. |
Oakmangirl
Member
Username: Oakmangirl
Post Number: 276
Registered: 08-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 11:46 pm: | |
"they'd be better off in a protected area/preserve type area or their native lands for christos sake."
We're getting a Christo?!? Hot dog! Wonder if he'll swathe Belle Isle for us...
Er, seriously, I believe wild animals should roam free too.
As for Toledo; it's way overrated. Our penguins kick butt!
(Message edited by Oakmangirl on September 07, 2007) |
Ccbatson
Member
Username: Ccbatson
Post Number: 3337
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 11:52 pm: | |
Check out Toledo, and San Diego to see what could be. |
Citylover
Member
Username: Citylover
Post Number: 2611
Registered: 07-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 1:23 am: | |
Toledo? Please! The Toledo zoo is about half the size of the Detroit zoo;it(Toledo zoo) is simply not the level of zoo that Detroit is. In fact the Detroit zoo was very innovative being the 1st when it was built to create an environment that wasn't just cages and spectators but rather to mimic a more natural setting_ and this was in the 1920s.
This is a dumb thread.No we don't need a new zoo. Go and support the one you have it is a pretty damned good zoo. |
Lombaowski
Member
Username: Lombaowski
Post Number: 49
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 5:59 am: | |
Chicago Tribune did a ranking of six midwest zoos and the Detroit Zoo came in 5th. Very subjective ranking but the Detroit Zoo used to be one of the best in the nation and I'm pretty sure it would have a difficult time making that kind of claim now. The zoo in Cincinnati is definitely better IMO but that said I have probably only seen two better zoos in my life and the other is the San Diego zoo. I think improvements could be made but it's still a great place to spend a day. |
Tompage
Member
Username: Tompage
Post Number: 37
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 6:26 am: | |
Sell the existing suburban zoo property for millions. Use that money to build a new first class zoo in the City. I suggest the old derelict Packard plant site for a new zoo. |
Rjk
Member
Username: Rjk
Post Number: 840
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 6:50 am: | |
^ That would only cover a fraction of the cost of building a new zoo. The polar bear exhibit at the zoo alone cost around 15 million dollars. Even if the city had the money they have more pressing needs.
(Message edited by rjk on September 07, 2007) |
Danny
Member
Username: Danny
Post Number: 6476
Registered: 02-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 7:37 am: | |
Do we need a new zoo?
NO! I like the zoo where it is in Huntington Woods. Barless and open nature to all animals. |
Rb336
Member
Username: Rb336
Post Number: 2010
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 7:51 am: | |
I have been to many zoos, both the chicago zoos, all the NYC zoos, the national zoo to name a few. I hadn't been to ours since well before I moved to NYC, and when I returned, i was very pleasantly surprised. Ours stacks up fairly well, it is better than any of the NYC facilities (I worked for them for a couple of years) or chicago, not quite as good as some others |
Motorcitydave
Member
Username: Motorcitydave
Post Number: 89
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 9:19 am: | |
"Check out Toledo, and San Diego to see what could be."
I've been to San Diego, and all I can say is SMALL EXHIBITS!!! I felt bad for the animals they we're so small. San Diego is way over rated.
That is definitely one thing Detroit has over any of the zoos I have been to, is large exhibits. |
Gingellgirl
Member
Username: Gingellgirl
Post Number: 45
Registered: 04-2007
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 10:14 am: | |
Move all the carnivores to the Silverdome. Charge people 20 bucks a piece to "interact" with the animals a la Jurassic Park. Then, sell their cars when they don't claim them within three days.
It's a win-win! ;-} |
Paulmcall
Member
Username: Paulmcall
Post Number: 388
Registered: 05-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 10:28 am: | |
Plenty of wild animals in Detroit. Many of them should be behind bars. |
Jt1
Member
Username: Jt1
Post Number: 10029
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 10:41 am: | |
quote:Plenty of wild animals in Detroit. Many of them should be behind bars.
Way to stay on topic with more of your wonderful 'insights' |
Thejesus
Member
Username: Thejesus
Post Number: 2032
Registered: 06-2006
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 10:49 am: | |
lol gigellgirl |
Upinottawa
Member
Username: Upinottawa
Post Number: 936
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 10:59 am: | |
Metro Detroit could use more tourists. These tourists would then go to the zoo, the DIA, etc. adding more money to those institutions' coffers thus allowing them to improve, expand, renovate.
Of course, any increase in tourism is dependent on a revived Detroit. |
Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw
Post Number: 3644
Registered: 02-2005
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 11:45 am: | |
Tourism is often hindered by the sprawl of our area, and, more so, the lack of transit. Are we to assume that all visitors come with cars? And even when they do, do we assume that they want to drive even more around the area once they get here. What I'm getting at is that the Zoo, though a great place, has been in the wrong place since its conception. The Belle Isle Zoo was centered around numerous other attractions in the city; the Central Park Zoo and Philadelphia Zoo in the enormous Fairmount Park are also in perfect locations.
Even in the best case scenario-- when a tourist stays downtown-- a 20+ minute car ride is neccesary to go to the zoo. Add this to all the other preferred "tourist" attractions outside the city like the Henry Ford and Cranbrook, and you have people doing a lot of driving once their here, and if they come w/o a car, they'll miss out.
So, this is not so much about moving the zoo to the inner city, but it would really be grand to get a streetcar or similar clean, appealing transit from downtown to Royal Oak. This would actually help the zoo a lot by enabling more visitors to go there, and allowing metro residents for that matter to enjoy a daytrip that includes the zoo and downtown without the hassle of a car. |
Paulmcall
Member
Username: Paulmcall
Post Number: 389
Registered: 05-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 12:13 pm: | |
You can take a bus from downtown to Woodward and Ten Mile now then cross the street and you are at the zoo! |
Little_buddy
Member
Username: Little_buddy
Post Number: 28
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 5:50 pm: | |
My son lives outside Columbus and he took us to the zoo, I enjoyed it alot and it is big and expanding. I haven't been to the Detroit Zoo in a couple of years and it just seemed to be run down, old and dirty. Maybe it has cleaned up, I don't know. With close to 5 million people in the metro Detroit area it seems that the zoo should be world class, with aquariums. |
Rrl
Member
Username: Rrl
Post Number: 891
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 6:55 pm: | |
Buddy-
Apparently, from your own statements, you're not supporting the current zoo. Who do you expect to pay for this new park?
I agree w/ Citylover on this one, go support the one we have. Many more pressing issues than to build an expensive new attraction. |
The_rock
Member
Username: The_rock
Post Number: 1949
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 7:17 pm: | |
Now the only zoo in Columbus that I have ever visited is the Ohio State stadium, but I have been visiting our Detroit Zoo in RO back when they had two Detroit News-donated black steam engines pulling attendees to Africa and Joe Mendy was a big-time attraction.
I say our zoo is a gem, and ranks very low on the radar screen as far as replacement is concerned. In fact, I say we don't need to consider replacement at all.
Next question, please. |
Raggedclaws
Member
Username: Raggedclaws
Post Number: 45
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 7:44 pm: | |
Sadly, the Detroit Zoo is no longer in the same league as the Toledo Zoo. Took my kids to both this summer - Detroit's is shabby, run-down, and badly in need of a makeover.
Detroit could not sustain an aquarium. Belle Isle Aquarium has been "shuttered" and won't reopen without the hard work of volunteers. Shame on the city leaders for allowing the zoo to slowly go the way of the aquarium. Such is the state of affairs in Detroit... |
Hpgrmln
Member
Username: Hpgrmln
Post Number: 142
Registered: 06-2007
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 7:48 pm: | |
Its 2 miles from the detroit city limits in a different county.It doesn't make sense to me that they use the Detroit building dept, etc. when they aren't even in the same county as Detroit.And Im tired of arrogant, egotistical mayors in Detroit putting their name on a tower in Royal Oak. Give the land to Oakland County, Royal Oak, whoever.It'll be a lot less complicated and practical jurisdictionwise. Re-open Belle Isle, let Detroit run that. Let the Detroit Zoo become either state or county-run, relieve the city of the financial burden, and hopefully there will be no more threats of it closing.Now you'll have a functioning zoo no longer being run by the government of a city located several miles away and municipal workers/departments that have no power or clout just beyond the enterance gates. |
Rhymeswithrawk
Member
Username: Rhymeswithrawk
Post Number: 891
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 8:07 pm: | |
You can take a bus from downtown to Woodward and Ten Mile now then cross the street and you are at the zoo!
Yeah, tourists on our buses. Right.
That said, we definitely don't need a new zoo. I can think of 500 million better ways to spend tax money. |
Detroitplanner
Member
Username: Detroitplanner
Post Number: 1405
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 8:43 pm: | |
The City has not been in charge of the Zoo for over two years now. It will not be run by Oakland County or Huntington Woods. It is run by the Zoological Society.
Tax money no longer flows to the zoo. Some may drip there to assist in maintenance, but it is up to the Society to keep everything in good repair. As for the Mayor's name? If the tower don't need painting yet, I can't see why it would be important to a non profit to spend money painting it. Once it needs a fresh coat, expect it GONE!
I have to agree with Paul. You can reach the zoo by bus. To the person who wants to move it because it is not within City limits. Remember it is not exactly out in the boonies like the Columbus Zoo. Tens of thousands of people live within walking distance of the current Zoo. There is also a nice link to Downtown Royal Oak and shopping along Woodward. It is not an island. |
Ccbatson
Member
Username: Ccbatson
Post Number: 3348
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 8:50 pm: | |
So, make it a business for real. Retool it so people will want to go there. Patron friendly exhibits, where the animals are always in full view. |
Citylover
Member
Username: Citylover
Post Number: 2616
Registered: 07-2004
| | Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 9:40 pm: | |
Raggedclaws I don't know how else to put his but you are either blind or wrong. And since you did not say you were blind you must be wrong. Perhaps it is your attitude toward Detroit that makes you say it is run down. I have never heard anyone else say that.It is old and some areas may need maintenance but it is so far above the Toledo zoo that it (Toledo) hardly warrants a comparison.
Two examples: The chimps of Harambee and the Polar exhibit; both are of recent vintage and Toledo has nothing that come close. Also the acreage at Detroit is quite a bit more than Toledo and that means more room for the animals.
We are fortunate that we have the two zoos in the area. And the Toledo zoo is great for small children that can't walk alot before they tire out. The Detroit zoo is old.But it was perhaps the most innovative zoo of it's time.Perhaps that aint saying much considering the way animals were treated in the 20s when the zoo was built.But it actually holds up well and if supported would only get better........ |
Raggedclaws
Member
Username: Raggedclaws
Post Number: 46
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 7:55 am: | |
Citylover: It's called an opinion. But thanks for bringing the blind into this. |
Iheartthed
Member
Username: Iheartthed
Post Number: 1579
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 8:37 am: | |
Shame on the city leaders for allowing the zoo to slowly go the way of the aquarium. Such is the state of affairs in Detroit...
Do you live in Detroit? |
Rfban
Member
Username: Rfban
Post Number: 190
Registered: 02-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 8:44 am: | |
^^ I agree Citylover "Shame on the city leaders for allowing the zoo to slowly go the way of the aquarium" What! Every time I have been to the zoo I thought it was unique, clean, and the size was adequate. |
Pam
Member
Username: Pam
Post Number: 2539
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 9:50 am: | |
quote:Retool it so people will want to go there.
People do want to go there. I waited in a long line to get in there last year.
quote:Patron friendly exhibits, where the animals are always in full view.
This isn't going to happen with large naturalistic exhibits, which are better for the animals. If you can't bother to spend a few minutes looking for the animals, stay home and watch TV. |
Ccbatson
Member
Username: Ccbatson
Post Number: 3431
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 11:52 am: | |
Is it better for the animals if the zoo fails financially? |
Rjk
Member
Username: Rjk
Post Number: 841
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 12:03 pm: | |
"Is it better for the animals if the zoo fails financially?"
If the only concern is just about being financially successful they could bring back the chimp shows where the chimps ran around and cycled in tuxedos and prom dresses.
There has to be a balance between what's going to bring in money but also what's good for the animals. |
Raggedclaws
Member
Username: Raggedclaws
Post Number: 47
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 12:19 pm: | |
Not sure how or why it is relevant but yeah, Iheartthed, born and raised.
More important, however, is that I've been to many of this country's major zoos, and to the Detroit Zoo every year and at least once a year for the last 25 years - most recently two weeks ago. I have seen a slow and steady decline.
I do continue to contribute financially. So let's see, I both frequent the zoo and help out often. Is that enough to warrant an opinion ? |