This zoo comparison looks at two heavyweight zoos that straddle the Michigan/Ohio border. The Detroit Zoo and the Toledo Zoo are about an hour apart. Both of these zoos are considered among the best in the Midwest. We visited both zoos in the Summer of 2019, and we still go back and forth on which is the best – and from what we hear, so do the locals! Take a look at how we think these two stack up against each other.
Size: The Detroit Zoo is the larger of the two zoos. However, this zoo does not use its space well. There is a long walk from the penguin building to the other side, that only includes a few exhibits. The Toledo Zoo effectively has two halves, but they are connected very well. While you cross a bridge over the highway to journey to the other side, you can see exhibits from the walkway. On both sides of the zoo, there is good flow to the layout of the exhibits. Advantage: Toledo Zoo
Indoor Exhibits: The main indoor attraction at the Detroit Zoo is the Polk Penguin Conservation Center. This is a state of the art facility, and one of our favorite exhibits across the country. Indoor viewing is also available at the Butterfly House, beaver exhibit, Ape house, Arctic Ring, and sloth building. The Toledo Zoo boasts an aviary building which includes a sloth and koalas. The aquarium is also a key highlight at this zoo. Indoor viewing is also available for the polar bears, wolves, elephants, and rhinos. Advantage: Toledo Zoo
Animal Interactions: The Detroit Zoo offers a giraffe feeding where you can feed them from a raised feeding deck. They also have a butterfly house, and a walk-through kangaroo exhibit. The Toledo zoo also offers a giraffe feeding, as well as parakeet feeding, and a touch tank for sting rays and sharks. Advantage: Toledo Zoo
Habitats: The Detroit Zoo has recently redone many of their exhibits to make them include better habitats. Over the past seven years, the zoo has opened new exhibits that include their nature boardwalk, beaver exhibit, Wolf Wilderness, Polk Penguin Conservation Center, red panda exhibit (completed with a bridge walkway for humans), and Tiger Forest. These exhibits all do a great job of putting the animals first, while also providing great views for visitors. The Toledo Zoo has made improvements in this area as well. Their best habitat is their African habitat. This is a wide open savanna, home to giraffes, zebras, ostriches, watusi cattle, warthogs, wildebeests, and more. Most exhibits on the older side of the zoo are in need of renovation, namely the gorilla exhibit. Advantage: Detroit Zoo
Wow Factor: Both zoos have multiple entrances. At the Detroit Zoo, the main entrance brings you in with an older, traditional, historic feeling. The old building straight ahead with floral scenery around it is very pretty. To your immediate right is the penguin building. It’s a great way to start the zoo. The back entrance puts you more in the middle near their old historic fountain. At the Toledo Zoo, the main entrance puts you in the newer south area with Arctic and African exhibits. This area is a great way to start the zoo, but still has walking included. The back entrance puts you right by the aquarium. Advantage: Detroit Zoo
Kids Play area: The Toledo Zoo has a very large splash pad for kids outside the aquarium, with a playground next to it. The Detroit Zoo has a small splash fountain outside of the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, and a playground behind the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery (Butterfly House). Advantage: Toledo Zoo
Price: The Detroit Zoo is $18 for adults and $15 for kids. The Toledo Zoo is $21 for adults and $18 for kids. Advantage: Detroit Zoo
Overall: This is a very tight one! The result is a 4-3 victory for the Toledo Zoo. The Toledo Zoo comes in at 11th on our rankings, with the Detroit Zoo right behind them at 12th. This one really does come down to personal preference, and an enjoyable day can be had at either one.
Want to know how others view this Michigan zoo comparison? Check out this thread on Trip Advisor haring people’s thoughts between the two zoos.
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