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Abandoned Zoo Demolished After 20 Years
30 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Belle Isle Zoo, closed in 2002, is undergoing demolition funded by the American Recovery Act.
- The former zoo site will be redeveloped with new trails and parking facilities.
- An elephant named Sheba was famously purchased by Detroit schoolchildren in 1923.
The abandoned Belle Isle Zoo in Detroit, closed since 2002, is now being demolished. This extensive project, funded by the American Recovery Act, aims to remove the hazardous and deteriorated structures that have remained for over two decades. The demolition process is expected to conclude by the end of the year.
The 13-acre site, which was once a vibrant attraction starting in 1895, will be transformed. Plans include the development of new walking trails, improved access to the canal, and the addition of 110 parking spaces. The zoo's rich history includes beloved animals like Sheba, an elephant purchased by Detroit schoolchildren in 1923, highlighting its past significance.
Following its closure, the zoo became a haven for urban explorers and artists. However, its dilapidated state posed safety risks. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is overseeing the demolition, ensuring the removal of unsafe elements while preserving mature trees and local wildlife. This marks the end of an era for the historic, yet long-neglected, Belle Isle Zoo.
