Visit Belle Isle Nature Zoo today!

The Belle Isle Nature Zoo (BINZ) is located on Belle Isle Park.The park is considered one of the jewels of the Detroit. The Belle Isle Nature Zoo includes 20 acres of protected forest and wetland. The facility features indoor animal exhibits, a bird observation window, outdoor native butterfly garden, outdoor classrooms, the Blue Heron Lagoon nature walk a 1/8-mile interpreted trail and is home to thousands of honey-producing bees.

Our Featured Animal for Fall

The mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) is the second-largest salamander in the western hemisphere and is considered an important part of Michigan's aquatic ecosystem.  Unlike its amphibian cousins, the mudpuppy never forms air-breathing lungs, but rather relies on the bushy gills behind its head and its skin to breathe under water.  The slimy salamander is typically brownish-gray with dark spots and a yellowish belly.  A mature mudpuppy ranges in size from 8 to 15 inches.

Latest News

SUMMER NATURE CAMP

 Belle Isle Nature Zoo’s Summer Nature Camp returns in 2013 for another fun-filled summer. Campers are introduced to “the wilds of Michigan in the heart of Detroit” by having the chance to explore a beautiful natural ecosystem in the largest island city park in the country. Not only will they learn about the natural world around them but will have a chance to experience it firsthand.

For more information and to register click here.

NOAA B-Wet Grant - Urban Field Observations in Science

The Urban Field Observations in Science program is a grant funded program through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Bay Watershed Education in Training (B-WET) program. Through this program, urban teachers throughout the Metro Detroit area will be able to receive training and hands-on experience with field monitoring techniques. These experiences will include mudpuppy surveying, water quality monitoring, the Great Lakes Adopt-a-Beach program and bird observation experiences.

If you would like to learn more about this program and see what we are up to click here.