Feed the deer at Belle Isle Nature Zoo

Did you know the Detroit Zoo has a second campus?

The Belle Isle Nature Zoo sits on a 5-acre site surrounded by undisturbed forested wetlands on the island. The Nature Zoo features indoor animal habitats, a beehive, a bird observation window, a new outdoor nature playground, and a short nature trail. It provides year-round educational, recreational and environmental conservation opportunities for the community.

At the Nature Zoo is a Deer Encounter, in which guests can hand-feed the deer.

The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is home to 11 female fallow deer. Fallow deer are native to Europe, and have a long history on the island. They have an acre to roam, and receive great care provided by animal care staff and veterinarians from the Detroit Zoo.

We offer opportunities for the public to feed the deer at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Admission is free; however, a State of Michigan Recreation Passport is required for all personal vehicles to enter Belle Isle State Park. It's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

You can get more information at www.belleislenaturezoo.org