Family Fun in the Community: Try out the Belle Isle Nature Zoo


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Detroit
The yemeni American New

On a gorgeous spring afternoon Amy Greene, the curator of education at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo or BINZ for short, walked us through their captivating and engaging venue taking the time and care to show us every detail. The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is bringing the wilds of Michigan to the heart of Detroit and is a part of the Detroit Zoological Society. The BINZ is located on the beautiful Belle Isle Park, which offers the perfect location for educational, environmental and natural experiences in the metro Detroit area. This also makes it possible for the BINZ to provide excellent educational experiences for schools, families and community groups.
One of the advantages of being so closely related to the Detroit Zoo is that they have professional zookeepers caring for their animals 365 days out of the year. BINZ visitors are able to get an insider s view of an actual beehive and get an up-close view of Michigan native wildlife. A bird observation window allows guests to watch native and migratory birds as they feed from natural and supplemental food sources. The Deer Encounter allows guests the opportunity to feed the fallow deer while learning about their history with Belle Isle. You will also certainly see lots and lots of turtles. One of the aspects that really stood out to me was just how up close and personal you can get with the animals. The animals were even very responsive and seemed interested in us, their guests!
They are proud to have a wonderful team of volunteers through the Detroit Zoo, who are trained to work there. They are named the BINZ Brigade, and they couldn t operate as fully without their contributions.
Looking for something to do as a family this summer, well, look into the summer nature camp. Kids in the week-long Belle Isle Nature Zoo Summer Nature Camp will examine the natural wonders and rich history of Belle Isle. Campers will investigate the plants and wildlife on the island and discover how they can care for the places in which they live. You won t be disappointed.
The BINZ is also deeply committed to increasing environmental awareness by providing educational programs to the community, students and teachers that address the following:
Conservation
Water quality and protection
Preserving nature
Tracking and eliminating invasive flora and fauna species
Cleaning up our community
Their field trip programs are FREE! Programs include a fallow deer feeding, a hands-on activity and/or biofact discovery time. Programs are offered Wednesday-Friday, at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Groups are encouraged to register early as classes fill up quickly on a first come first serve basis. To register please contact the BINZ office at (313) 852-4056.
SEASONAL HOURS
Open Wed. Sun.
Nov. through March 10 a.m. 4 p.m.
April through Oct. 10 a.m. 5 p.m.
Amazingly it is all FREE with admission to Belle Isle State Park
You can visit their website here for more information
http://belleislenaturezoo.org

Belle Isle Nature Zoo

 
  
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