This Eerie And Fantastic Footage Takes You Inside Michigan’s Abandoned Zoo

If you’ve spent a significant amount of time here in the Great Lakes State, you’ve almost certainly explored the Detroit Zoo at least once. After all, this sprawling complex is a popular destination for families who want to get up close and personal with wildlife and unique creatures from across the globe. While this Belle Isle Zoo in Michigan is undeniably famous, its history is less commonly known – and remnants of its earliest days offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. Come see what is now a collection of abandoned Michigan buildings and find the answer to the question, “why did Belle Isle Zoo close?”

Flickr/Boston Public Library

In 1910, the Detroit Zoo first opened its doors on Belle Isle, Detroit’s beloved island park. In its heyday, the zoo drew in countless visitors from across the region who wanted to gaze at everything from seals to elephants to baby tigers. When the Detroit Zoo was transferred to its current Royal Oak locale in the mid-1950s, its original space on Belle Isle became a children’s zoo. This iteration of the zoo remained in operation until the 1980s, at which point it was rebranded as "Safariland."

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Following a strange series of animal escapes and financial troubles, the zoo was officially closed to the public in the early 2000s and has remained abandoned for more than a decade. While the Belle Isle Nature Center has brought new life to the area and taken in some of the creatures who previously called the zoo home, the original complex reflects a sense of sadness. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to experience the defunct and decidedly eerie zoo structures that once bustled with activity, you’re in luck: YouTube user Steven Strauss shot incredible drone footage of the abandoned zoo back in 2017. You can check it out for yourself here:

While the footage shows a bleak and unkempt scene, it’s easy to imagine the fun outings that took place here during decades past. Did you have a chance to visit this Belle Isle gem before its demise? Does this footage stir any memories of your time at Safariland or the children’s zoo that once offered unique encounters with animals? We’re always eager to hear from you, so share your thoughts about Michigan’s abandoned zoo by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another fascinating attraction in the Great Lakes State by filling out our official nomination form.

If you’re a sucker for spooky spots, be sure to check out this road trip to creepy places in Michigan.