Detroit Zoo Attendance Tops 1M For 8th Year In A Row

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - It seems more and more metro Detroiters are stocking up on their supply of "Vitamin Z."

The Detroit Zoo attracted 1,304,114 guests in 2013, up from 1,272,574 in 2012. It's the eighth consecutive year zoo attendance has exceeded one million, and the first time it's been over 1.3 million since 1997.

"We're grateful to our community for another great year and look forward to providing more outstanding guest experiences in 2014," said Ron Kagan, Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director and CEO said in a statement.

Kagan attributed some of the zoo's success to the return of its Wild Lights holiday light display -- which has drawn more than 30,000 guests thus far. Wild Lights continues through Sunday, Jan. 5.

Winter fun at the zoo will continue through the next few months, with special family-friendly events that feature children's music, zookeeper talks, games and crafts. Wild Winter activities take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends in January, February and March, and are free with zoo admission.

Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic habitats, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak. For more information, call 248-541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.