Inclusive Ann Arbor
I am a zoo person to my core. I adore them, especially the ones nearby in Michigan! The Detroit Zoo is considered one of the most humane zoos in the country, and both the Toledo and Detroit Zoo are part of the American Zoo Association.
Since I frequent both, I have a good run down of which we prefer. There isn’t one over the other, necessarily, just things that each does better. We got a membership to the Toledo Zoo, but we still get half off at the Detroit Zoo, which is great! Toledo works a little bit better for my needs, but a lot of people prefer how expansive the Detroit Zoo is.
Parking
This was my number one reason for choosing the Toledo Zoo over Detroit to frequent more often. While both zoos have accessible parking, the Detroit zoo is a more central location, so it fills up quite quickly. There isn’t a lot of parking nearby, so I had to park seven streets away.
So far, I haven’t had any trouble parking at the Toledo Zoo, even on the weekend. That being said, both my partner and I work full time, so we don’t really get the opportunity to go on a weekday. I’d be much more open to visiting Detroit on a day they expected less visitors.
Rentals
If you’re ambulatory, both the Toledo and Detroit Zoo have wheelchair and scooter / ECV rentals. Both are first come, first serve. I bring my own wheelchair for this usually, but it’s nice to know that I have the option.
Exhibits
There are pros and cons to both exhibits. Toledo’s exhibits are closer together, which means there’s less walking in between for those who can’t walk long distances. There are a decent amount of benches available as well, so it’s easy to rest.
The downside is that since the enclosures are smaller, the animals have less room to roam, and the viewing area is smaller. You’ll sometimes have to wait to see an animal, and maneuver around tight spaces.
I’d recommend the Tembo Trail, Reptile House, and Aquarium.
Detroit’s exhibits are farther apart, which is great for the animals, and it makes it easier to see since the viewing areas are quite large. However, it can be hard for disabled people who walk or who struggle to move manual wheelchairs over long periods of time. I had no trouble finding places to sit, but that does include some grass options, which isn’t ideal for everyone.
In Detroit, I recommend the Reptile Center, Penguin Exhibit
General pros and cons
The Toledo Zoo has an accessibility map, which I adore! There are a few hills, which can be harder for mobility aids to go over. There are calm areas for those that need it.
The Detroit Zoo has more frequent bathrooms, which include Adult Changing tables and accessible stalls. They have nursing rooms, and a lot of accessible items such as weighted lap pads and noise canceling headphones. They allow you to bring in food, which can be important, which Toledo doesn’t.
Review
Overall, I think people with bone and muscle disabilities who struggle with walking long distances or people with long-distance vision issues might prefer Toledo. Those who prefer quieter areas and do well with more travel would prefer the Detroit Zoo. Either way, you really can’t go wrong with a Zoo day!
