Exploring Detroit's Abandoned Zoo

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ค. 2019
  • Detroit, Michigan is home to beautiful Belle Isle, a fantastic island that offers lots of recreation and beauty for all. There was an entire zoo here until its closure in 2002. That zoo still remains today, hidden away from the public eye.
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    *CHECK OUT SOME OTHER VIDEOS OF MINE *
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    #detroit #abandoned #mobileinstinct

ความคิดเห็น • 1.5K

  • @MobileInstinct
    @MobileInstinct  4 ปีที่แล้ว +284

    I decided to head up to the Detroit area for a little while. Glad I did, pretty cool area with lots of great history.

    • @MichaelSmith-jv7zm
      @MichaelSmith-jv7zm 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Awesome love that movie...

    • @SkyValleyStuff
      @SkyValleyStuff 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      looks cool, i think the "tiny" cages were for monkeys

    • @Sage20005
      @Sage20005 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Wait I live near Detroit and I didn’t know there was an abandoned zoo that is so cool

    • @Sage20005
      @Sage20005 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Well there is good history and some pretty bad too like when the FDF fire truck was hit by a train good thing it was just the back of the truck

    • @Sage20005
      @Sage20005 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Mobile Instinct was that a man down there or a bush

  • @paulstan9828
    @paulstan9828 4 ปีที่แล้ว +457

    Like a scene out of Jurassic Park. Amazing how fast nature takes over.

    • @mitchellsmith6772
      @mitchellsmith6772 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Paul Stan. Oh yeah, it’s a jungle all right...

    • @jhhone
      @jhhone 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Nature always wins!

    • @OffbeatDiscoveries
      @OffbeatDiscoveries 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I thought the exact same!

    • @CommandoIvan
      @CommandoIvan 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Right? Just with more tagging than I remember. As a matter of fact I don’t remember their being ANY tagging in the movies (sarcasm) Man Detroit has really gone to shit.

    • @NickP
      @NickP 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Paul Stan Nature finds a way ..

  • @lavapix
    @lavapix 4 ปีที่แล้ว +288

    Judging by the writing on the walls the animals were quite the artists. It's great they gave them crayons and spray paint.

    • @tashasmith6179
      @tashasmith6179 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Lol. If only..... 🤔🤔

    • @julianmx13
      @julianmx13 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      This needs more likes

    • @SeekerGoOn2013
      @SeekerGoOn2013 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Animals didn’t draw or paint those images! They were done
      By
      PEOPLE!!!!!!! 😧
      That’s why it was closed down!
      The Horror!!

    • @mufc3575
      @mufc3575 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@SeekerGoOn2013 genius

    • @MarzBlueSoul
      @MarzBlueSoul 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @@SeekerGoOn2013 you missed the joke

  • @neomonk5668
    @neomonk5668 4 ปีที่แล้ว +122

    Grew up in Detroit... spent many hours on Belle Isle and the zoo. What a shame to see it now. Looks like a scene from 30 years without people.

    • @mikeh8416
      @mikeh8416 4 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      Looks like a lot of the rest of Detroit. Abandoned and destroyed.

    • @doneown503
      @doneown503 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      what a waste, much of the structure could be reused elsewhere.

    • @hammoud331
      @hammoud331 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Obviously you have not seen it lately

    • @YourMomPussStink
      @YourMomPussStink 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@hammoud331 how it look now bro

    • @dennymcfastlane8530
      @dennymcfastlane8530 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@hammoud331 The only reason that Belle Isle isn't totally into the toilet is because of the State of Michigan 30 year lease. If that wouldn't' have occurred, the Friends of Belle Isle Volunteers would not have been able to save it.

  • @mikeymike758
    @mikeymike758 4 ปีที่แล้ว +264

    What a shame. You would think that part of the zoo could of been donated to the SPCA or used as an animal sanctuary?

    • @danin3420
      @danin3420 4 ปีที่แล้ว +55

      Mikey Mike The state took over Belle Isle a few years back from the city of Detroit. It was a huge mess. Years and years of neglect! They are slowly bringing it back. There is an old aquarium that a nonprofit took over and they have been restoring it. I do think a sanctuary would be a great idea for this area. Good thinking!

    • @terripebsworth9623
      @terripebsworth9623 4 ปีที่แล้ว +42

      My thoughts EXACTLY! I'm managing director of an animal sanctuary in Taiwan with about 500 animals. I was literally drooling watching that video and refurbishing it in my mind as the video progressed. Sooooo much wasted and much needed potential. Transport that my direction!

    • @steveneirschele1179
      @steveneirschele1179 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      it wouldn't work due to the harse mi weather in the winter and when it was closed thier was to much crine on the island to the point now that the state police when the park closes they escort everyone off the island it has gotten alot better

    • @macneoh7418
      @macneoh7418 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      It kinda is an animal sanctuary if you think about it.

    • @kristybear100
      @kristybear100 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      They have a nature center on Belle Isle where there are beautiful white deer that the public can hand feed, and the aquarium is spectacular. It's a lovely place with many activities.

  • @rayhanes1347
    @rayhanes1347 4 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    I remember being a kid on that wooden walkway. There was a tiger down there. Folks weren't too thrilled to go to this zoo when you had the much larger Detroit Zoo on Woodward in Royal Oak. Only looking back do folks miss this place.

  • @MaineWolverine
    @MaineWolverine 4 ปีที่แล้ว +113

    Thanks for the video! My parents took my brother, sister and I there in the late 1960's - early 1970's when it was the children's zoo. I remember we had a little red plastic elephant key that you put into a box and turned at the animal exhibits and the box would tell a story about that particular animal. Of course the children's zoo looked nothing then like now. There were no raised walkways, it was clean and open and not overgrown at all. You would walk around on concrete walkways and it just was a totally different place. I have very fond memories of the zoo and didn't know it closed.

    • @BluntLord2010
      @BluntLord2010 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Lmao, my mom just found her red elephant key from the 60's.

    • @jamesjarrait2231
      @jamesjarrait2231 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      The red elephant keys, I don't believe, ever worked at the Belle Isle location. They were for The Detroit Zoo, which is still there and going strong just north of Detroit in Royal Oak and Huntington Woods.

    • @MaineWolverine
      @MaineWolverine 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      James, you very well may be right. We went to both zoos at that time. I thought the red elephant keys also worked at the children's zoo but it may have just been the Detroit Zoo as you say. Thanks for clarifying. It's funny that I remember those little red plastic keys all these years later.

    • @mav48185
      @mav48185 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      The key was for the Detroit zoo lol. I faintly remember coming here. It's been that long

    • @lkern6238
      @lkern6238 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      "All the animals live in the zoo,
      they're jumping up and down for you."
      I remember those keys...

  • @rga1026
    @rga1026 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    My Great Grandfather was the curator here back in the 20s, in 2013 me and my family visited the site and even found his name in the ledgers left behind here. I wish I could've visited this place in its prime and also have gotten to meet him. I've been told we would've been good friends. Thanks for this extended tour!

  • @traceydelfs2657
    @traceydelfs2657 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    As a native Detroiter, I was there many times as a child in the 90's. It was always a kinda sad and depressing zoo. Near the end they just had a hand-full of non exotic animals like albino deer, a couple alligators and some birds. There was one lonely tiger. Disgusting. Now it just looks creepy af, like an apocalyptic animal prison.

  • @sixgun080
    @sixgun080 4 ปีที่แล้ว +386

    My wife and I went on our first date there 35 years ago

    • @ed6431
      @ed6431 4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      How? It opened 29years ago - 1990!! 😂😂

    • @waynejedynak9443
      @waynejedynak9443 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@ed6431 I went there in the early sixties, the other comment was about opening day. They shut it down for the winter.

    • @ed6431
      @ed6431 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@waynejedynak9443 oh 😊 it's a shame it closed down permanently it looks like quite a nice little area for a zoo

    • @douggief1367
      @douggief1367 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@ed6431 maybe they camped before it was a zoo

    • @dlbstl
      @dlbstl 4 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      @@ed6431 I think he said it opened in the 1890s

  • @meesterJos
    @meesterJos 4 ปีที่แล้ว +316

    Maybe if you could find footage from before the closure, so everyone could see what it was like in the old days.

    • @lennartforsberg1519
      @lennartforsberg1519 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      You can google Detroit¨s old zoo and see some old pics.

    • @ericferguson68
      @ericferguson68 4 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      Here ya go. May 1st, 1990: Opening day for the season
      th-cam.com/video/KMmWBc6byNs/w-d-xo.html

    • @1L6E6VHF
      @1L6E6VHF 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      I have some Super 8 footage from about 1995, about 30 seconds.

    • @ericferguson68
      @ericferguson68 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @Darscabins : I don't know why it closed. I can guess, though.

    • @editingreality4779
      @editingreality4779 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Lennart Forsberg there is also the Detroit Zoo and then Belle Isle. I hate zoos, to think animals are caged up. It's not right.

  • @kiyaprt.2864
    @kiyaprt.2864 4 ปีที่แล้ว +104

    I live in Detroit . and I never seen this zoo a day in my life 😭 dang .

    • @richardrogers5973
      @richardrogers5973 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      It was amazing in the early 90's

    • @baconluffer
      @baconluffer 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I went there as a kid with my mom and dad. She has photos of me looking down at the tigers. 😻 It’s so covered up that when you drive through Belle Isle all you see is just some old wood. Lol.

    • @3katfox
      @3katfox 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Right? I never even heard of this place, and we went to the aquarium on belle isle a thousand times

    • @mikechapman6575
      @mikechapman6575 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You weird

    • @kiyaprt.2864
      @kiyaprt.2864 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Kat Fox right!

  • @Nunya_Bidnez
    @Nunya_Bidnez 4 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    Bell Island Zoo. Use to go there when I was just 6 years old. So sad. Went last year. The Island has a rich history. In the 1900's It had everything you could want. Like everything.

    • @rongodlewski4154
      @rongodlewski4154 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Did you go on pony rides.

    • @rongodlewski4154
      @rongodlewski4154 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My Dad took me there 1953 to 1960. Beautiful memories

    • @Nunya_Bidnez
      @Nunya_Bidnez 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@rongodlewski4154 Can't recall but i did see a Lama give birth.

    • @hockeymom49721
      @hockeymom49721 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think this is where my brother and I had either a camel or elephant ride here back probably around 1978.

  • @nyrngrs15
    @nyrngrs15 4 ปีที่แล้ว +78

    I remember going there as a kid with my family that is from the Detroit area. Thanks for,sharing

  • @rickfromvirginia
    @rickfromvirginia 4 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    You definitely have the knack for finding some awesome Places. It's a shame that Property didn't get turned in to something else. So sad to see it deteriorated like that. Thanks for sharing! Your doing an awesome job! Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures!

    • @chrismaurer2075
      @chrismaurer2075 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Rick From Virginia You should have seen the island before the state took over, it was a shithole like the rest of the city.

  • @thomasmunn4751
    @thomasmunn4751 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I grew up in (& around) Detroit in the 70's/80's & visited Belle Isle many, many times (including the Zoo, the Aquarium, the Botanical Garden, the Giant Slide, the Fountain, etc). I took my family there back around 2000 to visit my family. It's seem like forever ago and just yesterday (at the same time)... I loved going there & I loved taking the boat down to Boblo Island amusement park (Gone now too, I think). Hard to think some of those things are part of a bygone era...
    Like so many other places in the country (and the world), Detroit is winding its way through the years, evolving with the times & just trying to make it through... I've always been proud to say I grew up in (& around) Detroit! (Check out: 149 Davenport - a.k.a. The Davenport). My Grandma (Stella Scott) managed The Davenport for about 30 years. It fell into disrepair, but was renovated as part of the Cass Corridor Project. (I was so glad to see that)... The Spirit of Detroit is alive & well!

  • @eronacalloway9159
    @eronacalloway9159 4 ปีที่แล้ว +106

    A shame that MILLIONS of dollars in construction wound up going to waste☹️

    • @David53D
      @David53D 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      It wasn't totally wasted as some clever politicians benefited.

    • @vince1638
      @vince1638 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Yes and its taxpayers dollars that pay for this study! Money ripped out of the hands of working class people. This is why Governments should not be in the Entertainment business. If there was money to be made in it, private enterprise would do it!

    • @danbowen710
      @danbowen710 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Considering the zoo had been around since the late 19th century, I'd say they had a pretty good run

    • @ilahildasissac1943
      @ilahildasissac1943 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I agree.

    • @tannerradunski770
      @tannerradunski770 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It’s Detroit, what do you expect?

  • @tmntforever2684
    @tmntforever2684 4 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    Chris it's certainly a zoo for nature now I hope the animals where all re homed in a nicer zoo with lots more space

  • @bobbyspapercraft
    @bobbyspapercraft 4 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    Awesome find. Very interesting. Laughed aloud at the O.J comment when you came across the glove. Thanks for another great adventure

    • @jshaw4757
      @jshaw4757 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      "If the glove dont fit....."

  • @starsha227
    @starsha227 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Born and raised in Detroit, great video. Im not brave enough to go in an abandoned building/area ever.

  • @71grayghost
    @71grayghost 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    I love when he says smells like old animals oh these are the bathrooms not too much difference folks 😳

  • @raptorgames9
    @raptorgames9 4 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    You should try to get footage of the places you explore when they were in operation and then show them abandoned. Great video! Always an adventure!!!!👍😊

  • @josephcarlson4969
    @josephcarlson4969 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Bruh I miss that zoo so much. Damn Kwame Kilpatrick closed it down. In fact he wanted to auction off all the animals at the Detroit zoo in Royal Oak. Not to mention wanted to auction off all of the art work from the DIA. Our sad recent history. I want someone to bring my zoo from my childhood back to life.

    • @1L6E6VHF
      @1L6E6VHF 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      IIRC, I believe that the state government (under GOP control at the time) wanted to sell off artwork.
      Irrelevant, since it wasn't a municipal entity in the first place. It was and is owned by a foundation.
      Getting back to the main subject:
      This video is not of the famous Detroit Zoological Park (in southeast Oakland County).
      The subject of this video was a smaller zoo on Belle Isle (an island in the Detroit River). It was also called the Childrens Zoo.
      Most of Detroit's population had never heard of that zoo.

  • @manuelmejia7568
    @manuelmejia7568 4 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    A city dies when its cultural icons are abandoned.

    • @zeusapollo8688
      @zeusapollo8688 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Ahh but the new zoo is very nice

    • @jamesjarrait2231
      @jamesjarrait2231 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      The zoo on Belle Isle was never a cultural icon. You're thinking of The Detroit Zoo to the north of the city. Still there, fully operating.

    • @zeusapollo8688
      @zeusapollo8688 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      And very nice

    • @jimiplayscobo5877
      @jimiplayscobo5877 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jamesjarrait2231 I grew up over the river on the south side of Detroit. I was getting the two zoos mixed up thanks for making that clear to me. Did you know you can drink the water right off Belle Isle. I heard that years ago. I guess the sand filters the water and it's drinkable a foot or so off shore. I wouldn't want to try it but just saying :) Peace

    • @macneoh7418
      @macneoh7418 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Or when Democrats run it

  • @sysygy100
    @sysygy100 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    P.S. - Yes, it was a fine video and I was particularly impressed with how smoothly your camera operated as you walked! Thank you and I'm very glad I've subscribed to your videos!

  • @STARTFLEETTACTICALOPS
    @STARTFLEETTACTICALOPS 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I live in Windsor, Ontario and as a child in the 80's my family would take us kids there. Best fun ever. I do miss the huge yellow slide which you would have to use a carpet to slide down it. The last time I was there with my family was 1988. Love the video and thanks for the awesome memories. Much love and respect from Canada.

  • @peggyconverse7622
    @peggyconverse7622 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I used to take my kids there after school. It was closer than the main zoo at 11 and Woodward. Right there on Belle Isle..then we would go to thhe aquarium and the "Plant house". On the way home, stop at Church's Chicken there on Jefferson and the Belle Isle bridge..good times!

    • @janegilmore102
      @janegilmore102 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Peggy Converse Could they at least turn it into a park?

    • @peggyconverse7622
      @peggyconverse7622 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      This zoo is on a small island on the Detroit River and the entire island IS a park. Up until recently, the island was free to go to and was considered a "jewel" of the city. Then the punks and gangs came along all but taking over the island and the island was no longer safe for families to go to. This what " helped" the zoo die. People were frightened to go to the island. Then about 15 years ago, with state of Michigan Dept of Parks and Recreation took over. They started charging an admittance fee..and lo and behold..the island started reversing itself. Now the garbage and litter has been greatly reduced, and slowly the island is coming back to the beauty it once was. Belle Isle is one of the most beautiful places in Detroit to go to. You could write an entire book just on the history of the Island.

  • @jadesmom5864
    @jadesmom5864 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    First, that’s not a Lake, it’s the Detroit River that separates Michigan, USA 🇺🇸 from Canada 🇨🇦. I’ve probably been on every square inch of that Island, including the Zoo when I was a young kid, and then took my kids there when they were young. I’ve been fishing, swimming, picnicking, watched the Detroit Fireworks, watched the boat races, been in the Aquarium, and the Horticultural Building. Amazing place with amazing people. But the animals didn’t have such a great life there now that I’m old and look back. One of my kids freaked out watching that giant spider eating a bird. Great video, thanks for taking me back down Memory Lane.

  • @Tazzman225
    @Tazzman225 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I remember going to the zoo a lot as a kid. I loved the Electronic Storybooks they had outside of the animal display area. You could buy a zoo key and turn it on. They were plastic and came in different colors. I still have my red and green ones.

    • @jamesjarrait2231
      @jamesjarrait2231 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Was that the Belle Isle zoo or the Detroit Zoo to the north?

    • @Tazzman225
      @Tazzman225 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jamesjarrait2231 --- That was on Belle Isle. I do not recall the other zoo have those Electronic Storybooks. I preferred the Bello Isle Zoo just for those.

    • @jamesjarrait2231
      @jamesjarrait2231 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      The Tazzman The Detroit Zoo in Oakland county definitely had those. They were removed many years ago. The "other" zoo is older and still amazing.

    • @Tazzman225
      @Tazzman225 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jamesjarrait2231 --- According to this video, the other zoo closed. I prefer the original one compared to the remodeled version.

  • @Bblaze1021
    @Bblaze1021 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Literally my favorite zoo I’ve ever been to when it was open.

  • @mollymontgomery8837
    @mollymontgomery8837 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I really like watching video's on Detroit.just to think how thriving that city was before the big recession kicked in.i liked to no what happened to all the animals.God bless Detroit blessings from New Zealand ❤💕

    • @srabchun
      @srabchun 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Molly Montgomery since Detroit emerged from bankruptcy in 2013, it has come a long way. It still has a way to go. But what has been done so far, it’s becoming an amazing place. Thanks for rooting for our city all the way from New Zealand. 😉

  • @IntrepidMilo
    @IntrepidMilo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +60

    I find it interesting how in only 17 years nature has almost completely erased all traces of the zoo. I cannot help but compare this video to the video of you at the old Los Angeles zoo.

    •  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Almost completely erased? I don't know how you come to that conclusion. That will take at least another hundred years.

  • @amandalea3847
    @amandalea3847 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Your videos are so smooth and easy to watch! Thanks ☺

  • @kre81960
    @kre81960 4 ปีที่แล้ว +169

    Many years of corrupt city government created waste. But, our fine city has renovated many areas & Detroit is so much better than it used to be! It would be wonderful to add this area to the list.

    • @tb718w
      @tb718w 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      It was great before.

    • @withlovvve7950
      @withlovvve7950 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      They city won’t fix it up. The state took it over for 30 years. We shall see what will happen when that time is up.

    • @adriankepler5254
      @adriankepler5254 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      With LOVVVE The city’s regained control

    • @adriankepler5254
      @adriankepler5254 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Maxima Someone haven’t been down town

    • @withlovvve7950
      @withlovvve7950 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      TeaSis The city have not gained control. Seventeen years I been with the city.... employees were sent to other departments when the state took it over. The city gave it to them for 30 years. If you work there AND for the city there’s a grievance to be written

  • @RandySchartiger
    @RandySchartiger 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    you rock dude! thanks for bring us along, always enjoy your videos!

  • @anonymous-zn5em
    @anonymous-zn5em 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    I love watching videos of old places being explored. I always ask myself, what is wrong with young people nowadays that causes them to damage, deface and vandalize anything they come in contact with. What a shame.

    • @Aly9315
      @Aly9315 ปีที่แล้ว

      I agree

  • @kathycagg6531
    @kathycagg6531 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thanks Chris! I was a zoo docent for 13 years so this was especially interesting to me. I made some educated guesses on what was housed in various areas. That big concrete area viewed from the wooden walkway where you said that was where the animals hung out would have very likely been a shallow wading pool probably for wading water fowl like flamingoes and storks, maybe with some turtles thrown in.

  • @waynejoey2842
    @waynejoey2842 4 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    Seems like a lot of money, effort and expertise went into the building of the zoo, probably enjoyed by many. Shame it had to close

    • @OffbeatDiscoveries
      @OffbeatDiscoveries 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      so true

    • @barbatloosenutproductions2027
      @barbatloosenutproductions2027 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Oh no. The real Detroit zoo is in Royal Oak Michigan. It's drop dead gorgeous! No cages, large exhibit areas for the animals to roam around. Polar bears swimming & wandering around, & a huge penguinarem that runs two stories deep! Too much stuff to list here!

    • @seandelfin
      @seandelfin 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      why doesn't anyone ever ask why it's ok to leave shit like this? why aren't there laws governing that?

    • @Milan-qs5pz
      @Milan-qs5pz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Barb at Loose nut productions that’s not the Detroit zoo if it’s in royal oak lmao bye

    • @tcwhite0104
      @tcwhite0104 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Milan-qs5pz yes the Detroit Zoo is actually in Royal Oak Michigan.

  • @ricj7517
    @ricj7517 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Love your videos,Mobile..Keep 'em coming buddy!

  • @waynechernick3526
    @waynechernick3526 4 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Since the debates are this weekend in Detroit I suggest free admission for all participating candidates.

    • @cyberdodominisquish3497
      @cyberdodominisquish3497 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      "This is all Trumps fault! All I see here is the Evil of the Republican Party! Vote for ME! I'll fix everything, and make Trump pay for it!!"

    • @hannahgrace7302
      @hannahgrace7302 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      💀💀💀💀

  • @p4ndasr0ck
    @p4ndasr0ck 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Love your videos man, really relaxing to watch, just letting the footage speak for itself not trying to over-hype everything like some other abandoned channels :D

  • @fcl1998
    @fcl1998 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Was there in the 90's. It was the place to see on Belle Isle. Can't remember when, but two years running a bear escaped the zoo and swam to Canada before getting caught and returned.

    • @xdanbo1859
      @xdanbo1859 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      IIRC, after the second time the bear was released into the wild.

  • @willwonka1325
    @willwonka1325 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    What a miserable existence that must have been as an exhibit in that hellhole. Thankfully closed. Love the steady cam

    • @jacob_ian_decoursey_the_author
      @jacob_ian_decoursey_the_author 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah I'm not a fan of zoos in general. There should be more animal sanctuaries and wildlife rehabs instead.

    • @DoubleDogDare54
      @DoubleDogDare54 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Try checking out the lives wild animals live, being killed by predators, weather, disease and injury. Having three squares a day and not having to worry about getting eaten alive ain't a half bad deal if you are a tiger or zebra.

  • @cathybarney495
    @cathybarney495 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was great place to take little ones full of fun animals
    Love see it up again ..

  • @csnyder820
    @csnyder820 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    When you're exploring these places do you ever get a feeling of not being alone or just overall creepiness that has made you leave?

    • @Aly9315
      @Aly9315 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm curious too.

    • @Xandralarson
      @Xandralarson ปีที่แล้ว

      I explored this zoo and other buildings he has, normally it’s just fun like the zoo wasn’t scary at all or I didn’t feel like anything was there with us. Of course there will be the normal creeps of the woods at night but the zoo is fun to explore. The only time I felt not alone was when exploring an abandoned insane asylum

    • @sid.herrmann
      @sid.herrmann 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Xandralarsonstg some mf was on his 4s in the northville abandoned hospital

  • @poke_cactushobby3780
    @poke_cactushobby3780 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I always wanted to explore the old zoo. Looks really cool from outside of it.

  • @adventureswithchristian6967
    @adventureswithchristian6967 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love how you find these places that no one else can find. With all the abandoned places you show nature always wins in the end. Thank you

  • @maryranch5329
    @maryranch5329 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was amazing to watch, thank you so much for your video on this!

  • @nighthiker8872
    @nighthiker8872 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Been there 40 years ago now live in Texas, great place.

  • @kerryg4119
    @kerryg4119 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    It is sad that a place like this gets abandoned and amazing at how fast the vegetation can take over. Like in many of your videos of abandoned places (which are very cool videos) the vandalism is unreal. So sad that people find it fun to destroy things. Some of this could be reused but it is so vandalized, it probably is beyond the cost of repair if someone was to want to revive it.
    Sometimes when you are walking through places like this, I just wait for the camera to pan around and a face pop up. That would freak me out!!

  • @covertops.
    @covertops. 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent videography. Thanks!

  • @debbiebynum9515
    @debbiebynum9515 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    You made my day. I love it when I get to start it with another of your videos. Thanks again.

  • @user-dt3rj8qm3k
    @user-dt3rj8qm3k 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Another great video. Thanks.

  • @richardkarl2238
    @richardkarl2238 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Fascinating tour of what's left of the zoo. Unfortunately only visited it once as a kid...hope you have a chance to explore the rest of Belle Isle. The park and museum are pretty cool. Welcome to Michigan by the way and Thank you for sharing!

    • @MobileInstinct
      @MobileInstinct  4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I also checked out the aquarium and arboretum. It's a great place to spend a day.

  • @ejones610
    @ejones610 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I grew up going to this zoo...so many memories made here. Thanks for sharing.

  • @rubyd3745
    @rubyd3745 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for the update on a small part of my childhood memories.

  • @earlyearl7262
    @earlyearl7262 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The part were he was standing in a open field use to be the lion enclosure! I remember it like yesterday

    • @dmac3551
      @dmac3551 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Early Earl on their way to another 6-10 season..

  • @rick49721
    @rick49721 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That was really interesting! I remember going to Belle Isle back in the early 80s, but I don’t remember the Zoo being there.

  • @ECsponger2
    @ECsponger2 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Of all the abandoned place videos Ive seen, I don't think I've seen an abandoned zoo video. Kudos, this is freakin' awesome ! !

  • @sarabeescutflowersmore795
    @sarabeescutflowersmore795 4 ปีที่แล้ว +53

    I assume you've been to the Packard plant, American motors and GM assembly (all abandoned)... So much to explore here in Detroit.

    • @ericjohn8466
      @ericjohn8466 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      That's what i said!!! Or the train station, the remnants of the Heidelberg project etc.

    • @johnboys4697
      @johnboys4697 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds like everybody else should’ve abandon Detroit with the way this looks and with the places you mention

    • @johnboys4697
      @johnboys4697 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      tapedeck hero and who do you rent to there? Section 8 ??

    • @Mr.PepeSilvia
      @Mr.PepeSilvia 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@johnboys4697 I work downtown everyday. Its progressing.

    • @paherbst524
      @paherbst524 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Detroit is a gem. Unique and awesome.

  • @damagedgoods8450
    @damagedgoods8450 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Chris,
    Welcome to Metro Detroit. You should if traded in your Chicago Cubs baseball hat for a Detroit Tigers hat. Great video, lots of history behind the old Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle. I really enjoy watching all your videos on both your channels. Let me know if you're interested in connecting while you're in the Detroit area.

  • @KR-sh6rm
    @KR-sh6rm 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Very interesting and well done video! Thanks for sharing!

  • @journeywithjay
    @journeywithjay 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Amazing video bro!!!! Love how the plants took everything over

  • @sexyladyakb
    @sexyladyakb 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Choose your steps wisely.. goes for the cracked board

    • @NEEKZ81
      @NEEKZ81 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      😂

  • @ericmcquiston9473
    @ericmcquiston9473 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I wonder what happened to that zoo ? Great job Chris ! can't wait for the next video.

  • @AquaKittiTarot
    @AquaKittiTarot 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for showing this! I went here as a child. Fascinating!

  • @visionaccomplished6565
    @visionaccomplished6565 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I use to go as a child, i always thought it was the most beautiful place . the wooden bridges that allowed you to almost walk through the animals. also driving through the park and watching the dear roam free. thank you so much for showing

  • @mholden25
    @mholden25 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I died laughing when you said, “OJ.”

  • @craighuxtable746
    @craighuxtable746 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks for the great video. I'm surprised a lot of the wood and metal hasn't been salvaged and repurposed in some way.

  • @ttmoore4447
    @ttmoore4447 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I remember feeding the baby goats @ this zoo as a kid....I hope they revive it one day.

  • @debbiedunn4477
    @debbiedunn4477 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Went there in 1978. It was a really nice place. Can't believe what it became.

  • @rumrunner1756
    @rumrunner1756 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Thank you for another great video. Nature reclaims what man discards.I am so happy that I subscribed. 👍☮️

  • @andreawood4255
    @andreawood4255 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I lived in Detroit as a kid and I don't remember the zoo, however my parents used to take my sister and me out to the island to see and feed the bears (so I guess that was part of the zoo). Their enclosure was outside and stood alone by itself. There were always lots of people there and the bears would 'perform' to get the most food thrown to them. One bear was so famous that when he died it made the front page of the newspapers.

  • @richardrogers5973
    @richardrogers5973 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    😲Wow!! 27years ago.Nothing but great memories as a child.😰
    Thanks for sharing✌

  • @jdavid118
    @jdavid118 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My dad would take me for a ride around the zoo in his van while he had a few drinks. Ahh , childhood memories. .. thanks for the video

  • @starkconplays
    @starkconplays 4 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    That’s really weird if someone was actually living there imagine exploring and there’s just a guy laying on his sleeping bag drinking a gallon of water, that would be creepy for sure haha

    • @Sage20005
      @Sage20005 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Well if there was he would probably be crazy

    • @elizabeth1703
      @elizabeth1703 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Starkcon Plays happens all the time in abandoned places

    • @MrThenry1988
      @MrThenry1988 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Probably not water.

    • @troy6679
      @troy6679 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Homeless dude be like well it’s not abandoned I live here

    • @Emiliapocalypse
      @Emiliapocalypse 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Tim Henry his own urine.

  • @paragonnina
    @paragonnina 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    *so sad... i remember going here when i was four years old for my first field trip. the longer i live in this city, the more depressing it becomes.*

  • @reesecapone1942
    @reesecapone1942 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This video is amazing it brings back so many memories I remembered walking on wooden bridges at bell island but I couldn’t remember where they where I was really young.

  • @aquariousstar
    @aquariousstar 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for that. I remember going there as a child, with my mom, the memories come back.

  • @Pantheragem
    @Pantheragem 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    I recognized it from "Real Steel". Love that movie.

    • @janegilmore102
      @janegilmore102 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Pantheragem Same, though I just love anything Hugh Jackmans is in LoL. There are probably films the US haven’t seen with Hugh in them. Made in the outback of Aussie. Very gifted man

    • @justinayers6194
      @justinayers6194 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I worked that set, I got to spend a week hanging out there.

    • @Jposey
      @Jposey 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Justin Ayers how was that?

    • @RhondaA
      @RhondaA 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yep. Atom vs Metro.

    • @Pantheragem
      @Pantheragem 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@justinayers6194 That's awesome.

  • @68air
    @68air 4 ปีที่แล้ว +64

    How did the animals learn to operate spray cans?

    • @patriciamunsch3920
      @patriciamunsch3920 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Id like to see it before the pos sprayed trash all over the walls.

    • @johndelvisco4528
      @johndelvisco4528 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      68air,,,,,IT'S a different kind of animal but in many regards, very much the same

    • @shawnshawn972
      @shawnshawn972 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      No it wasn't animals it was teen age people with spray can sweetie

    • @paragonnina
      @paragonnina 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Shawn Shawn no shit shawn... that’s the joke. i think i’ve spotted a boomer. that, or a complete dumbass

    • @68air
      @68air 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@paragonnina Probably all the soy in their diets makes the animals creative.

  • @MichaelRobacker
    @MichaelRobacker 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was just by there yesturday as a Lyft Driver. I've parked near it as I was waiting for my next fair. It bought back memories from when I was a kid like almost 30 years ago. I'm currently from Oak Park, MI just north of 9 Mile Rd. I love thinking the stories behind all abandoned things and places in my city.

    • @MichaelRobacker
      @MichaelRobacker 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @T OB 1 was born in 1983. I'm now 36.

  • @twothreefour234
    @twothreefour234 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That was a beautiful place at one time. There was a huge plant house there also. Now the zoo begins on the other end of the bridge. That Island was overpopulated with deer also.

  • @ericlozen9631
    @ericlozen9631 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    You're in my neck of the woods now buddy. I'm less than 1 hour north of there =)

  • @OffbeatDiscoveries
    @OffbeatDiscoveries 4 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    Every time you go walking over wooden walkways or structures, I cringe! Have you ever taken a misstep in your explorations? Please be careful!

  • @TheGlampingGuys
    @TheGlampingGuys 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really cool video Chris! You find the most surreal and unique places. Really love your channel. It always make me happy when I get my notification that you posted a new video. They never disappoint. This one especially. The drone flyover views of the walkway are awesome! Love how everything just grows and takes over. When I watch your videos, I imagine what it must have been like when it was open and full of lively people having fun.
    You are one brave man going up on the wooden walkways and into those areas that had the squatters. I hope you have someone there with just in case something was to happen, or at least your cell phone. LOL! Scary! I'd be worried about running into some horrific human/animal hybrid. LOL! Just kidding. Really neat information about the movie Real Steel. This Zoo definitely has that movie set vibe for sure. Thanks for sharing such a cool video Chris. YOU ROCK!
    Peace & Love!
    Have a Glamazing Day!
    ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜❤️🧡

  • @infinitegodaikinbrent8174
    @infinitegodaikinbrent8174 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video and great find as always😊

  • @ed6850
    @ed6850 4 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    I love this. I hope you checked yourself for ticks though. Great vid Chris.

  • @G0Chiefs
    @G0Chiefs 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Graffit even ruins "Ruins". Shame.

  • @nirkytime85
    @nirkytime85 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My company and the DNR do an annual cleaning of that place, we cut down SOOO many trees and picked up so much trash, but we only got the area in the center. There is actually an eagles nest all the way in the back, according to the DNR we were only allowed to go so far due to laws

  • @bella-so2bw
    @bella-so2bw 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I actually visited here a few months ago, June 2023, you can still get in, and walk around everywhere. Im pretty sure people come thru every year or less and cut all the weeds and plants so you can still explore. Although almost everywhere below the boards was to grown in to walk thru. I didnt see all of the buildings and rooms that are in this video so this was amazing to see what i missed. Its not much different now, theres a bit more graffiti obviously, there is a ton more broken and missing boards on the walkways, but i would recommend that you went back this summer or maybe the next, and check out how its aged over the past four years!

  • @LasVegas68
    @LasVegas68 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Great video! Too bad the zoo shut down, must have been nice back in the day.

  • @Swalalalyssa
    @Swalalalyssa 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Detroit is great! Love Belle Isle. Detroit Native here 🙌🏽

  • @twokooks6913
    @twokooks6913 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    What an amazing find this place is, so lucky to be able to explore somewhere like this! We’ve explored a few abandoned places but yet to discover an abandoned zoo. Great video! 😃

  • @latoyaboyd3754
    @latoyaboyd3754 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for exploring my city Belle zoo use to really thrive I had many field trips here.

  • @pbrsteve5974
    @pbrsteve5974 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    2:04 your standard horror movie jump scare

  • @wileycoyote5834
    @wileycoyote5834 4 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    It's sad that people trespass and tear these places up.....

    • @guss6469
      @guss6469 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Why?

    • @Mr.PepeSilvia
      @Mr.PepeSilvia 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I re-pipe a lot of these type of locations. Some should be knocked down, some can be saved. It all depends.

    • @emmehtehtem1244
      @emmehtehtem1244 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I think it would be so cool to see a man built structure that no human has touched in 20 years, to see how nature would reclaim it, see how it looked without graffiti and squatters.

    • @Corinthians-kjv
      @Corinthians-kjv 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Where will the homeless sleep then?

    • @Corinthians-kjv
      @Corinthians-kjv 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Mr.PepeSilvia what about the wiring?

  • @zach1810
    @zach1810 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a fun explore. The behind the scenes of zoos does look a lot like a prison. That is something most guests don't get to see. Great find. Looking forward to more like this.

  • @jericobiermann1504
    @jericobiermann1504 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Anyone else get the Heebie-jeebies thinking that Bird Eating Spider is still lurking around somewhere in there?

  • @alexiz.7569
    @alexiz.7569 4 ปีที่แล้ว +54

    Its era 2000 and we still have cave men drawing paintings

    • @thebrettyouneed178
      @thebrettyouneed178 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I did a lot of graffitti in my youth, often in spots like this (well, maybe not as interesting as this one, but abandnned places) and even back then i had a exactly the same thought
      And larzuga1 is absolutely right, it's our nature. Isn't it fascinating? Art is usualy seen as an extra in every day life. it is nice, sure, but not necessary. We can survive without it, no doubt...yet the cave paintings are among the oldest human artifact we know of today, outdating even many of the found stone tools. We did art 5 minutes after we stopped being apes, that's how necessary it seemed ...and maybe was.

    • @thebrettyouneed178
      @thebrettyouneed178 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Luv2grind although I get what you mean, "art" is technicaly not a status that is reached by a degree of excelence, in it's most basic understanding it is just something artificial, man made. Same goes for the term "culture".
      As ugly as it may be, "Yousa bitch" on a toilet door is still something someone wanted to express, and he/she did so... therefore it is art. Dumb art maybe, but still art.

    • @thebrettyouneed178
      @thebrettyouneed178 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Luv2grind I'd say that this "replacement" of a much loved artwork by your rather crappy artwork will make the other artist and his fans understandibly upset. This, to me, is mostly a question of morality and perhaps legality, but in terms of art, yes, if it was an impulse of artistic expression that made you do it, then this act made you an artist. If you just wanted to destroy the artwork that makes you a vandal... allthough there are art theoretics who would argue that even the intention is irrelevant. Joseph beuys, for example, was pretty hardcore in that department.

    • @kevinloving3141
      @kevinloving3141 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Luv2grind well if somebody wrote that on a toilet door they are vandal bc w/o actually seeing what they wrote I'd say it would be a single line scrawl not much time put into it,but if the person did fat lettering filled in with a color and perhaps color around it. But I prefer to see not scrawls but truly fantastical animals that some graffiti arts take time creating Like at 12:08 though not my style I would say that's art.
      P S forgive me for inviting myself into a conversation you were with another commentor.