Exploring Detroit's Abandoned Zoo

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  • Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
  • 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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    #detroit #abandoned #mobileinstinct

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,5 тис.

  • @MobileInstinct
    @MobileInstinct  5 років тому +282

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

    • @Michael666CA
      @Michael666CA 5 років тому +5

      Awesome love that movie...

    • @SkyValleyStuff
      @SkyValleyStuff 5 років тому +2

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

    • @Sage20005
      @Sage20005 5 років тому +7

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

    • @Sage20005
      @Sage20005 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +2

      Mobile Instinct was that a man down there or a bush

  • @paulstan9828
    @paulstan9828 5 років тому +457

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

    • @mitchellsmith6772
      @mitchellsmith6772 5 років тому +11

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

    • @jhhone
      @jhhone 5 років тому +8

      Nature always wins!

    • @OffbeatDiscoveries
      @OffbeatDiscoveries 5 років тому +3

      I thought the exact same!

    • @CommandoIvan
      @CommandoIvan 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +6

      Paul Stan Nature finds a way ..

  • @lavapix
    @lavapix 5 років тому +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 4 роки тому +5

      Lol. If only..... 🤔🤔

    • @julianmx13
      @julianmx13 4 роки тому +8

      This needs more likes

    • @SeekerGoOn2013
      @SeekerGoOn2013 4 роки тому +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 роки тому +12

      @@SeekerGoOn2013 genius

    • @MarzBlueSoul
      @MarzBlueSoul 3 роки тому +15

      @@SeekerGoOn2013 you missed the joke

  • @neomonk5668
    @neomonk5668 5 років тому +121

    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.

    • @MikesClassicRadio
      @MikesClassicRadio 5 років тому +20

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

    • @doneown503
      @doneown503 4 роки тому +1

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

    • @hammoud331
      @hammoud331 3 роки тому +1

      Obviously you have not seen it lately

    • @YourMomPussStink
      @YourMomPussStink 3 роки тому +1

      @@hammoud331 how it look now bro

    • @dennymcfastlane8530
      @dennymcfastlane8530 2 роки тому +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 5 років тому +265

    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 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +41

      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 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +10

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

    • @kristybear100
      @kristybear100 5 років тому +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.

  • @MaineWolverine
    @MaineWolverine 5 років тому +112

    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 5 років тому +11

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

    • @jamesjarrait2231
      @jamesjarrait2231 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +5

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

    • @lkern6238
      @lkern6238 5 років тому +2

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

  • @meesterJos
    @meesterJos 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +10

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

    • @ericferguson68
      @ericferguson68 5 років тому +25

      Here ya go. May 1st, 1990: Opening day for the season
      ua-cam.com/video/KMmWBc6byNs/v-deo.html

    • @1L6E6VHF
      @1L6E6VHF 5 років тому +12

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

    • @ericferguson68
      @ericferguson68 5 років тому +7

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

    • @editingreality4779
      @editingreality4779 5 років тому +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.

  • @rga1026
    @rga1026 4 роки тому +19

    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!

  • @sixgun080
    @sixgun080 5 років тому +387

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

    • @ed6431
      @ed6431 5 років тому +17

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

    • @waynejedynak9443
      @waynejedynak9443 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +7

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

    • @douggief1367
      @douggief1367 5 років тому +6

      @@ed6431 maybe they camped before it was a zoo

    • @dlbstl
      @dlbstl 5 років тому +24

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

  • @rayhanes1347
    @rayhanes1347 5 років тому +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.

  • @kiyaprt.2864
    @kiyaprt.2864 5 років тому +104

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

    • @richardrogers5973
      @richardrogers5973 5 років тому +6

      It was amazing in the early 90's

    • @baconluffer
      @baconluffer 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +3

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

    • @mikechapman6575
      @mikechapman6575 5 років тому +1

      You weird

    • @kiyaprt.2864
      @kiyaprt.2864 5 років тому

      Kat Fox right!

  • @Nunya_Bidnez
    @Nunya_Bidnez 5 років тому +51

    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 5 років тому

      Did you go on pony rides.

    • @rongodlewski4154
      @rongodlewski4154 5 років тому +1

      My Dad took me there 1953 to 1960. Beautiful memories

    • @Nunya_Bidnez
      @Nunya_Bidnez 5 років тому +1

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

    • @hockeymom49721
      @hockeymom49721 5 років тому

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

  • @traceydelfs2657
    @traceydelfs2657 5 років тому +19

    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.

  • @rickfromvirginia
    @rickfromvirginia 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +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.

  • @nyrngrs15
    @nyrngrs15 5 років тому +77

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

  • @bobbyspapercraft
    @bobbyspapercraft 5 років тому +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 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @thomasmunn4751
    @thomasmunn4751 5 років тому +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!

  • @cathybarney495
    @cathybarney495 2 роки тому +2

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

  • @tmntforever2684
    @tmntforever2684 5 років тому +27

    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

  • @starsha227
    @starsha227 5 років тому +8

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

  • @kre81960
    @kre81960 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +5

      It was great before.

    • @withlovvve7950
      @withlovvve7950 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +1

      With LOVVVE The city’s regained control

    • @adriankepler5254
      @adriankepler5254 5 років тому +4

      Maxima Someone haven’t been down town

    • @withlovvve7950
      @withlovvve7950 5 років тому +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

  • @bella-so2bw
    @bella-so2bw Рік тому +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!

  • @raptorgames9
    @raptorgames9 5 років тому +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!!!!👍😊

  • @STARTFLEETTACTICALOPS
    @STARTFLEETTACTICALOPS 4 роки тому +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.

  • @josephcarlson4969
    @josephcarlson4969 5 років тому +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 3 роки тому +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.

  • @Tazzman225
    @Tazzman225 5 років тому +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 5 років тому

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

    • @Tazzman225
      @Tazzman225 5 років тому

      @@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 5 років тому

      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 5 років тому

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

  • @sysygy100
    @sysygy100 5 років тому +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!

  • @anonymous-zn5em
    @anonymous-zn5em 5 років тому +23

    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.

  • @eronacalloway9159
    @eronacalloway9159 5 років тому +106

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

    • @David53D
      @David53D 5 років тому +12

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

    • @vince1638
      @vince1638 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +8

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

    • @ilahildasissac1943
      @ilahildasissac1943 4 роки тому

      I agree.

    • @tannerradunski770
      @tannerradunski770 4 роки тому +2

      It’s Detroit, what do you expect?

  • @peggyconverse7622
    @peggyconverse7622 5 років тому +3

    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 5 років тому

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

    • @peggyconverse7622
      @peggyconverse7622 5 років тому

      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.

  • @IntrepidMilo
    @IntrepidMilo 5 років тому +59

    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.

    •  5 років тому +1

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

  • @MichaelRobacker
    @MichaelRobacker 5 років тому +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.

  • @71grayghost
    @71grayghost 5 років тому +22

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

  • @kathycagg6531
    @kathycagg6531 5 років тому +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.

  • @sarabeescutflowersmore795
    @sarabeescutflowersmore795 5 років тому +54

    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 5 років тому +5

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

    • @johnboys4697
      @johnboys4697 5 років тому

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

    • @johnboys4697
      @johnboys4697 5 років тому +1

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

    • @Mr.PepeSilvia
      @Mr.PepeSilvia 5 років тому +2

      @@johnboys4697 I work downtown everyday. Its progressing.

    • @paherbst524
      @paherbst524 5 років тому +5

      Detroit is a gem. Unique and awesome.

  • @Bblaze1021
    @Bblaze1021 5 років тому +7

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

  • @mollymontgomery8837
    @mollymontgomery8837 5 років тому +6

    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 5 років тому +2

      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. 😉

  • @amandalea3847
    @amandalea3847 5 років тому +16

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

  • @waynejoey2842
    @waynejoey2842 5 років тому +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 5 років тому

      so true

    • @barbatloosenutproductions2027
      @barbatloosenutproductions2027 5 років тому +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 5 років тому

      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 4 роки тому +1

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

    • @tcwhite0104
      @tcwhite0104 4 роки тому

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

  • @jadesmom5864
    @jadesmom5864 5 років тому +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.

  • @nothingchannel6699
    @nothingchannel6699 5 років тому +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

  • @moonboogien8908
    @moonboogien8908 5 років тому +2

    The locals have so much respect for their city's history they decided to paint pretty pictures and decorate the old rooms with trinkets and knick-knacks!
    How thoughtful of them....

    • @heikkidtw5992
      @heikkidtw5992 5 років тому

      They are artists..like Picasso..i can sell you a picture..just send me 15 grand..

  • @manuelmejia7568
    @manuelmejia7568 5 років тому +70

    A city dies when its cultural icons are abandoned.

    • @zeusapollo8688
      @zeusapollo8688 5 років тому +4

      Ahh but the new zoo is very nice

    • @jamesjarrait2231
      @jamesjarrait2231 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +2

      And very nice

    • @jimiplayscobo5877
      @jimiplayscobo5877 5 років тому

      @@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 5 років тому +8

      Or when Democrats run it

  • @jdavid118
    @jdavid118 5 років тому +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

  • @poke_cactushobby3780
    @poke_cactushobby3780 5 років тому +5

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

  • @ECsponger2
    @ECsponger2 5 років тому +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 ! !

  • @waynechernick3526
    @waynechernick3526 5 років тому +36

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

    • @cyberdodominisquish3497
      @cyberdodominisquish3497 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +1

      💀💀💀💀

  • @nirkytime85
    @nirkytime85 5 років тому +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

  • @richardkarl2238
    @richardkarl2238 5 років тому +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  5 років тому +4

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

  • @RandySchartiger
    @RandySchartiger 5 років тому +3

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

  • @kerryg4119
    @kerryg4119 5 років тому +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!!

  • @debbiedunn4477
    @debbiedunn4477 5 років тому +2

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

  • @ricj7517
    @ricj7517 5 років тому +7

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

  • @adventureswithchristian6967
    @adventureswithchristian6967 5 років тому

    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

  • @fcl1998
    @fcl1998 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +2

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

  • @wileycoyote5834
    @wileycoyote5834 5 років тому +55

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

    • @guss6469
      @guss6469 5 років тому

      Why?

    • @Mr.PepeSilvia
      @Mr.PepeSilvia 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +1

      Where will the homeless sleep then?

    • @Corinthians-kjv
      @Corinthians-kjv 5 років тому

      @@Mr.PepeSilvia what about the wiring?

  • @68air
    @68air 5 років тому +64

    How did the animals learn to operate spray cans?

    • @patriciamunsch3920
      @patriciamunsch3920 5 років тому +2

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

    • @johndelvisco4528
      @johndelvisco4528 5 років тому +6

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

    • @shawnshawn972
      @shawnshawn972 5 років тому

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

    • @paragonnina
      @paragonnina 5 років тому +4

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

    • @68air
      @68air 5 років тому +1

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

  • @twothreefour234
    @twothreefour234 5 років тому +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.

  • @csnyder820
    @csnyder820 3 роки тому +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 2 роки тому

      I'm curious too.

    • @Xandralarson
      @Xandralarson Рік тому

      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 Рік тому

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

  • @starkconplays
    @starkconplays 5 років тому +65

    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 5 років тому +1

      Well if there was he would probably be crazy

    • @elizabeth1703
      @elizabeth1703 5 років тому +6

      Starkcon Plays happens all the time in abandoned places

    • @MrThenry1988
      @MrThenry1988 5 років тому +7

      Probably not water.

    • @troy6679
      @troy6679 5 років тому +1

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

    • @Emiliapocalypse
      @Emiliapocalypse 5 років тому +2

      Tim Henry his own urine.

  • @damagedgoods8450
    @damagedgoods8450 5 років тому +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.

  • @andreawood4255
    @andreawood4255 5 років тому +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.

  • @earlyearl7262
    @earlyearl7262 5 років тому +6

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

    • @dmac3551
      @dmac3551 5 років тому

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

  • @paragonnina
    @paragonnina 5 років тому +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.*

  • @nighthiker8872
    @nighthiker8872 5 років тому +5

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

  • @pointofsidtetris8066
    @pointofsidtetris8066 5 років тому

    I was raised IN and still live in Detroit. My dad worked on Belle Isle for a few years leading up to the closure of the zoo. I know it well. I used to go to work with him at 5:30 am on summer mornings, fish ALL day on the many waters on belle isle; even where the river narrowed into a canal behind the light house on belle isle. Belle Isle used to be the city’s park, and everyday there were huge gatherings and people just chillen and relaxing. I haven’t back to belle isle since it became a state owned park. This was early 2000, where all I had as a 12 year old was my bike, fishing rod, and instructions on where to meet my dad at certain points throughout the day lol

  • @Swalalalyssa
    @Swalalalyssa 5 років тому +9

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

  • @TheGlampingGuys
    @TheGlampingGuys 5 років тому +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!
    ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜❤️🧡

  • @rick49721
    @rick49721 5 років тому +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.

  • @visionaccomplished6565
    @visionaccomplished6565 5 років тому

    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

  • @ericmcquiston9473
    @ericmcquiston9473 5 років тому +5

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

  • @tazmod7272
    @tazmod7272 5 років тому

    I visited a friend in Deeetroit somewhere off of Gratiot Ave and 8 mile back in the late ‘80’s when “King” Coleman Young was mayor. My friend told me the quality of the neighborhood was base on how many houses were burned out on the street. As I remember none on his. We never did go to Belle Isle. We did go downtown to a Greek restaurant and got the flaming cheese. It was scary to drive down there then.

  • @OffbeatDiscoveries
    @OffbeatDiscoveries 5 років тому +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!

  • @zach1810
    @zach1810 5 років тому

    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.

  • @Pantheragem
    @Pantheragem 5 років тому +22

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

    • @janegilmore102
      @janegilmore102 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +3

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

    • @Jposey
      @Jposey 5 років тому +2

      Justin Ayers how was that?

    • @RhondaA
      @RhondaA 4 роки тому +1

      Yep. Atom vs Metro.

    • @Pantheragem
      @Pantheragem 4 роки тому

      @@justinayers6194 That's awesome.

  • @rsisler102383
    @rsisler102383 5 років тому

    Being from Detroit, it's amazing and sad to see the Zoo like that. My family and I visited the zoo the last year it was opened. Thanks for making this, I've always wondered what happened to the place.

  • @craighuxtable746
    @craighuxtable746 5 років тому +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.

  • @Triple316
    @Triple316 5 років тому +1

    I went to this zoo when I was 10 in 1992. Thanks for the update...

  • @mholden25
    @mholden25 5 років тому +8

    I died laughing when you said, “OJ.”

  • @MarksKicksOnRoute66
    @MarksKicksOnRoute66 5 років тому

    You have the most soothing voice of any one I follow. Your videos and commentary is on point.

  • @sunwarz
    @sunwarz 5 років тому +4

    That place could probably be transitioned into something very beautiful, and a tourist attraction of some sort, with zip lineing and botanicals, coi gardens, etc. Could even be a voluntary community project, gardens, green houses, fish farms , alternative living project? Green space living community, harmonizing naturally with nature? Even small scale animal farming! Could be turned into something very educational , community learning project!

    • @ScubaDude68
      @ScubaDude68 5 років тому +1

      sunwarz in Detroit

    • @lillymaypatterson6375
      @lillymaypatterson6375 5 років тому

      @ Naw, it once was owned by nature. Man has made his mark. It's called real estate now. Divide it up and sell condos. Heck, make it a nudist community. It will still be going back to nature but include man this time. He is an awesome creature. Avatar is a baby goat.

  • @annj8137
    @annj8137 5 років тому +2

    Excellent video!!

  • @AuroraJackson
    @AuroraJackson 5 років тому +15

    its always fun to see outsiders exploring detroits decay

    • @genesis8550
      @genesis8550 5 років тому

      Yes, girl

    • @LandofNodnuts
      @LandofNodnuts 5 років тому

      The island is better tooken of sence the state got control

    • @orlandofields1973
      @orlandofields1973 3 роки тому

      No, its not. Most make fun of the city. I'll be glad to show them the hood.

    • @AuroraJackson
      @AuroraJackson 3 роки тому

      @@orlandofields1973 stfu merry Christmas troll. Have fun in the hood threatening people

  • @amberdamber7
    @amberdamber7 5 років тому

    I like playing your videos in the background while I work. It's nice to hear someone talking with respect about the sites he looks at (instead of a bunch of "Bruh! No way!" nonsense).

  • @sexyladyakb
    @sexyladyakb 5 років тому +19

    Choose your steps wisely.. goes for the cracked board

  • @ttmoore4447
    @ttmoore4447 5 років тому +1

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

  • @ed6850
    @ed6850 5 років тому +28

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

  • @gailtasky2076
    @gailtasky2076 4 роки тому

    I've been away from detroit for many years and had no idea this zoo is abandoned. I grew going to the Belle Isle Zoo!

  • @spiritkittykat
    @spiritkittykat 4 роки тому +4

    I won an Emmy for a video I made of this zoo. I went there once and it was still in pretty pristine condition, most of the glass wasn’t broken, little to no graffiti. Then they filmed Real Steel there and it became an instant draw for taggers hoping they’d get their tags seen. Of course, vandals appeared, as well, and everything was destroyed pretty quickly. It’s insane to see the contrast between my first explore and my next one where I filmed for my video.

    • @mr45psi
      @mr45psi 3 роки тому

      Thanks for the information, i plan to be mayor of Detroit one day and i got to know much as possible !

    • @dezznutz3743
      @dezznutz3743 2 роки тому

      @@mr45psi Hopefully as a 3rd party candidate or actual Independent.

  • @ejones610
    @ejones610 5 років тому

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

  • @user-dt3rj8qm3k
    @user-dt3rj8qm3k 5 років тому +3

    Another great video. Thanks.

  • @hammoud331
    @hammoud331 3 роки тому +1

    Thats just a small part of belle isle the island is huge. They are doing lots of renovations lately and is looking very nice.

  • @LasVegas68
    @LasVegas68 5 років тому +6

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

  • @rubyd3745
    @rubyd3745 5 років тому +1

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

  • @G0Chiefs
    @G0Chiefs 5 років тому +8

    Graffit even ruins "Ruins". Shame.

  • @robertfitzgerald1591
    @robertfitzgerald1591 5 років тому

    Awesome video, I've lived my whole life here , 48 years , and never knew it was ever there, what a shame , looked nice at one time!

  • @joejoe-qn4hu
    @joejoe-qn4hu 5 років тому +12

    It was really cool back in the day. Im from Detroit we use to go to belle isle all the time was a sweet place to hangout then the 2 great mayors that decided to rip off the city and short change the residents of anything family oriented cause it wasn't important to them. Sad to see.

    • @charlestaylor9980
      @charlestaylor9980 5 років тому

      I agree bell island was donated to the citizens of Detroit not the city no vote they just took it and handed it over to the state.

    • @tb718w
      @tb718w 5 років тому

      Hahaha know the real history of Detroit and why it was abandoned and by whom

    • @deanbroome7855
      @deanbroome7855 3 роки тому +1

      Zoos circuses laboratory animals rodeos any other place they use his animals for entertainment is is not right God didn't make animals to be cooped up in cages they were taken from their natural habitat and used and used if I had my way there be no zoos and it would be no circuses and I definitely wouldn't be no animal Laboratories no I'm not from Peta or all them other nutcases I grew up on a farm I just believe animals should be in their natural state

  • @reesecapone73
    @reesecapone73 5 років тому +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.

  • @ericlozen9631
    @ericlozen9631 5 років тому +5

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

  • @aquariousstar
    @aquariousstar 4 роки тому

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