Wilderness Trails Zoo
Discover the wild side of Mid-Michigan at Wilderness Trails Zoo. Located in Birch Run, our 56-acre adventure features up-close views of 200+ exotic animals from around the world. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your visit makes a real impact—supporting animal care, habitat improvements, and the future of the zoo.
GET TO KNOW WILDERNESS TRAILS ZOO
Walk the trails past lions, tigers, and grazing herds, stop to feed animals at designated feeding areas, or book time with some of our residents during a keeper-guided encounter.
Beyond a day at the zoo, we host seasonal events, school visits, and private celebrations. We’re also home to the Community Cupboard, a food pantry available to our neighbors around the clock.
Explore what’s happening at the zoo below.
animal encounters
Get closer than ever with unforgettable, hands-on experiences at the zoo. Click on an animal encounter to learn more and book.
binturong
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ruffed lemur
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Bat-Eared Fox
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capybara
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Asian small-clawed otters
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LOWLAND PACAS
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THE RAINFOREST EXPERIENCE
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HOT SLOTH YOGA CLASS
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Upcoming Events
Join us for special events, celebrations, and unique experiences happening throughout the season at Wilderness Trails Zoo.
Friday Night Lights at the Zoo
ONE NIGHT LEFT: October 9th GRAND FINALE
7–11 PM | Ages 21+
Spend an evening at Wilderness Trails Zoo with catered dinner, an open bar, live music, animal experiences, and illuminated trails. Your ticket supports improvements to the zoo’s lion habitat. Auction bidding and additional fundraising purchases are optional.
$125 per person | $100 for zoo members
VIEW DETAILS & GET TICKETS
Howl-o-Ween Fall Festival
October 16–18 & 23–25, 2026
Trick-or-treat through the zoo, browse local vendors, and enjoy Halloween entertainment alongside the animals.
DAYTIME FESTIVAL
October 17–18 & 24–25 • 10 AM–6 PM
FAMILY NIGHTS
October 16 & 24 • OPEN UNTIL 10 PM
ADULT NIGHTS
October 17 & 23 • 7–11 PM
Ticket information and entertainment details will be announced soon.
MORE INFORMATION
WAYS TO SUPPORT THE ZOO
CURRENT NEEDS:
HELP IMPROVE MICK & LEO’S HABITAT
We’re raising funds to improve the outdoor habitat for Mick and Leo, our resident lions. Friday Night Lights supports this project through event tickets, our live auction, and optional fundraising activities.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS DETAILS
CANDY DONATIONS
We’re collecting unopened bags of individually wrapped candy for Howl-O-Ween! Drop donations off with the gift shop cashier during regular zoo hours.
Bring candy by October 16 for opening weekend. We’ll continue collecting through October 23 for the second weekend.
HOWL-O-WEEN DETAILS
FOOD DONATIONS
The Community Cupboard is our food pantry near the zoo gift shop, open 24/7 to anyone who needs it.
Help keep it stocked with unopened, unexpired, shelf-stable food such as pasta, rice, cereal, and oatmeal. Donations can be placed directly in the cupboard anytime.
WHAT TO DONATE
OTHER SUPPORT REQUESTS:
Membership
Visit throughout the season with a zoo membership, plus benefits based on your membership level.
MEMBERSHIP DETAILS
DonatE
Help provide daily animal care, enrichment, and habitat improvements at the zoo.
CLICK TO DONATE NOW
Sponsor
Sponsor an animal, event, or improvement project at Wilderness Trails Zoo.
SPONSORSHIP DETAILS
Wish List
Choose a gift (or gifts!) for an animal from our Amazon Wish List, shipped directly to the zoo.
AMAZON WISHLIST
Volunteer
Help with zoo events, gardening, projects, and more. Explore our volunteer opportunities.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Wilderness Trails Zoo
Book Tickets
Plan Your Visit
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