20 nostalgic photos of The Detroit Zoo

By Metro Times editorial staff on Thu, Jun 23, 2016 at 3:29 pm

The Detroit Zoo launched a new campaign this week called "A Zoo That Could" aimed at highlighting what it does beyond its 125 acres.

To celebrate, here's 20 nostalgic photos of the Detroit Zoo from over the years, provided by Detroit News Collection, Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

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Group portrait of members of the Detroit Zoo Commission (circa 1929)

Group portrait of members of the Detroit Zoo Commission (circa 1929)

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People watching polar bears (circa 1951)

People watching polar bears (circa 1951)

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A man and two boys sit on a bench overlooking one of the exhibit areas of the Detroit Zoo. How sweet. (circa 1948)

A man and two boys sit on a bench overlooking one of the exhibit areas of the Detroit Zoo. How sweet. (circa 1948)

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Choo choo! (circa 1950)

Choo choo! (circa 1950)

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Brown bears, obvs. (circa 1944)

Brown bears, obvs. (circa 1944)

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Frank A. McInniS, Detroit Zoo Director. (Date unknown)

Frank A. McInniS, Detroit Zoo Director. (Date unknown)

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How did these kids get to close to this elephant? (Circa 1946)

How did these kids get to close to this elephant? (Circa 1946)

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Walking into the Holden Museum. (Circa 1960)

Walking into the Holden Museum. (Circa 1960)

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Elephant Paulina gives trainers a ride. (Date unknown)

Elephant Paulina gives trainers a ride. (Date unknown)

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Another child petting an animal. (Date unknown)

Another child petting an animal. (Date unknown)

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Lions on the cliffs (circa 1928)

Lions on the cliffs (circa 1928)

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Inside the Holden Museum (circa 1960)

Inside the Holden Museum (circa 1960)

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Trainer and an Ostrich. Can you ride Ostriches? (circa 1928)

Trainer and an Ostrich. Can you ride Ostriches? (circa 1928)

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Goin for a ride (circa 1949)

Goin for a ride (circa 1949)

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Chuggachuggachuggachugga (circa 1949)

Chuggachuggachuggachugga (circa 1949)

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Scenic waterfall, circa 1938. They should build another one of these.

Scenic waterfall, circa 1938. They should build another one of these.

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Lunch time in the Penguin place. (Date unknown)

Lunch time in the Penguin place. (Date unknown)

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Polar bears doin what they do. (Date unknown)

Polar bears doin what they do. (Date unknown)

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Patrons hanging out at the refreshment stand and terrace. (circa 1958)

Patrons hanging out at the refreshment stand and terrace. (circa 1958)

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Theater performance circa 1949

Theater performance circa 1949

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