FAQ
FAQ
Who pays for the Detroit Zoo Millage?
- There are three millages in the metro Detroit area: The Wayne County Zoological Authority Millage, Oakland County Zoological Authority Millage and Macomb County Zoological Authority Millage.
- These millages are paid by property owners in these three counties.
What do the Zoological Authority Millages do?
- The Zoological Authority Millages support animal care for more than 2,000 animals and 200 different species that are cared for at the Detroit Zoo.
- The millages support one-of-a-kind educational opportunities and experiences for children across Southeast Michigan, including field trips at the Detroit Zoo that help them learn, grow and succeed.
- The millages help advance the Detroit Zoo’s mission as a leader in education, wildlife conservation and animal welfare.
When will residents vote on the renewal of these millages?
- The Zoological Authorities will place a question on the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, ballot, in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to ensure consistent and stable funding for the Detroit Zoo for years to come.
- Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County residents can look up their polling location online by visiting VOTE.org.
How much do the existing Zoological Authority Millages cost homeowners?
- For a homeowner with a home worth $200,000, the average cost will remain about $10 a year.
Will renewing the Zoological Authority Millages increase my taxes?
- If renewed, this millage will NOT increase property taxes.
- For a homeowner with a home worth $200,000, the average cost will remain about $10 a year.
What benefits do taxpayers receive?
- Residents from the three counties are eligible for special benefits, including a $10 discount on memberships.
- The Detroit Zoo offers a variety of educational programming for children of all ages in partnership with local schools, from field trips to after-school programs, intended to educate students about animal species and the critical importance of wildlife conservation.
- Seniors from all three counties also receive free admission to the Zoo on Senior Day.
- The Detroit Zoo is a vital community asset that attracts new businesses, investments and families to our area.
What accountability measures are in place for millage funding?
- The Detroit Zoo has a proven track record of fiscal responsibility and transparency.
- All funding from this low-cost millage is subject to independent audits and is tracked on a public website to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely and transparently.
How does the Detroit Zoo benefit the economy?
- The Detroit Zoo helps our economy and small businesses with a $190 million combined net economic impact in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties each year, and is a magnet for visitors from across the state, around the country and beyond.
How many people have visited the Detroit Zoo?
- Designated as one of Michigan’s number one visitor attractions, the Detroit Zoo has welcomed an average of more than 1.3 million guests annually for the past 25 years.
How can I support the Detroit Zoo Millage?
- We appreciate your willingness to support!
- Please fill out the form on our Contact page and we will get back to you within 1-2 business days.