Birds are an amazing example of adaptations. Each bird has unique features that help it survive in a specific habitat. Some of the birds at Potter Park Zoo have adaptations that help them find and catch food, explore their environment, and do amazing acrobatic feats. By looking at a bird’s beak and feet […]
Water is essential for all living things. Earth’s supply of water is finite – the total amount of water on our planet never changes. What does change is where the water is and what state it is in (solid, liquid, or gas). The water cycle is a description of how water moves and changes […]
Because birds are everywhere, it can be helpful for scientists to use birdwatchers as their eyes and ears in the field. There are many projects amateur birders can get involved in. Some of the most common ones are bird counts, nest reporting, and just reporting when you see a rarely seen species. Potter Park […]
The Potter Park Zoo park will be closed to the public Wednesday, May 20, 2020 due to flooding over both entrance drives. The closure will continue until the water recedes and the entrance and exit drives are clear. Essential zoo staff are able to enter the zoo and care for the animals through an emergency entrance […]
Bored at home and wanting to try something new? You can become a citizen scientist and contribute to important wildlife and nature research right from your couch! Citizen science is the collection and analysis of data by members of the general public, typically as part of a collaborative project with professional scientists. It’s […]
In 1920, a male elk became one of the first species to find a home at Potter Park. 100 years later, we are happy to announce the return of this historically significant species to the zoo. Potter Park Zoo welcomed one male elk (named Emmett) and two females (named Sage and Belle) to the zoo this spring. When […]
Many birders report that birdwatching for them is almost like meditating. Studies show that it helps us improve our patience and skills of observation. Time in nature can improve stress hormones, attention, and can even have a positive impact on our blood pressure and pulse. Check out these articles about the benefits of […]
Potter Park Zoo’s male North American river otter pups were named Mack (short for Mackinac) and Potter in a naming contest held last week, which allowed the public to vote for their favorite name through a $5 donation. Mack received 398 votes and Potter received 221 votes. “We are humbled by the community’s generosity through […]
More than 1/3 of the global food supply depends on pollinators! The food we eat and even some of the clothes we wear depend on pollinators at some point in their production. Utilizing Michigan native plants provides for the needs of native species of pollinators better than non-native plant species – […]
Some of these birds stay all year round, some are only here for a season, and others are only traveling through the state on their way to somewhere else. Year Round Michigan Residents Northern Cardinal Cardinals are commonly found in suburban areas and are frequent visitors to bird feeders. Mourning […]