Noise from Detroit Zoo leads to heated debate

DETROIT – Some people living near the Detroit Zoo said it's become unbearably loud, and they're demanding something be done.

Thursday night zoo officials met with several dozen people living in bordering Huntington Woods and Royal Oak.

"We've had to call the police (because) it's been so loud," said Arthur Woehrlen, of Huntington Woods.

The main complaint: The zoo has changed into a concert venue, amusement park and place for loud private parties.

With a dinosaur exhibit returning this year, it's become so loud that one neighbor called it "psychological torture."

Jennifer Harris lives across Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak and said the music keeps her baby up.

But the zoo is growing -- adding a tram and investing $100 million over the next eight years, meaning more visitors, more parties and more concerts.

The bottom line for the zoo is that people want an entertaining place to gather.

But the zoo promises to be more responsive when people call with noise complaints, and zoo officials said they are implementing more noise controls.


About the Author:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.