Detroit has always claimed the tiger as its own - both the striped kind prowling Amur habitats and the baseball kind prowling Comerica Park. This Sunday, for the first time, those two worlds officially share a field.
The Detroit Zoo is hosting Detroit Tigers Day on April 26, an immersive, baseball-themed event running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that blends wildlife education with America’s pastime - and it won’t cost fans a dime beyond regular admission.
“This is our first time hosting Detroit Tigers Day at the zoo,” said Megan Gregg, senior events manager at the Detroit Zoo.
The day’s lineup includes appearances by PAWS - the Tigers’ beloved mascot - along with the Rally Cats cheer squad, raffle giveaways, and brand activation tables staffed by both organizations. Wildlife enthusiasts can attend zookeeper chats at the tiger habitat and education stations spotlighting global conservation efforts.
For the thirsty, Service Systems Associates has crafted custom Tigers-themed cocktails, including decorative art lattes and boba tea in the team’s signature navy and orange.
The Detroit Zoo and the Detroit Tigers are no strangers. “We’ve been partners with the Tigers since 2023,” Gregg said, “and every year we’re looking to grow and do new things.” A co-branded hat - featuring the Old English D alongside the zoo’s branding - has also been created through the partnership and will be available at the zoo’s Comerica Park activation.
The event carries weight beyond the fun. “It allows us a broader audience,” Gregg said of collaborations like this one. “We drive attendance by hosting events like this, and that helps fund what we do at the zoo - the care for the animals, our conservation efforts near and far.”
Tickets are not required beyond a standard zoo visit. “It’s regular admission. Members get in free,” Gregg said. “It’s just another day at the zoo - but this is definitely one to come visit.”
For more information and to plan a visit, go to detroitzoo.org.