How you can own piece of former Detroit Zoo water tower art

As families make their way to the Detroit Zoo, they will be walking into a new experience.

The Detroit Zoological Society unveiled its new logo and designs on Tuesday. The new bold, bright, and modern colors and design are part of the first rebranding efforts at the Detroit Zoo in 30-years.

The rebranding efforts also include replacing the logo on the water tower that invites visitors to the Detroit Zoo.

“The water tower is currently undergoing its restoration,” said Kim Waatti, Director of Marketing for the Detroit Zoological Society. “It took 515 gallons of paint, and the new vinyl wrap is currently being installed.”

---> New Detroit Zoo water tower design revealed: See it here

The former Detroit Zoo water tower design showed the silhouette of a parade of animals in shades of purple and blue. The nostalgic image was special to the community and longtime Detroit Zoo visitors.

That’s why staff said it’s found a way to preserve a piece of that visual history, by allowing people to take a piece of the former water tower home, in the form of jewelry.

Waatti explained,” As part of our sustainability efforts, and knowing that the iconic water tower has a near and dear part in our community’s heart, we partnered with a Detroit-based women-owned organization called Rebel Nell, who is developing a one-of-a-kind line of jewelry and accessories that is build with remnants of the former art that was up on the water tower that served us for the last 30 years.”

Rebel Nell is repurposing the art from the water tower into jewelry. The company’s Detroit Zoo line includes bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces, cuff links, and coasters all made from remnants of the former water tower.

Rebel Nell is an organization that offers jobs and wraparound support for women facing barriers to employment. According to the group’s mission, the women in the organization repurpose meaningful materials into wearable art. Organizers said Rebel Nell seeks to embolden woman to embrace their strength and define their own future.

That Detroit Zoo jewelry will be sold in the Zoofari Market at the Detroit Zoo and at www.rebelnell.com.


About the Author

Demond Fernandez joined the Local 4 News team in 2023, anchoring our 5:30 p.m. newscast and reporting on important stories impacting our community. He joined WDIV from WFAA in Dallas where he was a senior reporter focusing southern Dallas communities.

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