A routine ride at the Detroit Zoo went off the rails Sunday when a train car derailed, leaving two staff members with minor injuries and forcing the attraction to close indefinitely. No guests were hurt, according to the zoo.
The incident happened around noon near the Rackham member’s entrance in Royal Oak, the Detroit Free Press reported. Zoo officials said they are trying to determine what caused the derailment.
The zoo said the safety of guests, staff and volunteers remains its “highest priority,” while the train will stay closed until further notice. People who purchased train tickets online are being directed to Guest Relations when they arrive for refunds, according to the zoo information cited by the Free Press.
Popular zoo ride remains closed after derailment
The disabled attraction is the Tauber Family Railroad, a seasonal ride that runs along the southern perimeter of the zoo. The Detroit Zoo’s railroad page describes it as a way for visitors to reach the zoo’s back areas while giving tired little legs a break.
Train rides normally cost $3 per person for a one-way trip, according to the zoo’s visitor FAQ. The incident-specific refund guidance comes as the zoo investigates, while its regular ticket policy generally says attraction purchases are nonrefundable.
Cause and reopening timeline remain unclear
The zoo has not said whether the derailment involved a mechanical problem, track issue or another factor, and officials have not announced when the train might return to service. The Free Press reported that the zoo was seeking additional details while confirming the two minor staff injuries and the absence of guest injuries.
For now, the zoo remains open, but visitors planning to ride the train should expect that part of the experience to be unavailable until officials complete their review.
