Detroit Zoo Podcasts Tauber Family Railroad

On camera: One of the easiest ways to get around at the Detroit Zoo is to hitch a ride on the Tauber Family Railroad. Im _____, _____ and Im happy to share some of the history behind this attraction with you. All aboard! The Tauber Family Railroad has been a favorite at the Detroit Zoo since it was presented by the Detroit News in 1931. During its debut season, the trains 2.5 mile track encircled the Zoo, allowing visitors to travel on two 147-passenger trains. Voiceover: These trains traveled to four stations and each had one locomotive and seven cars. Visitors loved the train from the start, but complaints from neighbors on the north side of the park led the Zoo to change the trains route. With booths and loops at each end of the lines, the present train route encompasses the Zoos south side. After carrying more than 10 million passengers, the trains original equipment became obsolete in 1948.

 You can see one of the refurbished original locomotives on display near the front of the Zoo. In 1949, Chrysler Corporation designed, built and donated the first of the diesel powered trains, named the Walter P. Chrysler, along with two more locomotives in 1950 and 1951. This was considered as a major gift to the Zoo, as railroad improvements included free maintenance. Generous donations from General Motors and Grand Trunk Railroad allowed for the railroad to operate three trains, each of which had seven coaches holding 21 passengers. Having three trains required routine maintenance, upkeep and safety checks. In 1982 and 1983, the locomotives were renovated and new coaches were fabricated through a fund-raising campaign by The Detroit Zoological Society and The Detroit News. Once enough money was raised, the trains returned to service in May of 1984, after a four-year hiatus. To replace the engines and drivetrains, locomotive improvements were made once again in 2000 and 2001. Seven years later, in 2008, the trains got a full makeover when new coaches, rebuilt engines, gears, gauges, wheels and bodies were added to the trains.

 Today, the Tauber Family Railroad consists of two complete trains of six coaches each and one standby. To take a relaxing ride along the south side of the Zoo to the African grasslands, visitors can board the Tauber Family Railroad at the Chrysler Main Station, located near the admission booths at the front of the Zoo. After walking from habitat to habitat, visitors can give their tired feet a rest after boarding the Tauber Family Railroad at the Africa Station, located in the far northwest corner of the Zoo. On camera: A one-way ride on the Tauber Family Railroad costs $3 per person with Zoo admission. Children under 36 inches ride for free with an accompanying adult. The Tauber Family Railroad operates daily from May 1 through September 30. In October, the train runs on weekends only and hours may vary.