Horace H. Rackham Memorial Fountain

The Horace H. Rackham Memorial Fountain is a large bronze sculpture featuring two 10-foot bears, several sea lions, turtles, and frogs arranged in a expansive reflecting pool. Located within the Detroit Zoo, the structure serves as a central gathering spot for visitors exploring the grounds.

The fountain was commissioned in 1939 by Mary Rackham in memory of her husband, who served as the founding president of Detroit's Zoological Commission. The gift represented her dedication to honoring his legacy and his role in establishing the zoo.

The fountain displays detailed animal sculptures in bronze that show how art and nature blend in shared public spaces. Visitors can take time to observe the fine details of each animal figure and appreciate the craftsmanship on display.

The fountain is positioned centrally within the zoo and is easy to find by following visitor pathways. Benches surround the area, offering comfortable spots to sit and observe the sculptures and water, particularly pleasant on warm days.

The reflecting pool holds enough water to fill three Olympic-sized swimming pools, making it one of the largest fountain installations in any zoo. Most visitors are struck by this massive scale only after taking time to appreciate the intricate animal sculptures.

Creator: Corrado Parducci

GPS coordinates: 42.47680,-83.15600

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:46