BELLE ISLE (WXYZ) — Demolition crews have begun tearing down the abandoned Belle Isle Zoo, a Detroit landmark that closed in 2002 due to budget cuts and has been decaying for more than two decades.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is using American Recovery Act funds to remove all deteriorated zoo infrastructure and restore the 13-acre site to its natural habitat, complete with nature trails and 110 additional parking spaces.

"A lot of the infrastructure in the old zoo is deteriorated and very dangerous," said Amanda Tredwell with the Michigan DNR.

The zoo, which once housed lions, elephants, and kangaroos, has been overtaken by vines and graffiti since its closure. Buildings have fallen into severe disrepair, creating safety hazards for visitors to Belle Isle.

"It's been

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