If you love animals but sometimes feel uneasy about the ethics behind traditional zoos, you’re definitely not alone (there are also lots of ethical zoos in Michigan, for what it’s worth).

Luckily, there’s another way to connect with wildlife here in Michigan that focuses on rescue and rehabilitation: animal sanctuaries.

Today, The ’Gander’s Chaunie Brusie brings us eight animal sanctuaries in the state where you can meet and learn about some incredible creatures.

Plus: How you can find the cheapest gas in town.

Michigan Dems announce formal opposition to voter ID ballot proposal (Michigan Advance): The Michigan Democratic Party is opposing a proposed 2026 ballot measure that would impose stricter voter ID requirements and new voter roll verification rules, arguing it would make voting more difficult and disenfranchise residents. Campaign organizers say they have collected enough signatures to qualify the measure, though they have not yet been verified.

Group ends minimum wage ballot effort (The Detroit News): One Fair Wage has abandoned its effort to place a 2026 ballot referendum reversing changes made by lawmakers to Michigan’s tipped and minimum wage law after failing to gather enough signatures. The group will instead support a separate 2026 ballot initiative to limit political contributions, while continuing to push lawmakers to revisit the wage changes.

Lapeer County woman gets life sentence for denying cancer care for son (ABC 12): A Lapeer County woman was sentenced to life in prison without parole after being convicted of felony murder for denying medical care to her teenage son, who died of cancer in 2019. Prosecutors said the boy’s illness was likely treatable if addressed earlier.

Ever dreamed of cuddling a black bear cub, chilling with an alligator, or virtually ‘adopting’ a soccer-playing cow? You can do all that and more through these 8 inspiring animal sanctuaries in Michigan. (Marty’s Place)

By Chaunie Brusie

As a family with five children, we have all enjoyed visiting zoos. But finding ethical zoos that treat their animals well can sometimes be a challenge. Plus, as my children have gotten older, they have all expressed that going to the zoo can sometimes make them sad.

Fortunately, for all the animal lovers out there, there is another option for you to visit and engage with animals outside of zoos—through an animal sanctuary. Animal sanctuaries are often nonprofit organizations that focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, or rehousing animals that have been injured, abandoned, or have special needs. These animal sanctuaries in Michigan welcome visitors, donations, volunteers, and, when appropriate, all the headpats their animals can get.

Local news is essential for democracy.

Our reporting cuts through false narratives, documents what’s actually happening in our communities, and provides voters with the clear, factual information they need—especially when the stakes are high.

Random tidbits worth clicking on…

Gasbuddy is an easy way to see the cheapest gas prices in your area. (Unsplash)

⛽ Nobody wants to pay more for gas right now than they have to. Gas Buddy’s gas price map lets you know where the cheapest prices are in town. Just type your city in the search bar to get started.

🌩️ Researchers from the University of Michigan have discovered that severe weather is doing more damage to people than the immediate aftermath shows. A study found that severe weather is deadly for vulnerable older adults long after the storm ends.

💾 Miss the old internet of decades past? Check out this online Web Design Museum, which preserves old web pages and will definitely bring on a wave of nostalgia.

Do you have a cool picture, observation, or comment you’d like to share? Send it here.

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from Chaunie Brusie. It was edited by Paula Solis.

The ’Gander is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.