Dakota Zoo

The Dakota Zoo is a zoo located on the banks of the Missouri River in Bismarck, North Dakota. It is the third zoo constructed in North Dakota.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has accredited the Dakota Zoo (AZA).

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History

The Dakota Zoo began on a 67-acre (27-hectare) farm owned by Marc and Betty Christian son on Bismarck's northern outskirts. Initially, the farm housed domestic animals like dogs, cats, and horses. The farm was once used to raise mink for profit. People who knew about the Christian sons' love for animals began dropping off strays and injured animals, knowing they would be well cared for. As the number of animals increased, word spread, and an increasing number of people came to see them . Following some publicity from a local TV station, 780 people signed petitions in support of the idea of a community zoo in Bismarck and Marc Christian son presented the idea of a self-sustaining community zoo to the Bismarck Park Board. The Park Board granted the zoo 88 acres (36 ha) of Park District land in Sertoma Park in 1958. .Marc and his crew did the majority of the initial construction with donated materials. On June 3, 1961, the zoo opened with 75 mammals, 23 birds, and approximately 15 acres (61,000 m2) of developed land. 40,000 people paid ten cents each to visit the zoo in its first year. By 2007, there were approximately 3400 zoo members and more than 100,000 visitors per year to see 125 different animal and bird species . The Dakota Zoo has received accreditation from the Association of Zoos.Since 1991, the Dakota Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and it is self-sustaining through admissions, concession sales, animal sales, the adopt an animal programmer, memberships, and donations .

Animals

The Dakota Zoo's cougar

Ungulates are mostly housed in large, open enclosures in the zoo's southern section. Goats, pigs, miniature horses, miniature donkeys, Highland cattle, bison, pronghorn, Przewalski's horse, Bactrian camel, Dall sheep, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, reindeer, longhorn cattle, Clydesdale horses, and elk are all found in this area. Llamas, mouflons, and aoudad can be found in the zoo's northeast section .Tigers, snow leopards, wolves, bears, Canada lynx, bobcats, cougars, coyotes, foxes, badgers, and serials are among the predators housed in the zoo's northern section .Birds are housed in a variety of smaller enclosures and aviaries, mostly in the zoo's center, and include eagles, emus, numerous South American birds, turkey vultures, wild turkeys, owls, and vultures.owls and other water birds .Cotton-top tamarins, Goeldi's monkey, golden-headed lion tamarin, pygmy marmoset, red ruffed lemurs, squirrel monkeys, and white-fronted marmosets are mostly housed in the Monkey Barn near the zoo's centre. Spider monkeys are unique.

Prices and hours

Hours

Summer hours are from late April to late September (check Schedule)

Daily 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

(If the weather permits)

Winter hours are from October to late April (check Schedule)

Friday through Sunday, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

(If the weather permits)

Admissions

Babies under 2 are free.

$8.00 for children ages 2-12.

Adults (13 and up): $12.00

Seniors (60+) $10.00

Purchasing Train Tickets

A $5.00 train ride through the Zoo. Tickets can be purchased at Admissions or the Concession Stand.