Dakota Zoo

01/15/2025

01/14/2025

Introducing PalmOil Scan, a user-friendly app that empowers you to make sustainable choices while shopping.
The barcode scanner rates products based on their commitment to sourcing Certified Sustainable Palm Oil, ensuring a positive impact on wildlife, wild places, and people.
Learn more about this exciting journey below and download the app today!
Read more and find links to download the app here - http://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/.../zoos-new-shopping-app....

01/13/2025

Enjoy a little breakfast with Jake, the White-nosed coati!
📸Sr Keeper Shannon

01/12/2025

Franklin, the Dakota Zoo's Great Horned Owl, is loving his new enrichment! Thank you again to everyone who graciously donated items for our residents!
📸Keeper Molly

01/11/2025

Little Miss Ruby is getting so big! Look at those beautiful adult feathers coming in! Did you know that African penguins have unique markings on their chests and bellies that are often compared to fingerprints in terms of their distinctiveness? Each African penguin's pattern of black spots and lines is unique, much like human fingerprints!
📸Keeper Emily

01/10/2025

Chinchillas, such as our very own LaBron, are known for their soft, velvety fur. Native to the Andes, living high up in the mountains gets quite chilly, so having a fluffy, dense fur coat is a must! What makes their fur so soft and velvety? The answer is in the follicles! Humans can produce 2-4 hairs per follicle whereas chinchillas may produce up to 75!! These lovely little floofs can also RELEASE their fur on demand! This defense feature is used when a predator grabs hold of the chinchilla. The sly little floof releases a chunk of fur and escapes the grasp (and avoids becoming someone's supper). Amazing!
📸Keeper Aunie

01/09/2025

Just a little bit of Erv's adorable cuteness to brighten your day! 😄
📸Vet Tanya

01/08/2025

Did you know that Dakota Zoo continues to work towards accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with sensory needs? Dakota Zoo has earned a certification from KultureCity®️ that included staff training by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize community members with sensory needs, and how to be supportive during a sensory overload situation. We also have sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads, available for guests to borrow at Zoo admissions.

Throughout the Zoo, guests will see signs like these, indicating designated zones. The "Headphone Zone" signs indicate environments that have lots of sensory stimuli, in which our guests with sensory needs may want to employ their headphones before entering. "Quiet Zone" signs indicate areas we've identified as lower sensory areas, that could be calmer environments for those who need to take a break.

01/07/2025

Time change! Erv’s schedule has changed and he now feeds when the colony eats as he prepares to transition to habitat in the next month. You can now see him at 4:15 right before the public colony feed at 4:30 Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays! See you at the zoo this weekend!

01/07/2025

Did you know planting native milkweed not only supports monarch butterflies but also helps a variety of pollinators? 🌸🦋

Milkweed is a crucial host plant for monarch caterpillars and also provides nectar for bees, wasps, and other native pollinators.

For California gardeners, planting milkweed in fall will give the roots time to establish, creating a stronger plant for next summer's monarchs.

Ready to support your local ecosystem? Use code END25 for 25% off our California native milkweeds. Shipping now! Tap the link in bio to shop, or head to https://shop.milkweedmarket.org/. 🌿

Are you a gardener outside California looking for milkweed? Do not worry! Our full Milkweed Market will be open for Spring 2025 preorders in January.

Pictured: common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

01/06/2025

Comfy?? 😄 Hugo and Iz loving their life and staying warm!!
📸Keeper Aunie

01/04/2025

It's really cold outside! It's so cold that the grizzly bears were standing at the door to their den wanting inside...so we let them in. Which means that it is probably too cold for visitors to be wandering the grounds today. We are closed today for the remainder of the day. Here's to warmer weather soon!!

01/04/2025

WE NEED YOU! If you are interested in donating some time and support, we have openings for volunteers in animal diet prep! Volunteers are needed for a minimum of 2-3 hours weekly between the hours of 9:00am-3:00pm. Diet prep areas and days needed are:
*Exotics (produce diets): Wed, Thurs, Sat
*Carnivore (meat diets): Mon, Sat
*Hoofstock (grain diets/bird salads) Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun

To apply fill out the application found at https://www.dakotazoo.org/volunteers/volunteer-opportunities/ or email [email protected]

01/03/2025

Did you know that black-footed ferrets are known as a keystone species? They get this title due to being top predators in their ecosystem! Their presence has a significant effect on maintaining a healthy balance in prairie ecosystems. They control prairie dog populations and help prevent overgrazing of plants, benefiting the entire community.

Black-footed ferrets were once considered extinct in the wild. By the 1980s, they were believed to be gone forever, but a small population was discovered in Wyoming in 1981. Today, they are one of the rarest mammals in North America, though recovery efforts are ongoing to bring their numbers back.

01/02/2025

Today is National Motivation and Inspiration Day!

Did you know that many animals are motivated by curiosity? Curiosity helps them explore their environment, find resources, avoid dangers, and solve problems. Let our animals be your inspiration! Let's learn from animals' curiosity by embracing exploration, continuing to learning, be creativity, and practice adaptability in our own lives.

Curiosity not only keeps us mentally engaged and open to new possibilities, but it also leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. By remaining curious, we can navigate life’s challenges, build stronger connections, and find joy in the process of discovery.

01/01/2025

3...2...1...Happy New Year! Our ferrets wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

12/31/2024

Conservation fact: Elk, like our very own Ernie, are one of North America's most iconic wildlife species, known for their impressive antlers, graceful movements, and ability to thrive in diverse habitats. These majestic creatures are an integral part of our ecosystems, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy forests, grasslands, and wetlands. However, despite their strength and resilience, elk populations face growing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and human development.

Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure that future generations can continue to admire and learn from these magnificent animals.

Here's how we can all help with elk conservation:

Protect Their Habitats: Ensuring elk have access to their natural habitats—forests, meadows, and migration corridors—is key to maintaining healthy populations. Support organizations that work to preserve these spaces and advocate for policies that protect wildlife.

Reduce Human Impact: We can all make a difference by being mindful of our activities in elk habitats. Avoid disturbing wildlife, respect boundaries in national parks, and support sustainable practices in land management.

Support Wildlife Organizations: Many groups are dedicated to the protection and recovery of elk populations. Whether it's through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every bit of support counts.

Educate and Advocate: Learn more about the challenges elk face and share this knowledge. The more people understand the importance of conserving wildlife, the stronger the movement will be for change.

By working together, we can ensure that elk continue to roam freely in their natural habitats, enriching our landscapes and inspiring awe for generations to come.

📸Sr. Keeper Shannon