Visit www.dakotazoo.org for more information, or call us at (701) 223 7543. We hope to see you soon! Dakota Zoo hours of operation are weather permitting.
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The Dakota Zoo was founded in 1961 by Marc & Betty Christianson with the help of a host of dedicated volunteers. The Dakota Zoo opened its gates on June 3, 1961 on 15 acres of developed land, with 75 mammals and 23 birds, and 40,000 visitors passed through the gates that first year. Today, thanks to the continued support of members, visitors, donors and volunteers, the Dakota Zoo has grown to a 90
acre facility housing 600 animals, birds, reptiles and fish representing 125 species and visited by more than 150,000 people each year.
What is it Wednesday?
Here’s a fun challenge for all our animal lovers! Take your best guess: which animal is this?
Drop your guesses in the comments below and stay tuned for the reveal later today!
Hints: This animal is one of the largest land mammals in North America. This gentle giant roams our grasslands and has a strong presence in American history.
Ready, set, guess! 🐒🦓🦜
Today, we pause to remember and honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country. On this Patriot Day, we reflect on the courage and dedication of our heroes and express our gratitude for their unwavering commitment.
Join us at Dakota Zoo as we pay tribute to this important day. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a day of connection with nature, celebrating the freedom and beauty that our nation stands for.
Let’s come together to honor and remember. We look forward to seeing you and your family at the zoo today!
📷 Rich Barrios
🌟 Exciting News from Dakota Zoo! 🌟
Since 2013, Dakota Zoo has been a proud partner in the black-footed ferret SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program. Our dedicated team, in collaboration with Prairie Wildlife Research, the National Park Service, and the National Grasslands in South Dakota, has been actively involved in spotlighting, capturing, microchipping, vaccinating, and releasing these incredible animals.
🔬 What's New?
*Mobile Laboratory: We sponsor a “laboratory on wheels” for Prairie Wildlife Research. This mobile lab is fully equipped to conduct essential testing and vaccinations in the field, even in the remote Conata Basin.
*Field Conservation Efforts: Our staff commit several weeks to hands-on conservation work, ensuring the health and safety of black-footed ferrets.
These efforts are vital for the conservation of the black-footed ferret, and we're excited to continue our work in South Dakota. Stay tuned for more updates on our conservation journey!
Monday Mood: Feeling Stuck Like This Tongue-Tastic Animal! 😜🐾
Is it just us, or does Monday always seem to sneak up on us like this little guy sticking his tongue out? 😂 Whether you're struggling through the workday or just need a pick-me-up, remember: we're all in this together!
Take a moment to embrace the Monday madness with a smile, and let this adorable animal remind you that it's okay to stick your tongue out and laugh at the craziness of the week.
Here’s to a week full of smiles, laughter, and maybe a few more tongue-out moments! 😂🙌
📷Keeper Jess
Setting up for Pollinator Palooza! The event will be in our Discovery Center from 1-3pm today!
🎉 Happy Grandparents Day from Dakota Zoo! 🦁🌟
Today, we celebrate the special role grandparents play in our lives and the joy they bring to our families. To honor this day, we invite all grandparents and their grandkids to join us for a memorable visit to the zoo!
Come create lasting memories with us at Dakota Zoo and let’s make this Grandparents Day unforgettable. We can’t wait to see you and your family!
📅 September 14 - Join Us for Proud Penguins Camp! 🐧
📍 Animal Ed-Ventures (Ages 5-7): 1:00-2:30 PM
📍 Little Tykes Ed-Ventures (Ages 3-4, with Parent/Guardian): 3:00-4:30 PM
Don't miss out on these fun-filled sessions! Registration is required at least 7 days in advance, so make sure to sign up early. We can't wait to see you there! 🌟
📷Rich Barrios
: Did you know that a sloth's fur is a living microcosm?? In their fur and on their skin, they support a diverse community of organisms which coexist and rely upon each other including algae, fungi, bacteria, and arthropods!
Come visit Flash (and his FUR!) daily from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM weather permitting.
Get your tickets now! Join us on Saturday, September 21st for the Dakota Zoo's annual "Its for the Animals Wine Tasting & Silent Auction" from 7:00-9:00 PM in the Discovery Center. Join us for an evening of select wines, beers, hors d'oeuvres, music, and great company!
Click the link below to purchase tickets for this event. Tickets are also available at the zoo gift shop from 10AM-6PM daily.
https://www.dakotazoo.org/special_events/wine-tasting-for-the-animals/wine-tasting-form/
Stop in and check out our last generation of Monarch caterpillars! They are getting ready for their pupation stage (some have already begun!), During this stage the caterpillar will spin silk and attach itself to a stem or leaf (or sometimes, in our habitat, they love to crawl to the top!) and hang upside down in a "J" shape. This stage can take 8-36 hours. After their final molt, they will go into their chrysalis stage.
Did you guess the Transcaspian Urial?
The Transcaspian Urial is a striking wild sheep, closely related to the ancestors of domesticated sheep. These impressive rams sport horns that can grow between 36 and 44 inches in length. The horns curve outward from the top of the head before spiraling inward to end behind the head. These dramatic horns play a crucial role in establishing dominance within the herd. The ram with the largest and most intricately curled horns typically claims leadership. When determining the leader isn’t straightforward, rams will engage in vigorous headbutts to assert their supremacy until a clear victor emerges.
What is it Wednesday! Can you tell what this is?
Hint: This animal is part of the Caprinae family, which they share with bison and buffalo. Their population has decreased due to poaching and habitat loss.
If you think you know this animal, comment below 👇 and come back later for the answer!
It's National Beard Day! Let's celebrate some of our animal friends that are rocking their own "beards", the Bearded Dragon (of course!), Auodad, and Takin. Come and visit our bearded beauties daily from 10:00AM - 6:00PM weather permitting.
Psssst! Did you know Dakota Zoo is open today for Labor Day? Come and spend the day with us from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM! The train and concession stand are open from 2:00 - 6:00 PM.
Schedule your Wild EncounTOUR today!
Go behind the scenes and learn more about the animals up close and personal and see what goes into the care and conservation of these species.
Our Wild EncounTOURs to choose from include the African Penguin, North American River Otter, and North American Wildlife: Grizzly Bear and Rocky Mountain Elk.
For more information visit https://www.dakotazoo.org/education/wild-encountours/
or book your Wild EncounTOUR today by calling 701-223-7543 or emailing [email protected].
All tours subject to availability.
Summer Tour Hours: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays at 1:30pm
Winter Tour Hours: Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm
Do you love mazes? Come and try the Movement Maze at Dakota Zoo! It's perfect for engaging the brain and working out those wiggles!! Great no matter what your age!
Psssst! Come and spend part of your Labor Day weekend at the Zoo! The Zoo is open each day from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
The train and concession stand are open the following hours:
Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday 2:00 - 6:00 PM
Monday 2:00 - 6:00 PM
Are you looking for a way to help? Visit our dedicated zoo keepers wish list on Amazon! Items on the list are varied. Some include weight scales, feeders, misters (for those hot days!), and TONS of enrichment items to keep all of our animals engaged and curious!
Are you ready to experience the thrill of the animal kingdom up close and personal? The Dakota Zoo is happy to introduce the Wild Expedition program, where we bring the fascinating world of wildlife to you!
Our Education Department staff provides engaging educational presentations along with our Ambassador Animals. We offer hands-on interaction, fun and interesting facts about our animals, and tailor our programs for all ages!
Our Wild Expeditions are perfect for classrooms, corporate and business events, nursing homes and senior centers, and community/social gatherings.
For more information, contact our Education/Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] or 701-223-7543 ext. 3.
📷Educator Shannon
Did you know that Dakota Zoo plays a pivotal role in creating the world’s largest and most comprehensive knowledge base on over 22,000 species? As a member of global nonprofit Species360, Dakota Zoo contributes data on the animals and groups in its care every day, from lifecycle traits to environmental needs.
That information is recorded in the Species360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), now 50 years old and the world's largest source of data on species. To date, Dakota Zoo has contributed data on more than 3,317 animals and 393 species, subspecies, and breeds to Species360 ZIMS.
ZIMS combines the data from Dakota Zoo with contributions from like-minded species conservation institutions worldwide. The result changes what is known about animals and their environments, including insight into disease treatment, animal welfare, population health, and species conservation.
Excuse me? Did you know today is National Dog Day? Interesting fact: the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) is the ancestors of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris).
Our Gray Wolf, Canyon, would like to wish everyone a Happy Monday!
Did you know that a Dakota Zoo membership not only provides you with a years worth of admission to the "Wildest Club in Town", but SOOOO much more!!
With your purchase of a membership you are not only helping Dakota Zoo's conservation campaign, but you also get:
*Free or discounted admission to over 180+ zoos and aquariums throughout North America.
*10 Train Ride tickets ($50.00) value.
*Annual members picnic ($25.00) value.
*10% Discount in our Antler Trading Post.
*“Members-only” pricing for camps and special events.
Say CHEESE!!!
Thelma, one of our Nubian Goats, says Happy Saturday!! Come in and visit Thelma and her friends from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily!
Fun Fact: Did you know the Dakota Zoo has AMAZING volunteers who put in time to help out? These heroes help out in MANY areas including guest services, grounds keeping, zoo events, and many, many more! For more information on how you can join the volunteer team, visit our site at https://www.dakotazoo.org/volunteers/volunteer-opportunities/
Back to school time! Stop in the Antler Trading Post and find some amazing deals! Water bottles, T-shirts, Sweatshirts, oh my!! Your child will walk on the wild side!! 🐅🐫
Open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily.
It's that time of year!! With students returning to school, our train and concession stand will begin to operate on very limited hours for the remainder of the season. Hours will vary depending on staff availability. The zoo itself is still open daily from 10:00am-6:00pm through September 29th.
Did you know your visit to Dakota Zoo helps ?
The Dakota Zoo Conservation Fund makes an annual contribution to the Tiger Conservation Campaign. Accredited zoos across North America are mobilizing to support tiger conservation efforts and raise awareness. The Tiger Conservation Campaign is coordinated by the AZA Tiger Species Survival Plan.
For more information on how the Dakota Zoo's Conservation Fund helps wildlife, visit our site at https://www.dakotazoo.org/conservation/
📷 Rich Barrios
Happy Monday from our Blue and Yellow Macaw! If you'd like to visit our amazingly vocal friends, stop in daily from 10:00-6:00 PM weather permitting.
📷Rich Barrios
Back to school time!! Beginning this Thursday, August 22, the Dakota Zoo will have limited train and concession stand hours due to our amazing staff returning to school.
Hours will be weekdays 4:00-6:00 PM and weekends 10:00-6:00 PM. Hours are dependent on staff availability and subject to change.
602 Riverside Park Road
Bismarck, ND
58504
| Monday | 10am - 6pm |
| Tuesday | 10am - 6pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 6pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 6pm |
| Friday | 1pm - 5pm |
| Saturday | 10am - 6pm |
| Sunday | 10am - 6pm |
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dakota Zoo posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Dakota Zoo:
Happy Monday from Ted and Kali! 🐻 Open daily 10am - 6pm!
Another rehabilitation success! 🦉 To learn more about our raptor rehabilitation program, click the link below! 👇🏻 Open daily 10am to 6pm. https://www.dakotazoo.org/education/raptor-rehabilitation/
Plan some time to ‘roll’ on down to the zoo to visit Nadya our Amur tiger and all of your zoo friends! Summer hours begin this Saturday (open DAILY 10am to 6pm)! 🎥 by Keeper Tori
White-tailed deer Grace is just checking in this morning to make sure you’ll be at the Easter Egg Hunt today! 🐣 Grab your coat and have some fun at the zoo from 1-3pm! 🎥 by Keeper Jessica
Nobody makes sunbathing looks as good at the lemurs do. Sava has been soaking up the rays today as are most of the animals! We’re excited for this early spring. Get your memberships and make a plan to visit! Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 1-5pm. Summer hours begin April 27th! 🎥 by Keeper Cate
Meet 🌟 RUBY 🌟 Thank you for all the name votes and donations to our conservation fund! She has graduated to our medium sized pool where she can practice her diving skills. She continues to grow and enjoys her twice a day swimming lessons. Soon we will start introducing a few members of the colony to her so she can make some friends before she officially moves out to the main habitat. Stay tuned for more updates! 🐧
Swimming lessons! 🏊♀️ Our little penguin chick is fully grown but still shedding the last bit of her baby downy coat. With most of her waterproof juvenile feathers in place, she is starting swimming practice with keeper staff. Our penguin building is well suited for chick rearing as we have THREE pool options ranging in size and depth. Baby will start in this small behind the scenes pool for a few days, advance to our medium behind the scenes pool, and then, when she is a confident swimmer, she will be introduced to the exhibit colony and take on the big pool! Stay tuned for updates and her name announcement on Tuesday! Thank you for all your support and votes for her name. 🐧 🎥 by Senior Keeper Shannon
Out collecting presents for your loved ones? Consider buying a Dakota Zoo membership that will keep on giving all year! 🎟️ Visit our Antler Trading Post during open hours or purchase one online! Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 1-5pm weather permitting.
‘Tis the season! 🐐🦌🐏🐫🐂 Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 1-5pm weather permitting. Follow us on Tik Tok @dakotazoocrew
The elk mating season, or rut, is upon us and Ernie the Bull Elk has begun his bugling! Bull elk use this call to announce their presence to other bulls and to attract potential mates. Dakota Zoo is open Friday-Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Stop by for the chance to hear this surreal sound in person.
The cooler weather makes many of our animals frisky! The Dakota Zoo is open Friday-Sunday 1-5pm, weather permitting.
Summer hours run through September 24th! See you at the zoo! 🎥 by Keeper Molly
You ‘otter’ be coming tonight to Brew at the Zoo! Get your last minute ticket at the door. Event begins at 6pm! 🍻 Cheers!
The zoo is a pollinators playground! Did you know the zoo is actively involved with bumble bee and monarch conservation? To learn more about bumble bee conservation check out this website: https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org 🐝 Stop and smell the roses (and other flowers) on your next visit!
It’s a great day to visit the zoo! Enjoy the animals and the summer sun daily from 10am to 6pm! 🎥 by Keeper Shannon
Happy Monday from Bubbles the Trumpeter Swan! Hope your week is as happy as this video! 🎥 by Keeper Shannon
Look who went out this morning! Did you know it takes 7-8 people just to move our large male, Goliath? This year he measured in at almost 9 feet long! Cookie, our female measured in at 6 feet but can still be a lot to handle. 🐊 Open daily 10am-6pm!
Yesterday was Conservation Day at the zoo. Because of YOU we can help animals both in our backyard and across the world! Open daily 10am to 6pm. 🎥 by Keeper Molly
☀️ The sun is out and pathways are clear! Plan the zoo into your weekend plans. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday 1-5pm. 🎥 by Keeper Shannon
