What are the opening hours?

Friday 1pm - 5pm Saturday 1pm - 5pm Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Dakota Zoo

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.

11/08/2024

Brrrrr! The weather might be cold, but our Prehensile-tailed Skink, Ripley, stays nice and toasty in its beautiful, warm & humid habitat in the Discovery Center!

Did you know? These amazing, tree-dwelling reptiles use their unique, grasping tails and hooked claws to navigate branches. Active at dawn and dusk, they munch on leaves and fruits, including mildly toxic plants without harming themselves! Not only are they the largest skink species, but they’re also the only skinks that are herbivorous and have prehensile tails. Plus, these shy creatures form social groups—rare for reptiles!

📸Keeper Riley

11/07/2024

Searching for the perfect gift for your child's teacher? We've got you covered! Dakota Zoo offers Wild Expeditions gift certificates, giving teachers the opportunity to schedule a visit from our zoo educators and bring the wonders of the zoo right into the classroom.

Treat your favorite teacher to an unforgettable educational experience that your child and their classmates will love!

For more information, contact our Education/Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] or 701-223-7543 ext. 3.

11/06/2024

11/05/2024

Protecting insects helps protect birds! The 2024 World Migratory Bird Day theme, "Protect Insects, Protect Birds," highlights the 304 bird species that rely on insects. Sadly, both face threats like habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.

You can help by:
🌿 Leaving the Leaves: They shelter insects.
🌱 Planting Native: Native plants support local insects.
🚫 Reducing Chemicals: Use natural lawn care.
💡 Dimming Your Lights: Minimize artificial light at night.

Insects play vital roles in nature, from pollinating crops to recycling nutrients.

11/04/2024

Happy National Bison Day!

📸 Keeper Julie

11/03/2024

Doug says, "Don't forget to "fall back" this weekend!" Daylight Saving Time ended today, which means an extra hour of sleep for you... but the animals are keeping their own schedule!

Whether they're early risers or night owls, our zoo friends are ready to greet you with wild adventures! Join us during our winter hours Friday-Sunday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, weather permitting.

📸 Keeper Jess

11/02/2024

Looking for the perfect gift for the animal lover in your life? Consider giving a gift certificate for our zoo's Wild EncounTours! This up-close experience allows guests to connect with our incredible animals like never before.

Or, if you want to bring the zoo to your loved ones, our Wild Expeditions program offers outreach experiences with our animal ambassadors at schools, offices, and nursing homes.

Both options provide unforgettable memories and a chance to learn about wildlife in a personal way. Give the gift of adventure and discovery today!

Call 223-7543 ex 3 or email [email protected] for more information.

11/01/2024

A fascinating connection between animals and Día de los Mu***os involves monarch butterflies. In Mexican tradition, these butterflies are believed to carry the souls of loved ones who have passed away. Their annual migration to Mexico happens around November 1st and 2nd, perfectly aligning with the holiday. Many believe the butterflies' arrival symbolizes the spirits returning to visit their families during the celebration.

10/30/2024

Last minute reminder! This Saturday is our Animal Ed-Ventures Tremendous Tigers Camp for ages 5-7 from 1:00-2:30PM, and Little Tykes Ed-Ventures Tremendous Tigers Camp for ages 3-4 from 3:00-4:40PM.

Call 223-7543 for more information!

10/29/2024

Happy National Cat Day from our beautiful cats!

Today, we’re celebrating ALL of our majestic feline friends—including Finn, one of our Pallas cats, Carol, one of our Mountain Lions, to Sputnik, one of our Amur Tigers (just to name a few!)! Whether they’re prowling, pouncing, or just enjoying a catnap, these zoo cats are the kings and queens of the animal kingdom.

Share your favorite photo or memory of a zoo cat and join us in showing some love to these wild whiskered wonders!

📸 Keeper Molly, Keeper Tori, Rich Barrios

10/28/2024

Ernie the elk wants your attention: WE’RE HIRING! 📣

We have a part-time position open on our Hoofstock team! Work with Ernie and his amazing friends in the farmyard and on the wilderness trail. Degree in biology, ecology, conservation science, or a related field preferred.

For more information and to apply visit https://dakotazoo.org/employment/

10/28/2024

"I NEED COFFEE!" proclaims Carol, Mountain Lion. (Just kidding, she doesn't drink coffee, silly!)

Wishing everyone the best Monday - even if you haven't had your coffee yet. ☕
📸Keeper Tori

10/27/2024

Happy Sunday! Stop by the zoo today for some unbelievable cuteness!

Open from 1:00-5:00pm, weather permitting.

📸 Keeper Molly

10/26/2024

🐯 Join us for Tremendous Tigers Camp on November 2nd! 🐯

1:00-2:30 PM: Animal Ed-Ventures for kids ages 5-7.
3:00-4:30 PM: Little Tykes Ed-Ventures for ages 3-4 (with a parent or guardian).
📅 Register at least 7 days in advance to secure your spot!

See our website at dakotazoo.org or call 223-7543 ex 3 for more info!

Don’t miss out on this wild adventure! 🐅
📸Rich Barrios

10/26/2024

It's Zoo Boo Day!

Don't forget, today’s the day for spooky fun at the zoo! Bring the whole family down for a fang-tastic time filled with costumes, treats, and animal adventures. You won’t want to miss all the Halloween-themed fun!

See you at the zoo from 1:00-4:00 pm for a spooky good time!

10/25/2024

Ever wonder what happens at the zoo during winter hours?

Even when the gates are closed to visitors, our dedicated keepers and staff are still hard at work behind the scenes! From caring for the animals to making sure everything runs smoothly, the zoo never sleeps.

10/24/2024

Is the weekend here yet???

Address

602 Riverside Park Road
Bismarck, ND
58504

Opening Hours

Friday	1pm - 5pm
Saturday	1pm - 5pm
Sunday	1pm - 5pm

Website

http://www.dakotazoo.org/

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Videos

Ernie the elk wants your attention: WE’RE HIRING! 📣 We have a part-time position open on our Hoofstock team! Work with Ernie and his amazing friends in the farmyard and on the wilderness trail. Degree in biology, ecology, conservation science, or a related field preferred. For more information and to apply visit https://dakotazoo.org/employment/

Happy Monday from Elmer!

Elmer, the North American porcupine Ambassador, is here to remind us that even if life gets a bit prickly, we can still approach each day with positivity and curiosity! Let's embrace the week ahead with a smile, a brave heart, and a little bit of quirkiness!

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.