Dakota Zoo

02/21/2025

Look at this beauty! Prehensile-tailed skinks are almost entirely tree-dwellers, rarely coming down to the ground. They’re perfectly built for life in the treetops, using their prehensile tails to grip branches and keep their balance. Their hooked claws also help them climb up, down, or along tree trunks with ease.

During the day, they stay hidden in tree hollows or among the branches, becoming active in the early morning, evening, or even at night. They move slowly through the trees, feeding on leaves and fruit, especially the Solomon Island creeper plant. Some of the plants they eat are mildly toxic, but the skinks are unaffected.

Despite their shy nature, prehensile-tailed skinks are surprisingly social for reptiles, often forming groups with bonded pairs of adults and other related or unrelated skinks.

A few unique traits set these skinks apart: they’re the largest skink species, the only ones with a prehensile tail, and the only herbivorous skink species!

📸Rich Barrios

02/20/2025

X-ray exams with Dr. Tanya and Brandy, LVT. Here we have Splinter getting X-rays to ensure no joint or bone concerns as Erv, the ever-helpful, assists with observations. Traffic cones are "penguin" shaped and are used to keep the penguin calm and secure so they don't need to be immobilized for the process.

📸Assis Dir Allison

02/19/2025

02/19/2025

We're looking for teens ages 13-17 who would like to join our Zoo Crew! This teen-based program is a crucial part Dakota Zoo’s Volunteer Program. Zoo Crew members can enhance, develop, and prepare themselves for lifelong skills, and good citizenship within the community, all while assisting at Dakota Zoo. Open House for those interested will be held on April 9th from 6:00-7:00pm at the Zoo. More information can be found on our website under "Get Involved".

02/18/2025

Dakota Zoo uses thermal imaging as a non-invasive tool to assess and monitor animal health. By detecting variations in temperature on the surface of an animal's body, thermal imaging helps keepers and medical staff identify issues that might not be visible through conventional examination methods. (And Ruby LOVES assisting whenever possible! 😆)

02/17/2025

Today, we honor the legacy of our nation's leaders and celebrate the wild side of history!

Did you know that many presidents, like Theodore Roosevelt, were passionate about wildlife conservation? In fact, Roosevelt established several national parks, helping to protect the beautiful animals we cherish today.

Just like our presidents worked hard to preserve our country’s natural beauty, we at Dakota Zoo are committed to protecting the incredible animals that call our zoo home. From majestic big cats to playful primates, we're proud to provide a safe haven for creatures from all over the world.

Stop in and visit us Friday-Sunday from 1:00pm-5:00pm, weather permitting.

📸Rich Barrios

02/16/2025

‼️ CLOSED TODAY ‼️

The zoo will be closed today due to sub zero temperatures. The animals will stay tucked into their warm beds as staff work to keep everyone warm and well fed. 💤 ❄️

☀️ Hope to see you next weekend as the temps warm up!

02/16/2025

Sleepy Sunday!

02/15/2025

Are you seeing red? Well, yes. BUT, it's just Henry, the Henkel's leaf tail gecko's infrared night light!

Fun Fact: Notice that beautiful tail? Does it remind you of anything?
Henkel's leaf-tailed geckos have broad, flat tails that look like leaves. They use their tails to camouflage themselves. Nature is amazing!

📸Assist. Director Allison

02/14/2025

Happy Valentine's Day! Can you find the 💕?

02/12/2025

Did you guess correctly? Hedgehogs, like our own Cheeto, have amazing snouts that help them explore the world! Since their eyesight isn’t the best, they rely on their super sniffers to find food, navigate their surroundings, and even detect predators. Their noses help them root through leaves and soil, searching for insects, worms, and other tasty treats!

📸Rich Barrios

02/12/2025

Can you guess who's cute as a button nose this is?

Hint: I'm covered in natural armor and most active when the sun goes down!

Drop your hints below!👇 Come back later for the reveal!

02/11/2025

Aoudad, also known as Barbary sheep, are native to the Atlas Mountains in North Africa. They thrive in tough, rocky terrain and can survive extreme temperatures with their thick coats and efficient hooves. Although they’ve been introduced to places like Texas, their native populations are dwindling due to habitat loss and hunting.

Conservation efforts are focused on protecting their habitats and controlling hunting. While they’re not critically endangered, they’re still listed as "Near Threatened" in the wild. Let’s support efforts to conserve this unique species!

📸Rich Barrios

02/10/2025

Happy Monday from Fin! Sharing a little cuteness and love! 🥰

📸Keeper Tori

02/09/2025

It’s game day, and while football fans are choosing sides, one thing we can all agree on—eagles are always winners!

Did you know that bald eagles can reach speeds of up to 100 mph when diving for prey? Talk about game-winning speed!

📸Rich Barrios

02/07/2025

Hello??? Anyone there??? Kali, one of our beautiful Grizzly bears, would LOVE to see you!! Stop in Friday-Monday from 1:00-5:00pm, weather permitting.

📸Keeper Molly