Dakota Zoo

12/30/2025

Fun Fact:

Strange, but true: Elk can count to 10. How do we know? Scientists have noticed that when a female elk is presented with the choice between a mate with nine antler points and 10 antler points, she’ll almost always select the bull with 10 points.

She’s paying attention…💋
📸Rich Barrios

12/29/2025

Don't forget to smile! It's contagious! Happy Monday!
📸Rich Barrios

12/28/2025

You still have plenty of time to get your votes in for our penguin chicks!

Help us choose dynamic duo names for our African Penguin brothers who hatched in early November. $5.00 per vote/item. Vote as many times as you'd like! Donations raised will go back to the animals and their care at the Dakota Zoo.

12/28/2025

Fiji banded iguanas, like Fatu, have strong legs, long, slender toes—especially the second and third—and sharp claws, all well adapted to an arboreal (living in trees) lifestyle. These features allow them to grip bark and branches securely as they climb and forage among trees for leaves, fruits, and flowers. Together with their tail, which aids balance, these adaptations provide the stability and control needed to navigate life in the treetops.
📸Rich Barrios

12/27/2025

Just Grace enjoying the sunshine. 🌞
📸Jill Edinger

12/27/2025

The 12 Days of Christmas - Dakota Zoo version! Happy Holidays!

🎥 by Senior Keeper Shannon

12/26/2025

Out of an abundance of caution, the Dakota Zoo will be closed today due to the icy pathways. We plan to be open on Saturday and Sunday from 1pm-5pm.

12/26/2025

Did you know?

When clenched, a Great Horned Owl’s strong talons require a force of 28 pounds to open! The owls use this deadly grip to sever the spine of large prey including raptors such as Ospreys, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcons, and other owls. They also eat much smaller items such as rodents, frogs, and scorpions.
📸Rich Barrios

12/25/2025

The greatest gift of all! 🐧🐧 Merry Christmas from our African penguin chicks. 🎁 💙

Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday! Penguin chick viewing at 4pm before the 4:30 penguin feed.

📷 by Keeper Emily

12/25/2025

12/24/2025

Christmas Eve at the zoo means cozy moments, curious noses, and lots of holiday cheer!

We hope your Christmas Eve is filled with warmth, joy, and a little magic!

📸Keeper Derek

12/23/2025

A little snow, a lot of laughter—just another day behind the scenes at the zoo. (Featuring Keepers Shannon & Kassie)