ZOOS NORTH DAKOTA

Dakota Zoo is a 90-acre zoological park located in Bismarck, North Dakota, that has welcomed families and wildlife enthusiasts since its founding in 1961. Home to approximately 400 animals representing around 125 species, the zoo offers a rich variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish from across the globe. Visitors can enjoy a scenic train ride, a discovery center, keeper-led educational programs, raptor rehabilitation experiences, and a range of special events throughout the year including Endangered Species Day. Animal encounters, zoo camps, and birthday party packages make it a popular destination for families. With memberships, animal adoption programs, and dedicated animal care initiatives, Dakota Zoo is a beloved community institution and regional wildlife destination.

Chahinkapa Zoo is a beloved wildlife facility located in Wahpeton, North Dakota, with over 90 years of operation serving the region. The zoo features an impressive international animal collection spanning six continents, including tigers, gibbons, orangutans, bears, lemurs, snow leopards, rhinos, and zebras. Visitors enjoy immersive exhibits, guided tours, educational classes, field trips, birthday parties, and camping experiences on the zoo's grounds. The facility is committed to wildlife conservation through habitat protection and animal welfare partnerships, and its educational programming is designed to inspire future generations through hands-on learning. Open daily during the season, Chahinkapa Zoo provides unforgettable family experiences that combine entertainment, education, and a genuine passion for wildlife protection.

Red River Zoo is a distinctive zoological facility in Fargo, North Dakota, opened in 1999 and specializing in the care and breeding of rare cold-climate species uniquely suited to the Red River Valley environment. Home to more than 300 animals representing 75 species, the zoo features Chinese red pandas, Pallas' cats, Sichuan takin, North American wolves, otters, fox, prairie dogs, and diverse reptiles, birds, and primates. The zoo is nationally recognized for its red panda breeding program, with more than 25 percent of Chinese red pandas in American zoos having been born there. The Pride of the Prairie exhibit showcases American bison, black-tailed prairie dogs, and the endangered black-footed ferret. Active in Species Survival Plans and cooperative breeding programs, Red River Zoo plays a vital role in conservation efforts for rare and endangered species.

Roosevelt Park Zoo is a family-friendly zoological park located at 1219 Burdick Expressway East in Minot, North Dakota, offering visitors engaging wildlife encounters and educational programming throughout the year. The zoo is home to a variety of animal species including giraffes, and participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, as evidenced by the birth of a baby giraffe in late 2025. Guests can enjoy keeper talks, unique animal encounters, and educational activities such as Zoo Tots classes and summer camps. The zoo is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm and features amenities including picnic areas, a gift shop, and full wheelchair accessibility. With its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to conservation and community engagement, Roosevelt Park Zoo is a beloved destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts in the northern Great Plains.