Dakota Zoo

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Dakota Zoo
Date opened	June 3, 1961
Location	Bismarck, North Dakota, USA
Number of Species	125
Accreditations/ Memberships	AZA
Website

The Dakota Zoo is a zoo in Bismarck, North Dakota located on the banks of the Missouri River.

[edit] History

The Dakota Zoo began on a 67 acre farm owned by Marc and Betty Christianson on the northern edge of Bismarck. They started out with horses, dogs, and cats, and as the number of animals increased, the farm grew substantially in popularity and people began to come and see the animals. Eventually, a petition was started to turn the farm into a fully functional, self supporting, community zoo. Marc Christianson took the petitions to the city board and, in 1961, the Dakota Zoo opened its doors.

The Dakota Zoo currently receives over 100,000 visitors per year and is home to over 125 species of animals. Since 1996, many new exhibits have been added including the Moose, Mountain Goat, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, and the interactive Discovery Zoo building which features a simulated cow and many other interactive features for children.

[edit] External links

• Dakota Zoo website

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