Dakota Zoo

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Dakota Zoo Visit www.dakotazoo.org for more information, or call us at (701) 223 7543. We hope to see you soon!
(2625)

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.

10/12/2026

We had a team down in Badlands National Park last week helping Prairie Wildlife Research spotlight for the endangered black footed ferret. This week long project has our staff reversing their day/night cycle so they are awake and searching during prime ferret time since the species is nocturnal. When spotlighting is slower you have to get creative in order to stay awake for your shift! 😆 Enjoy our staff and their silly night time antics! 🌙

🎥 by Keeper Keira (and Aunie and Emily)

Sleepy Sunday. 😴 Open today 1-5pm! 🍂 📷 by Keeper Jess
10/11/2026

Sleepy Sunday. 😴 Open today 1-5pm! 🍂

📷 by Keeper Jess

Today is African Penguin Awareness Day and this critically endangered species is in need of your support! 🐧 The Dakota Z...
10/10/2026

Today is African Penguin Awareness Day and this critically endangered species is in need of your support! 🐧 The Dakota Zoo supports African penguin conservation both financially through SAFE African Penguin and physically by sending staff to SANCCOB in Cape Town South Africa each winter to help in penguin rehabilitation and release. Join the waddle to help save penguins now! Ways you can help:

🎟️ Visit the zoo or donate - your continued financial support helps fund the Dakota Zoo Conservation Fund. A portion of each membership and daily admission goes to saving species.

🐧 Adopt a penguin through SANCCOB saves seabirds to support ongoing rescue efforts. (https://adopt.sanccob.co.za/get-involved/adopt-a-penguin/)

🐟 Eat and buy sustainable seafood. Loss of prey and over fishing is a main concern for these birds. Pick up a guide at the zoo or visit https://www.seafoodwatch.org/ for more information.

🚮 Help clean up the local community and river. All water leads to the ocean and most rescued penguins are found with plastic or trash in their digestive tract.

♻️ Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - reduce consumer consumption and shop gently used items within your community when able!

🗣️ Spread awareness for penguins. Share their story, share your love for penguins, and encourage others to take action!

Each small act makes a difference when we work together! 💪 Together we can

The Dakota Zoo is in winter hours and open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1-5pm, weather permitting. ❄️

10/10/2026

Today is African Penguin Awareness Day and this critically endangered species is in need of your support! 🐧 The Dakota Zoo supports African penguin conservation both financially through SAFE African Penguin and physically by sending staff to SANCCOB in Cape Town South Africa each winter to help with penguin rehabilitation and release. Join the waddle to help save penguins now! Ways you can help:

🎟️ Visit the zoo or donate - your continued financial support helps fund the Dakota Zoo Conservation Fund. A portion of each membership and daily admission goes to saving species.

🐧 Adopt a penguin through SANCCOB saves seabirds to support ongoing rescue efforts. (https://adopt.sanccob.co.za/get-involved/adopt-a-penguin/)

🐟 Eat and buy sustainable seafood. Loss of prey and over fishing is a main concern for these birds. Pick up a guide at the zoo or visit https://www.seafoodwatch.org/ for more information.

🚮 Help clean up the local community and river. All water leads to the ocean and most rescued penguins are found with plastics in their digestive tract.

♻️ Reduce, reuse, recycle - reduce consumer consumption and shop gently used items within your community when able!

🗣️ Spread awareness for penguins. Share their story, share your love for penguins, and encourage others to take action!

Each small act makes a difference when we work together! 💪 Together we can

The Dakota Zoo is in winter hours and open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1-5pm, weather permitting. ❄️

10/08/2026

Spooky season is upon us! Fall is a great time to visit the zoo as many of the animals are more active in the cool weather. See you at the zoo! 🎃

Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 1-5pm weather permitting.

🎥 by Senior Keeper Shannon

10/07/2026

Tis the season to be bobbing for apples! (and other goodies). 🍎 Our red ruffed lemurs are enjoying this creative enrichment from Keeper Kaitlynn. Plan your visit to the zoo this weekend! Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 1-5pm. 🍂

10/05/2026

Tiger talk with Niko. 🐯

The zoo is in winter hours and open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 1-5pm weather permitting!

🎥 by Keeper Keira

Address

602 Riverside Park Rd
Bismarck, ND
58504

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+17012237543

Website

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