Our bears really don't mind the cold temperatures, but they're not much fun for us humans, so we are adjusting our schedule for this weekend. For those gift shop bargain hunters and last minute membership purchasers, we will be open Friday, December 29 from 1-5PM. We will be closed Saturday, December 30 and Sunday, December 31. Of course our dedicated animal care staff will be here as they are every day, rain or shine, making sure our residents are fed, watered and well. Best wishes for a safe, happy and wild new year from all of us at Dakota Zoo!

We are thrilled to share the news that 140 endangered Black-footed Ferrets were observed in Conata Basin, South Dakota in 2017 -- that's a 20% increase from 2016!! Dakota Zoo staff and volunteers have been helping with the annual ferret surveys in Conata Basin since 2013, thanks to funding provided by our members and visitors through the Dakota Zoo Conservation Fund. Thank you Dakota Zoo supporters for helping a species that was once nearly extinct continue on its long road to recovery! Read all about it in this year end wrap up from our friends and conservation partners at Prairie Wildlife Research.

A couple bowls of spicy chili would sure hit the spot on a cold day like today, but fortunately we don't have long before we can warm up at the Brothers Keepers Annual Chili Cook-off coming up on January 27 from 5-9 PM at the Bismarck/Mandan Elks Lodge. Stop in and sample all the delicious contest entries or enter your own "award winning" recipe and try your luck. Thank you BKMC for supporting the Dakota Zoo with the proceeds from this tasty event!

Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas from all of us at Dakota Zoo! The zoo will be open Friday and Saturday from 1-5 PM and from 1-3 PM on Sunday, December 24 for those last minute gifts and memberships. As always, hours of operation are weather permitting. We will be closed Christmas Day, although our hard working animal care team will be here as they are every day, making sure our residents are fed, watered and well!

This weekend, kids can enjoy a story and a visit with Santa on Saturday and Sunday in the Bismarck Tribune Discovery Center at the Zoo! Story times are 1:15 to 1:45 PM with Santa available for visits from 2-4PM. Regular zoo admission rate applies, with free admission for Dakota Zoo members. Photos with Santa will be available for an additional charge as a fundraiser for the zoo. See you at the zoo!

Santa is at the Dakota Zoo today, Saturday, December 9th! Story time from 1:15-1:45 with visits and photos to follow from 2-4 pm! Don’t forget to check out the elves workshop for your last minute stocking stuffers and gifts! Lots of deeply discounted merchandise and some fun new and exciting items as well! See you there!

This weekend, kids can enjoy a story and a visit with Santa on Saturday and Sunday in the Bismarck Tribune Discovery Center at the Zoo! Story times are 1:15 to 1:45 PM with Santa available for visits from 2-4PM. Regular zoo admission rate applies, with free admission for Dakota Zoo members. Photos with Santa will be available for an additional charge as a fundraiser for the zoo. See you at the zoo!

It's breakfast time again! Join us this Saturday December 2 from 9-11 AM for the holiday edition of Breakfast at the Zoo. Enjoy freshly prepared pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee and juice at the wildest breakfast spot in town. Check out a special appearance by Santa Claus, then grab a beverage to go and stroll around the grounds as the zoo wakes up for the day. Breakfast prices: Zoo members $6 adults/$3 kids, non-members $9 adults/$5 kids. See you at the Zoo!

This weekend, kids can enjoy a story and a visit with Santa on Saturday and Sunday in the Bismarck Tribune Discovery Center at the Zoo! Story times are 1:15 to 1:45 PM with Santa available for visits from 2-4PM. Regular zoo admission rate applies, with free admission for Dakota Zoo members. Photos with Santa will be available for an additional charge as a fundraiser for the zoo. See you at the zoo!