Blank Park Zoo
Animal lovers and families alike will find something to enjoy at Des Moines, Iowa’s Blank Park Zoo. Almost a thousand animals from 104 different species call this zoo home, making it a regional powerhouse. Travelers to Iowa should not miss Blank Park Zoo, which features numerous exhibits, programs, and events.
The zoo’s central location in Des Moines on 49 acres makes it a popular tourist destination for people from all across the Midwest. It first welcomed visitors in 1966 and has since expanded to become a zoo with an international reputation for its dedication to animal welfare, education, and conservation.
The African exhibit at Blank Park Zoo offers a wide range of African species, such as lions, zebras, and giraffes, and is one of the zoo’s most visited attractions. A high observation deck provides visitors with a birds-eye perspective of the entire exhibit, allowing them to get a real feel for how close the creatures are. A Maasai town has been recreated in the African display, replete with authentic architecture and antiques.
Animals from Australia, like kangaroos, wallabies, and emus, can be seen in the Australian Outback exhibit at Blank Park Zoo. The exhibit allows guests a close encounter with the kangaroos, as they may wander among the animals and even feed them by hand. An exact reproduction of an Australian home, down to the kitchen, living room, and bedroom, is on display as well.
The Exploration Center at Blank Park Zoo is home to a variety of small animals and reptiles, and it is only one of many indoor displays at the zoo. Learn about the fascinating behaviors and adaptations of snakes, lizards, and other species up close and personal. A touch tank allows guests to get up and personal with marine life like starfish and sea urchins at the Discovery Center.
Blank Park Zoo hosts many events and programs throughout the year in addition to its many exhibits. The Zoo Brew is a weekly event held on various Thursdays from May through August. Craft beer lovers will have a blast at this venue, which also has animal encounters and live music. The zoo also provides some learning opportunities for kids, such as summer camps and a curriculum for homeschoolers.
Blank Park Zoo stands out due to its dedication to preservation. The restoration of animals like the black-footed ferret and the Puerto Rican crested toad is only two examples of the zoo’s worldwide and local conservation efforts. The zoo also takes part in numerous breeding initiatives, such as those for the African-painted dog and the eastern black rhinoceros, both of which are at risk of extinction.
The zoo’s conservation activities are not limited to its physical confines. Blank Park Zoo is an active supporter of animal rights and conservation because it is affiliated with the AZA. Along with community groups, the zoo educates visitors about the importance of conservation and sustainable living.
When in Des Moines or the surrounding area, the Blank Park Zoo is an absolute must. The zoo has something for everyone thanks to its wide variety of exhibits, activities, and events. There’s something for everyone at Blank Park Zoo, whether you’re a family looking for a day trip or an animal enthusiast committed to conservation and education.