Christmas is less than a week away and there is still plenty of work before this year comes to an end. Many businesses are preparing to slow or even shut down during the holiday season, but you can be sure that the zoo will be open. With the warmer than normal temperatures still dominating the forecast, we look forward to families looking for something fun to do during the break enjoying the zoo and its offerings. If you just want to find something for the kids to do during the break, you can check out the Winter Day camps on December 28 and 29.

The Zoo is open every day through the weekend except for Monday, Christmas Day. However, staff will be working on Monday to ensure the animals are all well cared for. Zookeepers are notorious for trying to spoil the animals on Christmas with special treats and toys. They appreciate all of those who took time to pick up enrichment items from the wishing tree to provide the animals with something new, especially on these short days of winter.

Zookeepers recognize that working holidays is just part of the job. For several members of our staff who have moved to Minot just to work at the zoo, they will still be away from their families once the day is done. As a group, they seem to rally around one another and make sure all feel a part of a family during the holidays, even if it is a work family. So, if you are blessed to spend the holidays with your family, you may know someone who cannot. Christmas can be an opportunity to spread some cheer and make someone else’s holiday just a little better. Merry Christmas to all during this holiday season.

T’was the week before Christmas and all through the Zoo, the critters were stirring, with just a low moo. Their keepers assembled for work before dawn, to start on their day, in the cold morning’s calm.

The animals were snug, all tucked in their barns, awaiting the sunrise and their keepers’ return.

The diets were made, they loaded their carts, to head out and check animals in their part.

The sun rose so quickly and though it was cold, they made morning rounds, to check on their fold.

With all looking well and no problems in sight, their work it began and warmed in the day’s light.

The day passed by quickly with nary a mar, until something happened that was truly bizarre.

They all began singing, the animals I mean, happy sounds they were making, created a scene.

With little to do but wonder the matter, it didn’t take long to understand all the chatter.

The Zoo had opened and guests did arrive, to visit each critter and see them all thrive.

Their keepers all smiled and welcomed the guests, observing the habitats, the cages, and nests.

How great it must be to work in the zoo, but none would be possible if not for you.

From monkeys and goats and even giraffes, Merry Christmas to all, from all the zoo staff.