As the ball dropped in Time Square on Sunday night, for many, it signified a new beginning and a time to set goals that we resolve to achieve. If history is any indicator, it is often easier to make resolutions than to keep them. We all might have personal resolutions but as a team, the Zoo is looking at what areas we must improve to be better for each other, the animals, and the community.

Going into 2024, the Zoo has several items carried over from 2023, but looking forward there are a lot of new items as well. Honestly, 2023 wasn’t necessarily the best in some ways, but changes initiated set the course for a promising 2024. These changes addressed several areas of staff and animal management needs. One of the most critical areas for working on is communication, both within the Zoo and beyond. It’s always a challenge and will always be an area that we work to keep improving. As for the animals, we are working more intensely on our operant conditioning training. Training animals not only takes time, but also consistency, again taking us back to the communication work among staff.

Looking ahead to 2024, the Zoo is expecting to go through a lot of changes both physically and culturally. We expect it to be a year of construction within and around the Zoo’s campus. While the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project’s Phase MI-7 kicks off, its main impact on the Zoo will be in the parking lot. Current plans are to begin work in Roosevelt Park this year, which is good for the Zoo, but to access the project, the Zoo will lose the west end of the parking lot to create a construction entrance designed to keep the public safe from the construction traffic.

Within the Zoo we are looking at the possibility of constructing a new concession stand, moving the Discovery Barn from the northside to a new location across from the bear exhibit, and possibly the renovation of the kangaroo and serow exhibits to create a single multi-yard exhibit for the Bactrian camels.

Beyond the MI-7 construction, the Zoo will begin constructing the new African Plains Building that will enable the giraffes to remain at the Zoo once the flood project moves into the Zoo campus. Initial goal is to have it ready to hold the giraffes during the flood construction that will directly impact the northside of the giraffe exhibit. Once complete, the Zoo will start adding other animal species to the facility, including an aviary, which will extend into the giraffe exhibit for summer viewing. If possible, the Zoo will also be looking at construction around the primates that would create viewable holding spaces throughout the year.

2024 will also see an increased commitment to conservation efforts locally, regionally, and internationally. A new structure for the volunteer policy will improve the Zoo’s ability to enlist and manage the many individuals and groups that provide support and help to make the Zoo one of the best. As 2024 gets started and resolutions get made, the zoo is hopeful we all can make our resolutions a reality.