Endangered species are those threatened by extinction for reasons including loss of habitat.

On Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the zoo will be observing Endangered Species Day, a national conservation effort and an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species. Educational activities are planned at the zoo. Hot dogs, for a cost of $5, will be served from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Proceeds will go to conservation of endangered species.

Critically endangered species are categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and are species with an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Endangered species are categorized by IUCN, as very likely to become extinct. It is the second most severe conservation status for wild populations.

Eloise Ogden/MDN African black-footed penguins, shown at Minot’s Roosevelt Park Zoo, are native to South Africa. They are considered an endangered species.

Minot’s zoo has at least 15 species categorized as critically endangered species and endangered species.

Critically endangered species at the Minot zoo include:

– Amur leopard, native to Russia and China.

– Bactrian camel, native to Asia.

– Black and white ruffed lemur, native to Madagascar.

– Bongo, native to Africa.

– Cotton-top tamarin, native to South America.

Endangered species at the Minot zoo include:

– African black-footed penguin, native to South Africa.

– African lion, native to Africa.

– Amur tiger, once known as Siberian tiger, native to Russian Far East.

– Black-footed ferret, native to North America. Roosevelt Park Zoo

(Roosevelt Park Zoo is one of 24 zoos with the black-footed ferret, according to Jennifer Kleen, Minot Zoo Crew executive director.)

– Okapi, native to Africa’s Congo.

– Reticulated giraffe, native to Africa.

– Ring-tailed lemur, native to Madagascar, off East Coast of Africa.

– Siamang gibbon, native to Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

– Snow leopard, native to central Asia.

– White-handed gibbon or lar gibbon, native to Southeast Asia.

Regular zoo admission will be charged for those attending Endangered Species Day.