The new Amur leopard habitat, being constructed by Rolac Contracting Inc. of Minot, will be built at the zoo’s former cat habitat once occupied by the African lions and Amur tigers.

“They have a construction trailer moved in and ready to start,” said Jennifer Kleen, executive director of the Greater Minot Zoological Society.

The leopard habitat is the third and final capital campaign project for the big cats done as part of the zoo’s centennial celebration observed in 2021. New habitats for the African lions and tigers were completed previously.

Kleen said the total cost of the habitats for the big cats is slightly less than $10 million and about $8.9 million has been raised.

Submitted Photo Members of Rolac Contracting Inc. work the week before Christmas on removing the fence at the former big cat habitat at Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot. The new leopard habitat will be constructed at this site.

“About $1 million is left to be raised for the leopards,” Kleen added.

She said the fundraising is ongoing and a local business recently pledged $50,000 for the leopard habitat project. “There is a five-year pledge available for the project,” Kleen said.

She said another business recently donated $10,000 and another $8,000 came from other local donors.

Ackerman-Estvold architectural firm in Minot designed the leopard habitat and also the habitats for the African lions and Amur tigers.

“The bid for the project was $2.8 million,” Kleen said. She said the project was awarded to Rolac Contracting last fall.

Submitted Photo The leopard statue at Roosevelt Park Zoo, Minot, is in the foreground and the former big cat habitat in the background where the new leopard habitat will be built.

The zoo has an 11-year-old Amur leopard, Clover, who will celebrate her birthday on St. Patrick’s Day. Currently, Clover is in a separate yard from the tigers while the new area is being built.

The zoo previously had two snow leopards who went to the Wahpeton zoo.

Once construction of the new leopard habitat is completed, the zoo hopes to get more Amur leopards.

Kleen said funds are continuing to be accepted for the leopard habitat. “Every donation size counts,” she said. She said recently three families donated $200 each as a Christmas gift to the zoo.

For information about donating to the Amur leopard habitat call Kleen at the zoo at 857-4166 or go to the zoo’s website at rpzoo.com

Submitted Photo This rendering shows a portion of the new leopard habitat set for construction at Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot.