In preparation for the MI-7, flood mitigation project, and the construction of the African Plains Building, the zoo had to relocate the zebras, bongo and cranes. Moving forward, the zoo is preparing for the upcoming construction that will be located at the east end of the zoo. Current plans are to remove a handful of trees in the old bongo exhibit to create a path for the construction vehicles to enter the zoo off Burdick Expressway to stage materials in the enclosure space.

While work begins in the bongo space, the zoo will be working to install temporary fencing from the giraffe’s north barn door, creating an alley they can move through and make their way to the vacant zebra habitat. This will allow the giraffe herd to get outside this summer while its new indoor facility is under construction.

Once construction begins, guests will be able to view the giraffes from the path along the north side of the enclosure and the zebra viewing areas will end at the zebra barn. Due to the expanse of the construction area needed, viewing for the lions will be limited to the areas by the safari jeep and the lions’ dayroom.

We appreciate the community’s patience and apologize in advance for any inconveniences this new project might cause our guests but are certain it will be worth the brief inconveniences, for the decades of year-round enjoyment it will bring.

The new African Plains Building will also create a space for the Southern Ground Hornbills. The new space will provide them an enclosure they can remain in and engage with guests year-round instead of in a smaller space during the winter months.

This upcoming year guests will also see changes that are more directly related to MI-7 and designed to serve both our animals and our guests once the flood wall work moves into the zoo. As these changes move forward, we will update visitors on any disruptions that may occur during the construction.

The staff will spend a lot of time this summer explaining to guests why this corner of the zoo is closed off, but the best part is in then explaining how important the project is to the zoo and the community if we want to continue to keep giraffes in Minot. The window for this type of construction in North Dakota can sometimes be brief, so the sooner we can start, the sooner it will be ready for the giraffes and our guests later this fall.

The new African Plains Building will also create a space for the Southern Ground Hornbills. The new space will provide them an enclosure they can remain in and engage with guests year-round instead of in a smaller space during the winter months.