Submitted Photo The official grand opening of Roosevelt Park Zoo's African Plains Building will be Saturday. This is an interior photo of the building.

Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot is inviting the public to join in the celebration of World Giraffe Day on Saturday, June 21, with the official grand opening of the African Plains Building, home to the zoo’s new state-of-the-art giraffe habitat.

Zoo hours are 9 a.m. -8 p.m., with daily giraffe feedings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (subject to animal participation).

The new exhibit gives guests the chance to get nose-to-nose with the tallest land animals on Earth year-round, offering an unforgettable opportunity to hand-feed the giraffes, connect with wildlife, and create memories that will last a lifetime, according to zoo information.

Spanning 7,300 square feet, the expansive indoor facility is directly connected to an even larger outdoor yard, allowing giraffes to move freely between environments through specially designed giraffe-sized doors. Natural substrates and increased indoor space promote joint and bone health, while innovative features like an artificial tree and pulley-assisted feeders that support the giraffes’ physical and mental well-being. The improved layout also provides the animal care team with enhanced access for feeding and enrichment.

“Our goal was to design a space that prioritizes both animal welfare and visitor engagement,” said Dr. Logan Wood, Roosevelt Park Zoo director. “We’re thrilled to welcome our community into this new space and celebrate these gentle giants together.”

This new habitat was made possible through an anonymous donor.

“Our community partners and our supportive donors are an integral part of the Roosevelt Park Zoo,” Wood said. “As we transition into the new zoo footprint, they will continue to be pivotal in the zoo’s success when it comes to providing exceptional exhibits, animal care and our visitor experiences.”

Conservation through connection

There are four times as many elephants in Africa as giraffes — a fact that often surprises visitors. To support global conservation efforts, Roosevelt Park Zoo has partnered with SAVE Giraffes Now on a project in Swara Plains, Kenya, where new watering holes and solar-powered pump stations have been installed to provide lifesaving drinking water to giraffes, elephants, lions, and local communities that co-exist with these animals.

Every dollar spent at the zoo’s giraffe feeding station contributes directly to the zoo’s conservation initiatives, giving guests a chance to make a meaningful impact both locally and globally.

As the giraffes settle into their new state-of-the-art home, they may need a little time to warm up to new humans and get accustomed to more frequent hand-feedings. The zoo’s animal care team will be working closely with the zoo’s long-legged friends during this early stage, letting the animals set the pace for this new adventure and decide when and how often they’re ready for a tasty treat.