DES MOINES, Iowa — A new campaign is bringing $18 million in renovations to Des Moines' Blank Park Zoo, the facility announced on Monday, April 8.
The "Expand the Impact" Capital Campaign aims to usher in a new era for the city's zoo, with new facilities in the works for seals, sea lions, otters, lions and plenty more creatures.
“For nearly 60 years, Iowans of every age have come to Blank Park Zoo to explore and learn about all kinds of animals,” said Anne Shimerdla, president and CEO. “With our Expand the Impact Capital Campaign, we now have the ability to ignite wonder for all Iowans, improve accessibility around the Zoo grounds, make continual animal welfare upgrades and implement expanded conservation and sustainability practices.”
The expansion efforts will debut Wild Iowa, which showcases Iowa's native animals like otters, eagles and bobcats, and Big Cat Expansion, which enlarges the space available for lions and tigers and gives zoogoers a new way to watch them.
The renovations will also replace asphalt pathways that run through the zoo and existing signs to improve accessibility for all visitors.
Here are some other features the campaign will bring:
- New saltwater filtration system
- Accessible viewing glass tunnel alongside deep-water viewing area at otter exhibit
- Nationwide Foundation Eagle exhibit space
- New viewing cabin
- Aquariums featuring Iowa amphibians
- Behind-the-scenes lion training space accessible to tours
- Red river hog winter viewing
As of March 2024, two-thirds of the funding for "Expand the Impact" has been secured.
Donors include the Ruan Foundation, Nationwide Foundation, Marjorie A. Foster, city of Des Moines and Destination Iowa administered by the Iowa Economic Authority.
