DES MOINES, Iowa — Time to go wild: Blank Park Zoo just welcomed a number of new animals to their ranks.
The main attraction is undoubtedly Bronevik, a 409-pound male Amur tiger who previously lived at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
“He is a big guy,” said Jay Tetzloff, chief animal officer at Blank Park Zoo, in a statement. “Keepers say that he loves goat milk and is a cautious animal. We are really hopeful he and Misha the female tiger will become a great couple.”
Another newcomer is Bamboo, a nearly 2-year-old North American river otter from Stone Zoo in Massachusetts. Bamboo will join fellow otters Sassy and Fisher in the otter habitat.
Moving from furry friends to flying ones, Blank Park Zoo also introduced 30 new Jamaican fruit bats and almost 30 new birds. From the scarlet ibis to the violaceous euphonia, the birds come in a variety of sizes and colors.
The zoo recommends seeing the birds in the Myron and Jackie Blank Discovery Center before 11 a.m. daily. That's when the waterfalls will be turned off, allowing visitors to enjoy the birdsong.
The Blank Park Zoo is open year-round. Admission is $18 for adults, $12 for kids 2-12 and $16 for seniors and active military. Children ages 2 and younger get in free.