Blank Park Zoo is a 49-acre zoological park located near historic Fort Des Moines on the south side of Des Moines, Iowa, United States. It is the only certified zoo in Iowa and a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Blank Park Zoo’s purpose is to promote environmental awareness and appreciation via conservation, education, research, and leisure. In the year 1963, A.H. Blank gave $150,000 to help build a children’s zoo on the grounds of the former Fort Des Moines. On May 8, 1966, the Des Moines Children’s Zoo opened its doors. It had a castle with a moat, a reproduction of Noah’s Ark, a petting zoo, and a small train that was initially created around nursery tales. The city failed to renovate the zoo for the following 16 years, and it was in danger of collapsing until a group of civic-minded business executives created the Blank Park Zoo Foundation in 1981 to help rescue the zoo. The foundation’s main purpose was to raise funds for capital renovations, animal acquisitions, and promotional and marketing efforts. The Blank Park Zoo is popular with both locals and visitors, 22 of which are dedicated to animal facilities and displays. There are about 1,500 animals here, representing over 100 different species. Red pandas, African lions, giraffes, and Magellanic penguins are among the zoo’s inhabitants.  Blank Park Zoo develops profound respect for wildlife via a combination of enjoyment, teaching, research, and conservation. Visitors to the zoo may see wild animals in their natural environment, which is placed in a magnificent outdoor park setting. Lions, tigers, tortoises, giraffes, penguins, and other beautiful species are just a few of the amazing things you may expect to see. Aside from the animals, the conservation program offers educational lectures on the park’s many plant species. Feedings of parakeets and giraffes are among the other activities available to visitors. The Discovery Center, which includes areas including the Cave, the Free Range Aviary, and the Meredith Alpine Exhibit, is one of the largest exhibits at the Blank Park Zoo. The African Boardwalk, the Discovery Center Aquarium, and the David Kruidenier Australia Adventure are among the other attractions. Kids’ Kingdom, Tom and Jo Ghrist Big Cat Complex, Hub Harbor Pinniped Pavilion, Miscellaneous animal exhibits are also among Blank Park Zoo’s various exhibits. Aside from the animals, the zoo has some family-friendly activities, such as trains, carousel, and camel rides, as well as animal feedings with parakeets and giraffes. If you are wondering what to see in Des Moines with kids, the Blank Park Zoo is a fantastic spot to come on a family trip.

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