Blank Park Zoo to begin $18 million expansion. What will be the new features?
When school lets out at the end of May and families flock to the Blank Park Zoo, they'll notice some major construction underway.
The zoo will soon kick off the largest expansion and renovation in its history: an $18 million project that will improve accessibility, upgrade the big cat and seal and sea lion exhibits and expand the zoo's sustainability efforts. It will be the zoo's first major project since 2013.
"The zoo has an opportunity to educate and inspire action throughout our state, starting in our own backyard," Blank Park Zoo CEO Anne Shimerdla said Monday, announcing the plans. "Expansion to the physical property, programs and conservation work will have a transformational and lasting impact for future generations."
The lions will be moving to a space in the Jamaa Kwa Africa exhibit, triple the size of their current enclosure. The addition will include climbing structures, winter accommodations and a breeding facility.
The zoo's Holmes Foster Events Center, completed in 2021, will have prime views of the new habitat.
The current lion space will be converted into a conservation center for the zoo's tigers. The remodeling, Shimerdla said, will help sustain the species, with the hope to one day breed the tigers in an effort to contribute to their dwindling population.
Previously: Blank Park Zoo welcomes a snow leopard to the family — the zoo's first since 2019
"With about 400 tigers left in the world, especially out in the wild, this will allow us to become leaders in tiger conservation programs, extending our actions not only here at home, but on a global scale," she said.
The new lion space is slated to open in summer 2025, with work on the new tiger enclosure wrapping up by the end of 2026.
Seals, sea lions to get new habitat
The project also will include a brand new Wild Iowa exhibit, sponsored by the Ruan Foundation. Though seals and sea lions aren't exactly Iowa creatures, it will feature a new facility for them that will be able to host behind-the-scenes tours. A new species, the bobcat, also will be moving in.
Other Wild Iowa additions will include:
A new saltwater filtration system that will reduce the zoo's water consumption.
A glass viewing tunnel and deep-water viewing area for the otter exhibit.
Floor-to-ceiling windows to give guests an unhindered look at the enclosures.
Eagle exhibit space and a building with a mock-up of an Iowa river.
A new aquarium featuring Iowa amphibians.
The exhibit is expected to open in early 2026.
Andrew Mollenbeck, a spokesperson for the zoo, said pathways will remain open during most of the construction.
"The zoo's goal is to have as few public viewing disruptions as possible," Mollenbeck said. "When Wild Iowa is under construction, everything will remain open with few exceptions."
Zoo still needs to raise nearly $6 million
The zoo has secured two-thirds of the funding needed to complete the expansion, equaling $12.3 million. Major sources of funding, in addition to the Ruan Foundation, include the city of Des Moines, the Nationwide Foundation, Iowa Economic Development Authority, and longtime zoo supporter Marjorie A. Foster.
Shimerdla said the zoo expects to finish raising the remainder of the money it needs over the next few months.
"We're waiting on several grant applications that are already submitted, but, of course, there's always room for people to participate," she said.
Addison Lathers covers growth and development for the Des Moines metro. Reach her at 608-931-1761 and ALathers@registermedia.com, and follow her on Twitter at @addisonlathers.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Blank Park Zoo’s $18M expansion includes update to sea lion exhibit
