Zoo hopes to get more visitors

Iowa’s only zoo is hoping to draw more visitors this year with new attractions. Terry Rich, the C-E-O of the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, announced the changes Thursday. Rich sat behind a desk mimicking late-night talk show host David Letterman to talk about his plans. He says the zoo is going to be a lot more hip, more entertaining, and more fun, while continuing the animal conservation and preservation efforts. One of the attractions this summer will feature albino animals. He says you “don’t have to worry about some roadside freak show” he says they’ll have unique white mutant animals like an alligator, python and salamanders. Rich says they’ll have special “Love is in the Air” exhibits during April and May where they’ll talk about animals mating. He says they’ve also set up a program with a cable network dedicated to animals. He says the Animal Planet will have a special tour at the zoo in mid July. The zoo is also getting a new train that’s a reproduction of an 1863 locomotive.