Iowa’s largest zoo is launching what’s described as a “transformative” project, one of the most comprehensive expansion and renovation efforts in the facility’s 60-year history.
Alex Payne, spokesman for Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, says ground is being broken this week on the first of two big additions.
“We are expanding our lion habitat. It will be in a new area of the zoo. We’re moving our African lions to our African section of the zoo,” Payne says. “Our lion area will be three times bigger than the current area, which will help us expand our species survival plan.”
The new area will offer guests three different viewing experiences, each featuring floor-to-ceiling glass for unobstructed and accessible views of the lion pride. Visitors will still be able to see the zoo’s pair of lions while the new “Big Cats” conservation center is under construction.
“We will keep our two lions at the current area. We will then bring them up and have additional lions that we’ll be able to add to the new lion area,” Payne says. “Our new habitat will be able to hold up to eight lions.”
Tigers will also move into the new habitat, and Payne says the goal is to be a successful breeding facility for both lions and tigers. There will also be a true “catwalk,” as the animals will have a new space to stroll directly above the public path.
The plan also calls for the zoo to break ground later this year on what’s to be called the “Wild Iowa” habitat.
“We will be having a really cool area for our river otters. We’ll have them there with some interactive elements. We’ll also be moving our bald eagles over there and we will be then adding bobcats,” Payne says. “We are working with the Iowa DNR to be able to bring in a bobcat. These are all species that you can find around Iowa to really help our guests connect with those animals that live here in Iowa.”
Money is still being raised for the $18-million dollar, the Expand the Impact capital campaign.