Hemker Park & Zoo Hemker Park & Zoo News

Dhole dude said:
I payed a visit to this little-known zoo about two weeks ago, and had a surprising good time. They have a superb collection, especially with Ungulates & Waterfowl, with many rarities including West Caucasian Tur, Alpine Ibex, White-Lipped Deer, Great Indian Hornbill, & Common Eider (Among Others). Although there are still quite a few noticeable flaws, especially with some of the smaller aviaries (if you could call them that).

In other news, about three months ago, the zoo sent a Domestic Yak, two Canadian Lynxes, & a couple of African-Crested Porcupines to the Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot, ND on a temporary loan
Jaguars, other animals spending time at Minot zoo
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Earlier in this thread the question of whether this zoo has puffins was discussed. Did you see any puffins when you visited?
 
DavidBrown said:
Earlier in this thread the question of whether this zoo has puffins was discussed. Did you see any puffins when you visited?
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I did not see any on my last two visits, although the signage is awful so there is yes way of k owing for sure unless someone gets in contact with the owner and/or employee.
 
Milwaukee Man said:
An article about the new Amur leopard and trio of Pallas’ cats. The Zoo is asking for donations to build them new exhibits.

Hemker Zoo Gets New Rare, Endangered Cats
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wild boar said:
Two additions at the zoo are a coffeeshop and a new playground. I believe the old playground is no longer standing.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=257995639996986
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On May 5th, it was also reported that the Amur leopard and Pallas cat exhibits opened to the public on May 1st.

Several New Attractions On Display at Hemker Park and Zoo
 
 
Smaggledagle said:
On May 27th, the zoo announced that a (0.0.1) alpaca was born and is now on exhibit.

We just can’t get over how cute this baby alpaca is!!! Stop in this weekend, we are open daily 10 am - 6 pm including Monday, Memorial Day! Plan you... | By Hemker Park & Zoo | Facebook

On June 16th, the zoo announced they opened a new exhibit for their North American river otters.

The new otter habitat is now open!!! Come check out the new area where there is always something new at Hemker Park & Zoo!!! We are open daily 10 am -... | By Hemker Park & Zoo - Facebook
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This looks suprisingly well done! deffinately a lot better than what they used to have!

Looking back a little further on their Facebook page, it appears they have also recently aquired a pair of Patas Monkeys, which have already produced at least one offspring!
 
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Also on July 9th, it was announced that the zoo transferred a (0.1) red-flanked duiker named Biscuit to the Denver Zoo in Colorado.

Denver Zoo - Please join us in welcoming Biscuit, a...

On July 23rd, the zoo announced that (0.0.5) trumpeter swans hatched.

Cuteness Overload We love watching the Trumpeter Swans cygnets grow!!! They love eating the duck weed which is good pet of their diet while they... | By Hemker Park & Zoo | Facebook

On August 2nd, the zoo announced that they opened a new multilevel playground to the public.

Have you checked out the new... - Hemker Park & Zoo
 
Smaggledagle said:
On May 5th, it was also reported that the Amur leopard and Pallas cat exhibits opened to the public on May 1st.

Several New Attractions On Display at Hemker Park and Zoo
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Looks like either I or the news article misreported, as it was announced on November 1st that the zoo is still raising funds to build new indoor/outdoor habitats for the Pallas cat (costing $85K) and Amur leopard (costing $275K).

As we approach the giving season, join... - Hemker Park & Zoo
 
On April 29th, 2024, it was reported that (0.0.2+?) pygmy goats were born which are on exhibit.

Plenty New At Hemker Park & Zoo For This Year

On May 9th, the zoo announced that a (0.1) alpaca was born which is on exhibit.

❤️ Cuteness alert ❤️ Help us welcome the newest alpaca to our family! She is very playful and ❤️ to take afternoon naps! Come see her and her mom this weekend. We are open daily 10 am - 6 pm get your tickets today at https://hemkerzoo.com/general-admission/ #cutenessoverload #hemkerparkandzoo #hemkerzoo #freeportmn #centralmn #minnesota #alwayssomethingnew #gowildinfreeportmn #bestofcentralminnesota | Hemker Park & Zoo

On December 18th, it was announced that the zoo acquired (1.2) greater kudu from the San Francisco Zoo in California on November 1st.

https://sfrecpark.org/DocumentCenter/View/21747/JtZooAg122123

On April 29th, 2024, it was reported that the zoo built a new exhibit for their American flamingos which opened to the public on May 1st. It was also reported that the Amur leopard exhibit will open later in the summer.

Also on April 29th, the zoo announced they would be opening a new cafe, the Zoo Beans Cafe, to the public on May 1st as well.

Plenty New At Hemker Park & Zoo For This Year
We are so excited for Zoo Beans Cafe to open soon!!! Come enjoy a cup of coffee ☕️ and a scoop of Bridgman’s Ice cream with a view!!! #coffee... | By Hemker Park & ZooFacebook
 
Smaggledagle said:
On April 29th, 2024, it was reported that (0.0.2+?) pygmy goats were born which are on exhibit.

Plenty New At Hemker Park & Zoo For This Year

On May 9th, the zoo announced that a (0.1) alpaca was born which is on exhibit.

❤️ Cuteness alert ❤️ Help us welcome the newest alpaca to our family! She is very playful and ❤️ to take afternoon naps! Come see her and her mom this weekend. We are open daily 10 am - 6 pm get your tickets today at https://hemkerzoo.com/general-admission/ #cutenessoverload #hemkerparkandzoo #hemkerzoo #freeportmn #centralmn #minnesota #alwayssomethingnew #gowildinfreeportmn #bestofcentralminnesota | Hemker Park & Zoo

On December 18th, it was announced that the zoo acquired (1.2) greater kudu from the San Francisco Zoo in California on November 1st.

https://sfrecpark.org/DocumentCenter/View/21747/JtZooAg122123

On April 29th, 2024, it was reported that the zoo built a new exhibit for their American flamingos which opened to the public on May 1st. It was also reported that the Amur leopard exhibit will open later in the summer.

Also on April 29th, the zoo announced they would be opening a new cafe, the Zoo Beans Cafe, to the public on May 1st as well.

Plenty New At Hemker Park & Zoo For This Year
We are so excited for Zoo Beans Cafe to open soon!!! Come enjoy a cup of coffee ☕️ and a scoop of Bridgman’s Ice cream with a view!!! #coffee... | By Hemker Park & ZooFacebook
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The zoo has acquired a good number of new animals or pair up in the 2023/24 season. An incredible number of new animal exhibits and projects planned for completion. Sometimes the smaller zoos are the real gems in the crown were accredited zoos are concerned. It takes a great team and a suave curatorial and zoo administration. Well done Hemker Park Zoo!
 
On December 3rd the zoo posted on instagram about “giving zoo day”. The zoo stated they have made significant progress on the big cat complex that will house “Amur leopards and tigers” and that they need more funding to finish. No mention of Pallas cats, but I assume they will be included or a part of a separate area. Included was some pictures of the construction, which showed a sizable building (I am assuming for holding) and faux rock work/trees).

Hemker Park & Zoo on Instagram: " Giving Zoo Day Hello, wonderful supporters! It’s Giving Zoo Day, and we are excited to have you with us on this journey. Today, we have a thrilling update—we’re in the middle of construction of the cutting-edge cat habitats for the endangered Amur leopards and tigers, but we need your support to cross the finish line! Join us and the committed Guardians of Conservation in creating a lasting impact on wildlife protection. We cannot complete this area without your amazing support in helping the Guardians of Conservation meet their goal. Your donations will help ensure these magnificent animals have the safe and enriched environments they truly deserve. Every contribution, no matter how small or large, brings us closer to our goal and creates significant change! Are you ready to make a difference? Click the link below to be part of this incredible conservation initiative. Thank you for your steadfast support—together, we can accomplish great things! Donate Now https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=4RMPXX7WRYPXS Let’s help spread the word and share our love for wildlife today! ❤️ #GivingZOoDay #SupportConservation #WildlifeProtection #HemkerParkAndZoo #GuardiansOfConservation #MakeADifference #CommunitySupport"
 
Piece of August 2024 News Not Mentioned:

On August 14th, the zoo announced that a giant anteater was born which is on exhibit. The anteater was later named Poppy.

9.1K views · 184 reactions | History in the making at Hemker Park & Zoo! We are beyond thrilled to announce a momentous occasion – the newest addition to our anteater family has... | By Hemker Park & Zoo | Facebook
Hemker Park & Zoo

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On December 24th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (1.1) domestic reindeer to the Lake Superior Zoo in Minnesota.

Lake Superior Zoo

On January 31st, 2025, the zoo announced that they are constructing a new farmyard area set to open for the 2025 season along with a revamped gift shop.

6.2K views · 210 reactions | Happy Friday Everyone!!! Joan and Jackie are here to tell you a little more about the zoo! We can’t wait to see everyone during our 2025 season opening... | By Hemker Park & Zoo | Facebook
 
On May 10th, the zoo announced that an alpaca was born which is now on exhibit.

Hemker Park & Zoo

On April 28th, it was reported that the zoo will open a new exhibit for capybaras sometime in 2025, as well as the previously mentioned exhibits for Amur leopards and tigers.

New Events and Animals Ready To Go At Hemker Park & Zoo For 2025

On June 3rd, the zoo announced they acquired 3 black-crested mangabeys which are now on exhibit.

2.8K views · 74 reactions | Help us welcome the newest addition to Hemker Park & Zoo! With their hair on point, curls to perfection, and full of personality, the mangabeys are... | By Hemker Park & Zoo | Facebook
 
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