Bramble Park Zoo facts for kids
Bramble Park Zoo logo
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Entrance to Bramble Park Zoo, May 2017
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| Date opened | 1912 |
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| Location | Watertown, South Dakota, United States |
| Land area | 15 acres (6.1 ha) |
| Coordinates | 44°54′31″N 97°07′36″W / 44.9086419°N 97.126565°W |
| No. of animals | 500 |
| No. of species | 130 |
| Annual visitors | 50,000 |
| Memberships | AZA |
The Bramble Park Zoo is a fun place to visit in Watertown, South Dakota. It first opened in 1912. This zoo covers 15 acres and is home to about 500 animals. You can see 130 different kinds of animals here.
Since 1993, Bramble Park Zoo has been a special member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This means the zoo meets high standards for animal care and education.
Contents
How Bramble Park Zoo Started
The zoo began in 1912. It is named after Frank Bramble. He gave pheasants and other birds to the town. People wanted to see these birds on display.
By 1940, the zoo needed more space. It moved to its current spot. New animal homes were built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This was a government program that helped people find jobs.
In 1972, a group called the Lake Area Zoological Society (LAZS) was formed. Their goal was to help the zoo grow and become more professional. This group even publishes a newsletter called animal chatter.
Big Changes in the 1990s
The 1990s brought many improvements to the zoo. In 1993, it became accredited by the AZA. This was a big step! In 1996, the zoo hired its first full-time teacher. This helped them offer more educational programs.
New buildings were also added in 1997. These included the Discovery Center and a new main entrance. The zoo also updated animal areas. They built new spaces for birds of prey. Primate exhibits were also made better.
Growing in the 2000s and Beyond
The zoo kept getting better in the 2000s. They opened an Australian Adventure exhibit. Here, you can walk through and see animals from Australia. A short grass prairie garden was also created.
In May 2010, the Terry Redlin Environmental Center opened. This center has many aquariums. They were given by Terry Redlin's son. The center also has fun learning activities. It includes smaller animal exhibits and two classrooms. This new center connects to the Discovery Center.
Animals and Fun Places to Explore
Bramble Park Zoo has many different animals and cool places to visit.
Jaguar Junction
At Jaguar Junction, you can see both regular and black jaguars. They live in a large, natural-looking area. It has a pond and a waterfall. Visitors can watch the jaguars through glass viewing areas.
Bird of Prey Plaza
The Bird of Prey Plaza has a special show. You can watch rehabilitated birds of prey fly. These are birds that were hurt and then cared for.
Discovery Center and More
The Discovery Center is a large building at the zoo's entrance. It has learning exhibits and classrooms. You can also find offices, a gift shop, and snacks here. The Terry Redlin Environmental Center is connected to this building.
Next to the Discovery Center is the Children's Playground. It has climbing structures shaped like animals.
Children's Zoo
The Children's Zoo is near the Australian Adventure. Here, kids can pet friendly goats, donkeys, and rabbits. There's also a small play area. You can see farm animals in a small viewing case.
Amazing Animals You Can See
The zoo has many different types of animals. One famous animal was Tika, a white Bengal tiger. She passed away in 2012.
- Big Cats: Besides jaguars, you can see snow leopards.
- Large Mammals: Look for red kangaroos, gray wolves, swift foxes, black bears, Bactrian camels, reindeer, American bison, and coyotes.
- Primates: The zoo has many monkeys and lemurs. These include black lemurs, ring-tailed lemurs, golden lion tamarins, and spider monkeys. You might also spot white-headed capuchins and siamangs.
- Smaller Mammals: You can find African hedgehogs, domestic rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and prairie dogs.
- Creepy Crawlies: The zoo has Madagascar hissing cockroaches and Chilean rose tarantulas.
- Fish: See colorful fish like saddleback clownfish, yellow tangs, and even lionfish.
- Amphibians: Discover Fire-bellied toads, tiger salamanders, and leopard frogs.
- Reptiles: Meet Three-toed box turtles, African pancake tortoises, American alligators, and many kinds of snakes like boa constrictors and corn snakes.
- Birds: There are many birds, from African penguins to large Andean condors. You can also see bald eagles, colorful parrots like blue-and-yellow macaws, and many types of ducks and geese.
Helping Animals and Nature
The zoo helps protect animals through AZA Species Survival Plans (SSP). These plans help make sure endangered animals have healthy populations. The zoo also works on local conservation projects.
What's Next for the Zoo?
The zoo has exciting plans for the future. They are planning to build a new exhibit for bears!
