Dickerson Park Zoo facts for kids
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| Date opened | 1922 |
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| Location | Springfield, Missouri |
| Coordinates | 37°15′21″N 93°18′34″W / 37.2557°N 93.3095°W |
| Memberships | Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) |
Welcome to Dickerson Park Zoo! This amazing zoological park is located in Springfield, Missouri. It's home to more than 500 animals, representing 160 different kinds of species from all over the world. The zoo is a special member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1986. This means it meets very high standards for animal care, conservation, and education.
Contents
The Zoo's Story
How Dickerson Park Zoo Started
Dickerson Park Zoo first opened its doors in 1922. It was created by the Springfield Park Board. In the 1930s, the zoo got a lot of help from a program called the Works Progress Administration (WPA). They provided workers and money to build parts of the zoo.
Saving the Zoo
For many years, not much new was added to the zoo. By 1975, it was looking quite old and worn out. The zoo was almost closed down! But the City of Springfield decided to help. A special group called Friends of the Zoo was also formed. Their goal was to save the zoo and make it great again.
A New Beginning
The Friends of the Zoo group worked hard. They got many people to become members and support the zoo. They also started fun education programs. Many people and businesses donated money for new projects. The City of Springfield also put more money into the zoo's budget. They even started charging a small fee to enter, which helped pay for animal care and improvements.
What the Zoo Does
The main goals of Dickerson Park Zoo are to offer fun recreation, teach people about animals, help protect wildlife, and support research. In 1985, a big plan was made to create a new zoo. This plan included designing areas based on different parts of the world.
Helping Animals Around the World
Dickerson Park Zoo is part of important programs called Species Survival Plans. These plans help protect animals that are endangered or threatened. The zoo has helped animals like Asian elephants, maned wolves, and cheetahs.
The zoo also offers many education programs. These programs teach visitors and the local community about animals and conservation. Because more tourists visit the Ozarks region, the zoo has become a popular place for families and visitors to enjoy.
Images for kids
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Dickerson Park Zoo Logo
