Dakota Zoo - The Future

The Future

In 1987, the Bismarck Tribune challenged the zoo to develop a master plan to outline the future course of the zoo. The zoo board developed a plan which is reviewed and updated regularly, with the last review having been in 2005. There have been three major capital campaigns since the master plan was initiated, to raise money for the zoo.

The "Beyond the Bear Necessities" capital campaign started in 1988, and raised money for exhibits such as the Bear Habitat, River Otter exhibit and Canine and small animal exhibits. The second campaign, called "Discovery 2000 - Turning Dollars Into Senses," raised $1.5 million for exhibits including Moose, Mountain Goat, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Lynx and the Discovery Zoo. in 2002, "Make the Big Cats Roar" was launched to raise $1.9 million. This goal was reached in late 2005, and an extended goal of $2.3 million was added.