Top Notch Zoo | Video

Kristin Clouston | 9/21/2012

Going to the zoo is a great way to spend the day with your family.But zoos do a lot more than just show off animals.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums just announced it`s granting an accreditation to the Dakota Zoo and says it`s a leader in the care and conservation of wild life.

"There`s a lot that goes into getting an accreditation," explained zoo director Terry Lincoln, "Basically having to meet the parameters of having a really good education program.We have to help with conservation both in North Dakota, in our region and across the world."

Many of the animals at Dakota Zoo are endangered and are part of a species survival plan.

Lincoln said, "Our next major building project involves a primate center and it will have 7 species of primates in there ranging from small apes to really, really small monkeys and each one of those species is endangered and really needs help."

Speaking of monkeys, things are about to get a lot quieter around here, because the howler monkeys Bismarck has been keeping for Minot since the flood are getting ready to leave.

Lincoln shared, "Just about all the Minot Zoo animals will go back home in the next 2 weeks or so. So we`re kind of excited for them, but sad for us because we enjoyed having these guest here for over a year."

Zoos have to go through a detailed application process, inspection and formal interview hearing every 5 years in order to keep their accreditation. The Dakota Zoo has met the ever rising standards since it first applied 20 years ago.

The zoo is open daily from 10am - 7pm through the end of the month.

Winter hours start in October.

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