New Large Animal Added To Bismarck’s Dakota Zoo

A new animal has been added to the Dakota Zoo. The zoo made a special announcement on its Facebook page, welcoming "Spoutnik" to the big cat exhibit.

Big Cats

Call Joe Exotic! -- Or don't maybe.. *Cringe*. We have a new big cat at the Dakota Zoo. Spoutnik, the Siberian Tiger, arrived at the zoo in early October (2023).

According to the zoo's Facebook post, Spoutnik was born at the Granby Zoo in Canada, then later transferred to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska.

Spoutnik is now ten years old and was brought to the Dakota Zoo with hopes that he would breed with the four-year-old female there. Her name is "Nadya."

In the post, they also explain that the two tigers aren't too friendly with each other outside of breeding season, so they rotate them in and out of their outdoor exhibit.

Check out the full post below:

Endangered Species

In the post it also explains that Siberian tigers are endangered, and currently, there are only 400 to 600 of these tigers in the world.

Many zoos are part of the "American Zoo and Aquarium Association’s Species Survival Plan." -- This is an effort to repopulate dying and endangered species.

Every time you visit the Dakota Zoo, you are helping produce conservation dollars to help save these tigers from poachers.

Thoughts?

What do you think about the new addition to the zoo? Wouldn't baby tigers be adorable to see?

What Else?

What other animals would you like to see come to the Dakota Zoo.