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Who can Adopt an Animal?
You Can!
Each
year the Dakota Zoo spends over $30,000 to feed the animal residents.
While some of the food provided to the animals comes in the form of grains
and hay, many animals require special diet formulated just for them. Our
carnivores get a specially made, nutritionally complete ground meat diet.
Parrots receive a pellet diet that has fruit already mixed in. Monkeys
get (you guessed it) monkey chow! Let's not forget our tarantulas and
scorpions who get all the fresh farm-raised crickets they can eat!
All funds received from the Adopt an Animal program go into the general operating fund at the Dakota Zoo and are used to purchase food and contribute to the general care of the animals.
Some zoo animals are very popular and will have more than one "relative". The Dakota Zoo works with other zoos across the country to support species' survival breeding programs--especially for endangered animals. Sometimes animals are transferred to other zoo facilities around the country where they will play an important role in breeding programs.
Like all living creatures, animals sometimes become ill or die. If your chosen animal leaves the zoo for any reason, your gift will be used to support the other animals at the Dakota Zoo.
When you adopt an animal, you receive:
- A personalized Adopt An Animal certificate--complete with a picture of the animal you have selected.
- Your name displayed on the Dakota Zoo's Adoption Center sign.
- The satisfaction of knowing that you are helping the Dakota Zoo and making a contribution to the welfare of the many animals who live there. Plus, your contribution is tax-deductible.
Need a brochure or additional information on adopting an animal?
Click here for a list of animal adoption fees.
Click here for an online adoption form.