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Category: Press Release

Blank Park Zoo Welcomes Newborn Giraffe
Press Release
Monday, August 17, 2026
Blank Park Zoo Welcomes Newborn Giraffe
Blank Park Zoo Welcomes Adorable Newborn Giraffe The public will help choose the calf's name at this year’s Iowa State Fair DES MOINES, Iowa (August 17, 2026) – A new arrival is standing tall at Blank Park Zoo. Skye, one of the Zoo's reticulated giraffes, gave birth to a healthy calf at 8:02 a.m. on Monday, August 17, with the special moment streamed live on Facebook.  The calf is doing well and remains behind the scenes, bonding with mother Skye. This marks Skye's second cal... Read More
It's Twins!
Press Release
Friday, August 14, 2026
It's Twins!
It’s Twins! Blank Park Zoo Celebrates Second Cotton-Top Tamarin Birth of the Year Guests can visit the newborn twins and the rest of the tamarin troop inside the Zoo’s indoor rainforest DES MOINES, Iowa (August 14, 2026) – The streak continues at Blank Park Zoo. For the second time this year, the Zoo is celebrating the birth of rare cotton-top tamarins. Parents Kida and Eddie welcomed the twins to their troop on the evening of August 12, 2026. The newborns bring the total nu... Read More
Help Name A Baby Giraffe
Press Release
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Help Name A Baby Giraffe
Iowa State Fairgoers to Help Name Blank Park Zoo’s Next Giraffe Calf The public can vote on the calf's name at the Iowa State Fair August 13–23 DES MOINES, Iowa (August 11, 2026) – Corn dogs, blue ribbons, and baby names. Blank Park Zoo is giving Iowa State Fair visitors a new reason to stop by the Kid Find Headquarters on the Grand Concourse. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to vote on the name of the Zoo's next giraffe calf.  Starting Thursday, August 13, fairgoers... Read More
50th Japanese Macaque Birth
Press Release
Friday, July 24, 2026
50th Japanese Macaque Birth
Blank Park Zoo Celebrates 50th Japanese Macaque Birth Guests Can Visit Newborn “Hiro” and His Mother, Miya, All Summer DES MOINES, Iowa (July 23, 2026) – The newest member of Blank Park Zoo's Japanese macaque troop may be small, but he's making history. Hiro was born on July 6 to mom Miya and is the 50th Japanese macaque born at Blank Park Zoo since the species arrived at the Zoo in 1985. His arrival adds another reason to celebrate during the Zoo's 60th anniversary year. Hi... Read More
Welcome, Walnut!
Press Release
Friday, July 17, 2026
Welcome, Walnut!
Walnut the Harbor Seal Makes His Public Debut at Blank Park Zoo   Guests can now visit the Zoo's newest harbor seal after his cross-country journey DES MOINES, Iowa (July 17, 2026) – Blank Park Zoo’s newest resident, Walnut, has officially made his public debut in Iowa. The 4-year-old harbor seal arrived at Blank Park Zoo in June following a cross-country journey from the Los Angeles Zoo, made possible through in-kind shipping from FedEx. His journey was a collaborative ... Read More
Special Delivery: FedEx Helps Bring Harbor Seal Walnut to Blank Park Zoo
Press Release
Friday, June 26, 2026
Special Delivery: FedEx Helps Bring Harbor Seal Walnut to Blank Park Zoo
DES MOINES, Iowa (June 26, 2026) – Blank Park Zoo received a very special delivery from FedEx this month. While FedEx packages to the Zoo are not uncommon, the shipment Zoo staff picked up on the tarmac of Omaha’s Eppley Airfield was not the typical delivery. Walnut, a 4-year-old male harbor seal born at the Los Angeles Zoo, arrived safely in Iowa on Tuesday, June 9, following a collaborative effort involving FedEx, the Los Angeles Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego, working through the A... Read More
We have some BIG news to share!
Press Release
Thursday, June 18, 2026
We have some BIG news to share!
Blank Park Zoo Is Reaching New Heights as Two Giraffes Prepare for Motherhood Double the moms. Double the calves. Double the excitement. DES MOINES, Iowa (June 18, 2026) – Two of Blank Park Zoo's tallest residents are expecting. The Des Moines zoo is preparing for a summer baby boom as reticulated giraffes Skye and Zola are both pregnant and due later this summer. Behind the scenes, animal care staff are preparing to welcome two calves to the Zoo's growing herd. The births are especial... Read More
Victoria Makes Her Royal Debut
Press Release
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Victoria Makes Her Royal Debut
Victoria Makes Her Royal Debut at Blank Park Zoo Birth of Critically Endangered Antelope Highlights Global Conservation Effort DES MOINES, Iowa (May 28, 2026) – A royal addition has arrived at Blank Park Zoo, and is giving conservationists new hope. Victoria, a female addax calf, was born at the Zoo in May, as part of the global effort to protect one of the world’s most endangered antelopes. Born on May 7, 2026, Victoria arrived nearly 60 years to the day Blank Park Zoo first open... Read More
2026 Zoo Brew Lineup
Press Release
Sunday, May 10, 2026
2026 Zoo Brew Lineup
Blank Park Zoo Announces 2026 Zoo Brew Lineup as Part of 60th Anniversary Celebration Iowa’s Favorite 21+ Summer Tradition Returns with Limited-Time Season Pass Sale DES MOINES, Iowa (May 8, 2026) – As Blank Park Zoo celebrates its 60th anniversary, one of its most beloved traditions is returning for another unforgettable summer. Zoo Brew, presented by Veridian Credit Union, returns for nine Wednesday nights beginning June 10.  Since launching in July 2004, Zoo Brew has grown... Read More
First Roar & Explore Sculpture Locations and Artists Unveiled
Press Release
Friday, May 8, 2026
First Roar & Explore Sculpture Locations and Artists Unveiled
Blank Park Zoo Unveils First Roar & Explore Sculpture Locations and Artists Across Iowa Statewide Public Art Project Celebrating Blank Park Zoo’s 60th Anniversary DES MOINES, Iowa (May 11, 2026) – Blank Park Zoo has officially launched Roar & Explore, the Zoo’s first-ever statewide public art project celebrating its 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee. Roar & Explore will bring Iowa businesses, community organizations, and artists together through a project featuring just over ... Read More

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