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 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
The journey began in Los Angeles, where Walnut boarded a FedEx aircraft bound for Memphis before continuing on to Omaha. Blank Park Zoo Assistant Director of Animal Care Travis Wickersham and Associate Veterinarian Dr. Colin Berg accompanied Walnut throughout the trip, monitoring his well-being and ensuring a smooth journey to his new home. FedEx provided in-kind shipping to transport Walnut and his caregivers as part of the company’s FedEx Cares Delivering for Good initiative.
Once Walnut arrived in Omaha, Blank Park Zoo Chief Animal Officer Jay Tetzloff, along with Carnivore and Pinniped Supervisor Kirstie Summers, met the aircraft on the tarmac to transport Walnut to Des Moines in a Zoo vehicle.
"After we loaded Walnut into our vehicle, I had to sign the FedEx delivery paperwork, like with any other FedEx shipment," Blank Park Zoo Chief Animal Officer Jay Tetzloff said. "It's not every day you sign for a harbor seal. It was a fun reminder of the incredible collaboration that made this move possible."
SeaWorld San Diego provided the specialized transport crate used for Walnut's journey. The move highlights the collaborative efforts that occur behind the scenes among Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facilities, and corporate partners to ensure the highest standards of animal care and welfare.
"From our veterinary and animal care teams to FedEx, Los Angeles Zoo, and SeaWorld San Diego, this relocation required tremendous teamwork," said Tetzloff. "We're grateful to everyone who helped make Walnut's journey possible and excited to welcome him to Des Moines."
As with all new animal arrivals, Walnut will complete a standard quarantine period before making his public debut. He is expected to join California sea lions Zoey and Meatball in Blank Park Zoo’s Hub Harbor in July.
Walnut's arrival is just one of many exciting additions during Blank Park Zoo's 60th anniversary year. Guests can also look forward to the opening of the all-new Marjorie A. Foster Lion Conservation Center later this summer, which will welcome three new African lions, the anticipated births of two giraffe calves, and a full calendar of special events and experiences celebrating six decades. For those who want to experience it all, a Blank Park Zoo membership offers unlimited daytime admission for an entire year. Tickets and memberships are available at blankparkzoo.com.
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About Blank Park Zoo
Blank Park Zoo, celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026, is Iowa’s only AZA-accredited zoo. It is dedicated to inspiring an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research, and recreation. Home to more than 2,200 animals representing over 200 species, the Zoo is the second largest cultural attraction in Iowa. Visitors can experience the indoor tropical rainforest and aquarium in the Discovery Center, or feed giraffes along the Africa boardwalk. The Zoo’s conservation initiatives protect wildlife both around the globe and right here in Iowa. Events such as Zoo Brew and Night Eyes make the Zoo a year-round destination.