Meet The Residents!

Tal’s Story:  Tal (Talukan) came to Chahinkapa Zoo in 2010 as part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP).  He is beloved throughout the region and known worldwide.  Tal brings much awareness to the Palm Oil Crisis and habitat destruction in the wild.

Tal was born at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in 1986.  Sharing 97% of human DNA, orangutans are incredibly intelligent, using tools and solving puzzles keeping their minds sharp. Other enrichment includes music, playing the recorder, building, and numerous activities created by a team of caring zookeepers.  Ask about training times when you visit.  Tal knows dozens of queues making veterinary medicine non-invasive while demonstrating this close relationship to humans.

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There is nothing quite as mesmerizing as watching Tatanka and Wapiti on their native grounds.  Like the name, “Chahinkapa”, these majestic species have native origins.  “Tatanka” is Lakota for Bison while “Wapiti” is Shawnee and Cree language for “white rump” or Elk!

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Mel, Mara, and Morco are a beautiful trio!   Each with a distinct stripe pattern as different as our fingerprints.  Young zebras have fuzzy brown stripes until maturity when they turn sleek black.  Zebras are very social animals forming herds, harems, and groups, keeping watch for predators.  Their vocalization is considered a “bark” or snort” and alarms others of danger.  Here at Chahinkapa Zoo they share a habitat with white rhinos!

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Cocoa and Copper’s story begins in the wilderness.  They were rescued by USFWS officials and Chahinkapa Zoo staff after their mother was hit by a train.  This was a result of people feeding the bears causing them to be too comfortable around humans and entering public spaces.  Feeding wildlife in their native habitat is never a good idea.  Soon, they become a potential danger to humans and labeled a “nuisance animal” and may be destroyed because of it.    Thankfully, they live happily at Chahinkapa Zoo, where they spend their days playing in the water, lounging in the shade, and tugging at our hearts.  Their story reminds us why it’s so important to respect wildlife from a distance.

The skies at Chahinkapa Zoo are alive with the calls of our incredible birds. From the regal Bald Eagle to the mischievous Peafowl, each feathered resident has its own vocalizations and behaviors.

Bald Eagle
Red-Tailed Hawk
Black Vulture
Great Horned Owl
Snowy Owl
Peafowl

Spiders, snakes, skinks and more!  Check out these favorite creepy crawlers in their bio-active habitats!

New this season: Invertebrates!

The heart of Chahinkapa Zoo is named after its founder, Bud Oliver, who established the Petting Zoo. Grandpa’s Petting Zoo is an interactive and fun time in the big red barn.

Nicknamed the heart of Chahinkapa Zoo because of our rich farm heritage in the Red River Valley!  Hand-feed our friendliest resident goats, sheep, donkeys, alpacas, and more!

Mei Lei, Cookie, and Niko are our trio of funny and fascinating spider monkeys.  Enjoy the antics as they greet you, showcasing their unique personalities. Spider monkeys use their prehensile tail as a fifth limb, which comes in handy as they are one of two primate species that do not have thumbs. Come say hello to these Chahinkapa Zoo favorites!  Fun Fact:  Like many of our zoo residents, they know their names and may respond.

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Soon these beautiful sisters will be moving to Tanganyika Wildlife Park Zoo and introduced into a breeding program within the ZAA.  Two young males will be coming to North Dakota making their home at Chahinkapa Zoo in 2025.

Cheetahs are the fastest of the land mammals running at speeds of 80 mph!  In fact, they can reach a speed from 0 – 60 mph in just three seconds!  Their tail is designed to help “steer” them in “flight”.

Snow Leopards (Panthera unica)

Meet Marty and Ice

“Ghost of the mountains” is a fitting name for this beautiful and elusive species.  Living remotely high in the mountains of Central and South Asia, they have been difficult to study and photograph in their natural habitat until recent years. Snow leopards are vulnerable due to loss of habitat, poaching, retaliatory killings, and a decline in prey populations.  Zoos are working in education and propagation of these amazing cats!

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A rare and magnificent sight, our Southern White Rhino is a true conservation success story.  Select zoos around the globe are helping with plight of Africa.  Poaching and habitat loss are the biggest threats to many species in the wild.  This gentle giant enjoys mud baths, grazing in the sun, and captivating visitors with its prehistoric appearance. You may be looking for Gideon’s brother, Gunner!  He remains a part of the Chahinkapa Zoo family and animal inventory but is now residing at Safari North Zoo in Brainerd!  These mature males will hopefully be getting mates in the near future.

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The ring-tailed lemur use the most recognizable of all the lemur species (over 100 different species), with their distinctive black and white striped tail! Enjoy watching their daily activities leaping through their habitat, OR check out the “Behind the Scenes Lemur Feeding” sessions.  You can schedule online or by phone.  It’s certain to create a lasting memory for years to come!  Fun fact:  This all-bachelor troop has a tight-knit social structure and loves to bask in the sun.

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Schedule a group to play with the Lemurs

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Playful and energetic, our river otters love diving, sliding, and splashing in the water. These expert swimmers are known for their intelligence and strong family bonds. Otters are one of the many animals we train!

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These curious and gentle creatures are known for their playful nature and soft, woolly coats. Llamas and alpacas have long been used as pack animals and fiber producers, but here at Chahinkapa Zoo, they love nothing more than greeting guests and showing off their quirky personalities. Whether they’re nibbling on hay or trotting around their enclosure, they’re always full of charm.

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Our Red Kangaroos are among the largest marsupials in the world. Known for their incredible jumping ability and strong social bonds, these fascinating creatures spend their days grazing, playing, and occasionally engaging in friendly boxing matches. With their large ears and powerful tails, they are built for life in Australia’s rugged landscapes. Come see them hop their way into your heart!

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Book a Behind The Scenes Tour with the Roos

These two-humped desert dwellers are well adapted to extreme environments. Strong and resilient, our Bactrian Camels are a fascinating glimpse into survival in harsh landscapes.

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