Chahinkapa Zoo History

The Chahinkapa Zoo in Wahpeton has been drawing thousands of visitors to our legendary North Dakota for decades.  Celebrating over 90 years of Conservation, Education, and Recreation is something of which to be proud. Long before there was a park or zoo, early people named the site “Chahinkapa” meaning “end of the woods”.  It is here at our borderline location where the Minnesota woods meet the North Dakota prairie and where today thousands of families come to explore the species of the world at Chahinkapa Zoo!  

 In 1903, Wahpeton purchased the land from the federal government.  Thirty years later the first Park Board was established under the direction of R.J. Hughes, known as the founder of Chahinkapa Park.  The Chahinkapa Zoo was also established at this time with modest animal displays.  

• In the late 60’s, the zoo was moved from a small oxbow to its present 18 acre location at the north end of Chahinkapa Park. The Chahinkapa Zoo Association was formed in 1974 to develop a plan for renovation and improvements.  In 1984, a five-year master plan was developed, emphasizing a ‘clean and green’ theme, incorporating a broad base of community support. 

• The Rodger Ehnstrom Nature Center was dedicated in 1989, the hub of all zoo education. 

• The first Zoo Director was hired in 1994.  Kathy Diekman remains in this position today. 

• In April of 1997, flood waters inundated the Red River Valley, including the Chahinkapa Zoo.  All animals were safely evacuated.  Thanks to hundreds of volunteers, the zoo reopened to the public on May 24, 1997. 

• In the fall of 1997, a $2 million dollar levee project was constructed along the river to protect the zoo and the north side of Wahpeton from 500 year flood levels.  The zoo was re-built. 

• 2002 – Chahinkapa Zoo received a GOS grant from IMLS. 

• 2003-2004 Chahinkapa Zoo received a MAP grant for governing assessment. 

• 2008- Construction began for the orangutan habitat to be completed in 2010. 

• 2010 -Chahinkapa Zoo opened The Orangutan Habitat for Conservation. 

• 2016 – 2017 – For flood levee certification additional construction and renovation was mandated giving the zoo a new ‘footprint’.  New habitats include a new otter and bobcat building and African habitat. 

• 2018 – A major effort to help the effects of African poaching.  White rhinos were introduced to Chahinkapa Zoo!  

• 2019- Behind the Scenes Tours increased greatly reaching more people on an up close and personal visit and fostering partners through conservation.   

• 2021- The City of  Wahpeton allocated funding for three habitat improvements/construction: Cheetah habitat, Tiger building, and Fossa building continuing and ensuring a superior zoological experience!  

2025 – Home to 70 species representing 6 continents the Chahinkapa Zoo welcomes you to a season full of promise and adventure!