DES MOINES, Iowa — In April 2024, the Blank Park Zoo announced plans for the largest renovation project in its 60-year history, and on Tuesday morning, zoo leaders broke ground on phase one. The new lion conservation center will triple the space for the zoo’s lions, while adding a trio of viewing experiences for guests, and even an immersive VIP viewing area.

The exhibit is the first addition of the zoo’s ongoing “Expand the Impact” capital campaign an $18 million renovation project aimed at enhancing animal and guest experiences and conservation efforts.

“We’re a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and so those are partners that we have throughout the United States that partner with not only best practices for animal management, but also for conservation programming. And so we’re excited to be a part of this network. This new space will allow us to become one of the leaders in lion conservation. So, our work will be done, not only here in the United States, but we also work with the African Lion Safe Program, which stands for Saving Animals from Extinction. And that’ll be, our work will extend internationally into the wild as well,” said Anne Shimerdla, President and CEO of the Blank Park Zoo.

Leaders with the zoo say once the lions are moved into this new area, their existing exhibit will be used to expand the tiger area. The zoo says they’re hoping for the new lion conservation center to be open to the public beginning late spring/early summer of 2026.

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