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Welcome to Bismarck Insights with mayor Mike Schmitz, a transparent and engaging conversational dive into meaningful topics impacting local government in Bismarck, North Dakota. Bismarck Insights is dedicated to removing barriers between the city of Bismarck and the citizens we serve every day.

00:00:32,367	S2:
Welcome to Bismarck insights on Bismarck Mayor Mike Schmitz. And today we have a focus on the Dakota Zoo with Terry Lincoln, who's been at the zoo for a long time. He's going to tell us a little bit about that. But, Terry, thanks for being here and talking about the zoo. And we're talking about what the great amenity it is to our, our region, really, not just Bismarck, but Terry, first, why don't you give a little background? So some of those people may not know who you are. I know you, I know there are a lot of people who do, but there might be some who don't. Sure, sure. What brought you to doing what you're doing?

00:01:03,400	S3:
Well, it's a it's a pleasure to be here. And this is actually my 40th year of being here. So I was like ten when I started. I like to say, but not true. Um, and for me, it was, uh, my boss had, uh, known Mark Christianson, the zoo director, and I had actually met him a couple of times. I was working at a zoo down in Kansas, and, uh, Mark was looking for someone to take over when he retired. And my boss says, hey, don't want to get rid of you, but are you interested? And so my initial thought was, never been to North Dakota. I'd love to go and see the mountains. That's what I knew about the state.

00:01:41,267	S2:
So the mountains we call the Badlands.

00:01:43,868	S3:
Yeah. Yeah, exactly. And so I did find the Badlands early on. And so that was one of the things that I think lured me here. Not not only that, but just the, the community, the environment, the location of the zoo. And so it's really been a fun time.

00:01:58,300	S2:
So your background, your educational background must have been something associated.

00:02:02,400	S3:
So yeah. Started out. My plan was to be a veterinarian. And then I started working at the zoo there in Wichita and just realized that, no, I want to be working directly with animals. So I was started out as a night keeper. And so that was neat because I had the zoo to myself. And so it was a lot of fun. And so through that, I got to know a lot of the animals. So in particular the elephants. And so I went to day shift and then started working with the elephants as an elephant handler. And so that was certainly a highlight in my zoo career. And then just sort of moved all around the zoo, different opportunities that present themselves. And this was probably the greatest opportunity to move to North Dakota.

00:02:46,000	S2:
So 40 years later, how's the zoo changed since you've been here? And then you can give us a little history, because I'm sure you've learned what the history was pre you.

00:02:56,167	S3:
Oh, sure. Um, so when I came, the zoo was let me back up. So Mark, when he started the zoo, um, he was a firm believer in the zoo. Needs to take care of itself. It can't be a burden to society to to the local area. And so his feeling was, if it can't make it pay its way, then it then it really shouldn't be here. And so that was kind of the foundation. And the zoo has done really well under that. Certainly we have partnerships with, uh, Bismarck Park, Park District, the city of Bismarck, lots and lots of entities that we work with. And so it's not just strictly, hey, we're totally private, but lots and lots of partnerships that make it go around. But I think those early years of establishing, um, you need to be fiscally responsible. I think that really helped kind of set the pace for where the zoo is at. And so the exhibits that you see today, penguins, the new river otter exhibit, and even as far back as like the bear habitat. And some of those things, they're all paid for through a fundraising endeavor. And, um, you know, it's it's it's really, I think, a good way to go, a good, fiscally responsible way to go. As we build new exhibits, more people come to the zoo. And so it's.

00:04:17,267	S2:
It keeps the community engagement at a high level. It's very important for this type of amenity, for sure.

00:04:22,667	S3:
Yeah, definitely. And it really just shows how important support is from the community. And that's the only way the zoo has become what it has become.

00:04:32,200	S2:
Yeah. So in the 40 years, what kind of expansion have we seen? I mean, I've been here as long or longer than you. And so I know you know my own history of kind of what's happened. And I remember one was much smaller, but the footprint of, of animal habitats at least. But what have you seen happen in year 40 years about?

00:04:54,501	S3:
Well, three major fundraising campaigns. You know, we're probably about to the $6 million range is what has been raised to to fund those major improvements. And personally, when I came, there was a small little train that Mark had built in his backyard, and it took about 6 or 7 minutes to to ride that train. There was just one little short loop, and now our train ride is we've got two trains. It's out of necessity and our route is about three miles long. And so, you know, that's just the place the the acreage has always been 90 acres, but we're certainly using more of that acreage now than we did, you know, in the beginning.

00:05:36,267	S2:
So so what new animals have we brought into the zoo as, as part of that expansion?

00:05:43,200	S3:
Well, there's a long list. Um, tigers. Snow leopards. Um, the zoo is always focused on North American Native species like bison and elk and things like that. And so we certainly still have those, but probably lots more of endangered species. Um, Kowalski's horses there. The Mongolian wild horse, the last true wild horse in the world, um, critically endangered primates. Several species of those, um, you know, um, new exhibit for penguins. I think that's probably on the, you know, a highlight for for many people that come to the zoo. Now, it was a new species for us. And, um, people have really enjoyed them and we've certainly enjoyed them. And then as we learn more about how critically endangered they are and how, um, you know, zoos really have a role in helping to protect and preserve many species that you see in zoos now, right?

00:06:38,601	S2:
So let's talk about kind of a typical day. What. Well, it's, you know, not maybe the winter so much because there might not be that much activity of any activity some days, right? But what's a typical day that you see? And how would the how the visitors are interacting and what do they get to do. Like what are some things that young kids get to do that maybe they can't do elsewhere?

00:07:00,701	S3:
Sure. And I think there's a few different ways to look at typical day. So for me, first thing I did this morning we caught two foxes, checked them out. Um, one had an issue. She lost some fur on her tail. So we had to get hands on. So I might smell a little bit like a fox this morning from from helping do that. Um, we've got a new exhibit going in for red tailed hawk. And so I was breaking up concrete with a with a jackhammer yesterday and had some time this morning before this interview to to be able to scoop up some of that stuff. And so it's, you know, from staff point of view, it's just, um, we're like farmers, ranchers, whatever you're doing, whatever that you need to do to to get the job done and lots and lots of variety. I think the the visitors that come. Also see lots and lots of variety. We have some folks that come every day and really, you know, they bring their cameras and they're just like, oh, let me show you the picture that I got of this. Whether it's a wild bald eagle that happened to come in for a visit or, you know, this time of year, it's it's our pollinator gardens, the number of bumblebees that they're seeing and things like that. So just very diverse. And I think that's the neat thing about zoos is that there's always something new going on.

00:08:20,467	S2:
So the age demographics, I mean, obviously I always think of zoos because I was a parent, a grandparent, take the kids to, but there must be adults that are visiting the view, the zoo just for themselves. Oh, sure. But you know, so from a from a child's perspective, let's back up to that. Like what do they get to do that is not a normal everyday life thing.

00:08:44,267	S3:
Well, when I asked you.

00:08:45,467	S2:
For an experience.

00:08:46,400	S3:
Right. When I ask these little kids, what's your favorite animal? It depends on what we're standing next to. And if we're right by the goat pen. The goats, they're my favorite. And they are fun. I mean, you get to feed them, you get a pet them, you kind of interact with them, kind of watch them, whether they're going across the bridge or one goat is very good at you. Put your quarter in the machine and turn it. He'll do the rest. He can open up the little slot and get all the food out. And so whether there's something like that or seeing, hey, the badger is doing this, it's laying upside down like my dog does sometimes at home. Wow. That's a funny thing. Yeah, he likes to do that. Um, and so probably again, when you talk to the little kids, it's the playgrounds. We've got a couple of really neat playgrounds and, and I think to the safe environment that the zoo offers, it's, it's a place that, you know, you're not going to run into folks on bicycles, skateboards, things like that, that that could potentially be a hazard. Um, it's a it's a really kind of a laid back environment, a place you can come and spend time and especially if you've got a membership. We have lots of folks that have memberships that come, and the zoo is the place that they walk or they. Um, you know, it's just something that they do regularly to get exercise.

00:10:02,601	S2:
Sure. How much interaction do the visitors get to have with some of the different species?

00:10:08,567	S3:
Well, we've got some really neat behind the scenes programs. So for example, one of the one of the highlights probably is with our river otters. Um, you can build sort of a guinea pig or a hamster tunnel, if you will, and, um, set that all up, and then we open the door and let the otters go through it. And so it's really neat. People have the opportunity to feed the otters. Um, kind of same thing with penguins. You know, they get to actually touch a penguin and see. Wow, they're incredibly soft. Um, And so whether it's those behind the scenes things or camps or, you know, we've got a good crew of volunteer youth that present animals and give people the opportunity to touch maybe a snake if they've never done that, or maybe something a little less threatening in their eyes, like a ferret or a rabbit or something like that.

00:11:01,501	S2:
Sure. And so that's probably part of what the engagement and, and educational opportunities there are. And that leads us into that. So what is it that the zoo is doing to help educate our visitors to the zoo so they understand the the importance of saving these species for one, and just how to care for them and where the risks might be too.

00:11:23,200	S3:
Yeah. And we understand that most people come to the zoo to have a good time there, maybe not necessarily want to come and learn something, although some do. And really, we feel like it's our mission to not only teach people about animals, to help them to have a good time, but to learn something before they go and ideally develop an empathy for the animals. How can we help this black footed ferret, which I can look at right here in Bismarck, at the zoo, and then I know that, you know, even as close as 48, we've got these animals. And in South Dakota we've got these animals. And and yet there's still less than 500 in the wild. And so what can I do to help out with that. And so that's one thing. Whether it's a monetary donation to a conservation fund somewhere, or it's even the type of oil that I use for popcorn or, you know, those sorts of things just helping to promote, um, safe and efficient, um, you know, just interaction with, with the environment.

00:12:25,000	S2:
Do you have specific educational programs that you put on?

00:12:28,467	S3:
We do. And really every educational program, whether it's for the two year olds or the 82 year olds, There is a conservation message for that. And so it's it's really important for us. And as we in my lifetime, virtually every primate species that's out there is endangered. And I remember as a kid never did it. But you could have bought a squirrel monkey in from the back of an Outdoor Life magazine. You know, those little ads for $10 here? You can have one of these too. And so it's it's amazing. And it's kind of scary how in some ways, how, um, animals have become more endangered and really need help of humans in order to survive.

00:13:12,667	S2:
So do you have set programming for educational opportunities for people to come in and and visit and let's and if so, let's describe those because it's a way to get that out to the point.

00:13:22,667	S3:
Yeah. You bet. So every year we've got five different, um, junior zookeeper camps essentially. And so kids ages 8 to 13 get to come and kind of be a zookeeper for for a week. And so they get to do all sorts of things. And it and it's amazing that the highlight seems to be when they get to grab a rake and clean the llama pen or the bear pen or something like that. And so, you know, there's opportunities for building enrichment type things for animals. And so they get to to see those put into practice. Um, just that's, that's probably our biggest, most popular one. And then we also do things like back to your point about, you know, most people think the zoo is for kids, but you don't have to have kids to come to the zoo and enjoy it. You don't have to have grandkids, although that's, you know, a lot of people do it that way. And so we have other events like camp overs for families, where the whole family can come and and do a sleepover, learn about animals, see them and hear them at night, end up with a nice breakfast in the morning. And just so, so lots of different things like that, that and then events that we're trying to get those in between groups. You know, the folks that don't have kids yet. Um, that, you know, when you're 15, 16. Am I getting too old to go to the zoo? It's not cool. Um, we want it to be cool for you. And so programs for that age. Other things for. For other adults as well.

00:14:51,968	S2:
So our most of the programs during what I would call this the non winter season.

00:14:57,100	S3:
They are yeah. Spring and summer for the most part. But we also have other events in the wintertime too. And that's one of the neat things is starting in October we'll go into our winter hours which Friday Saturdays and Sundays 1 to 5. And you know, we we usually look out with a pretty good weekend on those days. And so we always keep our fingers crossed that it's going to be above zero. And, uh, you know, how it is in the in the winter in North Dakota when it gets 20. Um, you might be in a t shirt, right? You know, looking for something to do outside.

00:15:30,200	S2:
So what? What's the activity like during the winter for for you guys as staff and team members at the zoo, but also from a visitor standpoint, what are what are they likely to see that they maybe would see not see during the summer or see differently?

00:15:46,100	S3:
Well, that's our number one question is what do you do with the animals in the wintertime? And I'd love to say we send them all to Mexico, and several of us have to go with them and kind of chaperone them. But they all stay here, and about 95% of them stay in their current exhibits. And while, for example, the primates, they have indoor areas that we just close the door when it's cold out, whatever. But, you know, others camels, for example, I think people are really surprised that in the winter, camels, which are from Mongolia, Tibet, grow eight inch thick fur, and in the summer they're almost naked. And so they adapt. And so it's really neat being able to see those kind of adaptations and how the animals handle winter or. Wolves look more like wolves in the wintertime. Big, thick, shaggy coats. And I think one of the benefits is the animals. You see a reaction bears, especially wolves, mountain lions, even tigers, snow leopards. They'll actually approach the windows, the viewing stations, looking at the people. And so that's a little bit different thing in the winter because there's a lot fewer people coming and.

00:16:58,367	S2:
Maybe less intimidating.

00:16:59,567	S3:
Yeah, I think so. And maybe they're kind of intrigued by them in a way. And it's kind of funny. It's kind of interesting to watch the animals react to the visitors, which we we don't see much of that in the summer when there's so many people coming through.

00:17:13,968	S2:
So, you know, we when I was a kid, like I remember Bonney and, and all of that activity was kind of focused to to that exhibit, it seemed like, because that was the primary exhibit, right? Back a few years ago in Clyde and so on. So, um, is there any been, you know, how how have we tried to memorialize that? Because that was kind of like the it was the the exhibit for a number of years when the zoo originally started. Mhm.

00:17:47,167	S3:
Yeah. It was interesting too. And so, so I started at the zoo in 85. And in 87th June third, Mark Christianson retired and on June 4th was my first day as director. So I worked with him for about a year and a half or so as his assistant, just kind of getting my feet under me, that sort of thing. And so on that first day, June 4th, that's when Clyde the Bear died. And so that was welcome to your first day in charge. And so that was really interesting. Um, but we we actually did try to have, you know, Clyde's hide mounted and stuffed and all that. We don't know where we would have put them. We didn't have a place at the zoo for it. But, you know, perhaps a heritage center would have accepted him. I'm not sure. Um, but we did quickly realize that we probably don't want to build another Clyde. But what we do is want to build a nice exhibit that can sort of, um, you know, go on. And so that that Bear habitat was our first major project. And it's kind of funny to think now. I think it was $230,000. We know that exhibit now would be about 2 million, right. So it's amazing to me how how that, um, price has increased for exhibitor and things like that. But I think that's been very successful. We have a bear habitat. We have an otter exhibit, we have a penguin exhibit that is built more for the species than an individual that is, you know, has a shelf life.

00:19:24,601	S2:
Yes. And I'll bring it up because it was. That was the zoo. Almost. Oh, sure. I think from my perspective as a ten year old back in 1971 or 2.

00:19:35,467	S3:
Everyone knew Clyde. And in fact, still we get people with inquiries about just how big was Clyde? Do you have any postcards? Do you have any of those things?

00:19:46,067	S2:
So the zoo, you mentioned it early on. A lot of partners within the community. So how has it you view the the community and its partnership with the zoo? What, what who are some of those bigger partners, if you're willing to disclose that besides the city and the in the park district? Sure. The park district being probably the primary one. But you know what? What other kind of community engagement is there? And partners. And how are you partnering with other organizations in the community?

00:20:14,167	S3:
Well, we're and it's probably dangerous for me to start listing, folks.

00:20:19,667	S2:
You don't have the list. I mean, just kind of examples.

00:20:21,767	S3:
There's some, uh, whether it's. I'll have to mention a couple of them. Doctor Beringer, who's a local dentist. Um, just incredible. Um, family. Really? That helps us out. Um, Dakota Community bank, I mean, I can I just go through, um, you know, bravura. Um, lots and lots of of entities, businesses like that, and then individuals as well. And so I can I can remember Joyce Schuette, who, um, you know, has since passed, but, um, she was a sponsor of our big cat exhibit, Tigers and snow leopards. And so, you know, that was our first million dollar donation. And so that's that's been amazing to me just across the board, whether it's individuals, whether it's some of our own volunteers, our board members that, you know, step up and help us out or, um, you know, leaders in the community, um, just, you know, Bobcat. We haven't paid for a bobcat yet, and so it's just amazing that you know what?

00:21:26,300	S2:
So how is the zoo being able to interact with other organizations and partner with them? So maybe and I don't know if this happens or not. So if it doesn't doesn't, but like the school system or Mandan for that matter, because we're all one big community. Oh, sure. You know, how are you able to take your knowledge of these animals and help educate others in our community?

00:21:49,767	S3:
Well, we're working with specifically the libraries Bismarck and Mandan. We've done programs with them, whether on site with their folks coming over, or are people going to those entities and just kind of helping to spread education and specifically conservation education throughout the community. And then, um, you know, whether it's, um, through the YMCA, through Bismarck Park District, they're their kids. Um, you know, kids programs, things like that. Uh, the zoo, I think I can truly say is, is interesting and important to so many different folks. And so whether it's Big brother or big sister, it's, um, group homes, things like that. It's, um, nursing homes. And then, um, recently we just were awarded a grant that we're kind of promoting that empathy, as I talked about before. Um, we're getting out to many of the Native American schools throughout the, the region. And, um, you know, even as far I mean, Dickinson, we've got folks going there. We've got just really all across the region just helping out with, uh, you know, getting out, spreading the message about conservation and why animals and saving our environment is important.

00:23:08,767	S2:
And it's important to do that. And again, we're our we're I mean, there's other zoos in North Dakota, but we are the capital city. And and we have a pretty big region. Yes. So what do you see are some challenges for the zoo moving forward?

00:23:20,901	S3:
Well, I think it's it's all opportunities too.

00:23:24,400	S2:
Yeah, probably. Maybe I should say opportunities.

00:23:26,367	S3:
There's a you know, we do the whole Swot analysis thing pretty often and um, we the zoo has a lot of strengths. And we're always just looking for how can we I think we have to keep adapting. And so as I look at when I first came, we had sleepovers for kids. And after a few years it's like no kids were showing up. And that's where we thought, well, what do we need to do? Well, let's turn it into a family thing. And so that that was the way to go. So I think it's being reactive listening to our visitors. And you know, just earlier we were talking about what's what's the next project at the zoo. And I think red pandas are certainly at the top of that list. And so, you know, listening to that, that's how we decided on penguins. You know, she did surveys, and 85% of the people said, we need to get penguins. And so okay, we listen. And so I think that's that's part of what kind of staves off those threats, that sort of thing. Um, but I think, I think we can always be on the positive side of things if we're, um, you know, adaptive if we're we're always looking for funding sources, things like that, to, to be able to maintain a facility, keep, keep making improvements and, and things and, um. Yeah, I think the future's bright.

00:24:44,901	S2:
Good. So do you have any personal, rewarding items that you've, uh, or times maybe. What's your favorite thing that's happened in year 40 years?

00:24:54,767	S3:
You know, I have favorite things that happen probably virtually every week.

00:24:59,601	S2:
And that's a good thing.

00:25:01,100	S3:
I have the greatest job that I've ever heard about, honestly. And I and I know there's several people who they might be in law enforcement and they, they say the same thing or, um, a veterinarian or a doctor or whatever, but I think I can truly say that. I mean, it's it's it's just amazing. Um, you know, the things that I've been able to experience. And I think for me, it's probably the joy that I see on faces of particularly little kids that come in and, you know, whether it's the the rock fountain at the zoo as they walk in the gate and they see that and they're just in awe, or they look over again at the the goats that are climbing all around and bellowing for food, you know, um, seeing the otters swim underwater, that sort of thing. Just, just probably seeing visitors experience the zoo and just being able to understand and share what it is they're enjoying.

00:25:51,667	S2:
Okay, perfect. So let's talk about, you know, the zoo is a busy place, obviously during the summer and apparently at times during the winter, it can be busy too. Uh, but if we're going to give the sales pitch and to create this memorable event for a person, a family, a a group. What are you gonna tell them?

00:26:11,767	S3:
Well, membership is the best way to go. So if you're not a zoo member yet, you should be. Because, you know, it's it's very reasonable. With your membership, you get train tickets. And so you're able to do that. And, you know, like I said, we've got people that come to the zoo every day. Uh, one guy about twice a day on average, is when he comes with his giant camera and just thoroughly enjoys it. Thanks me just about every time he sees me. Thank you for for being here. And thank you for having this zoo. And when I moved here, I didn't know what I would do in in Bismarck. And so I think that's be. Become a member um, be able to to experience things come out um, take part in things. I mean, we've got a wine tasting coming up on September 25th, and so cool. It's it's really one of the coolest wine tastes. And I've got people that come to the wine taste that don't drink alcohol, but they enjoy the food, the music.

00:27:12,267	S2:
It's all about being a part of a community.

00:27:14,267	S3:
It is. It is. And supporting something that you believe in. I think truly, the zoo is something that people can believe in. Um, we're out next month. We're going to be in South Dakota helping catch wild black footed ferrets and, um, you know, get get those vaccinated from plague and things like that so that they can survive. And so the zoo is more than just the animals that you see when you visit. Um, so much more wonderful.

00:27:40,868	S2:
Terry, thank you for being a part of this. And I just want to, you know, encourage all of our listeners to take the opportunity to visit the zoo, support the zoo. It's a tremendous amenity to our region here, to Bismarck, Mandan and Berlin, Morton County. Thank you.

00:27:55,100	S3:
Thank you so much. My pleasure to be here.

00:28:09,300	S1:
Thank you for watching Bismarck Insights with mayor Mike Schmitz. If you have specific topics or questions you'd like addressed in future episodes. Email em Schmitz at Bismarck gov.

00:28:22,868	S1:
For call the City of Bismarck at (701) 355-1300.

00:28:27,200	S1:
To learn more about the City of Bismarck, visit Bismarck, N.D. gov. Or follow us on a variety of social media channels by searching Bismarck, n.d. gov. Bismarck Insights is a collaboration between Dakota media access and the City of Bismarck. You may find Bismarck Insights episodes on government access channels two and 602, as well as on Roku, Apple TV, and fire TV devices. On radio access 102.5 FM and On demand at Frederick.