We are happy to be members of the ever growing Red River Zoo. This little zoo is the ‘youngest’ zoo in the state and it has big goals for its’ future. The Otter Rapids are under construction and even though their home isn’t ready, the otters are on display in the contact area. The spring is one of the best times to see all of these cold climate animals enjoying the weather. If you live in the area, your best bet would be a membership as they pay for themselves after just a few visits. Loved our march visit and look forward to our next.

It is a nice zoo. But they charge too much to get in. However they are expanding. My family has been a zoo member for years in Fargo and my kids still love it.

When we arrived we were a little put off by the bison statue in front of the zoo that was painted like a tiger since it was a little disorienting. We later found out it was a city wide charity thing where the bison statues were painted in different ways, but it still seemed a little odd. The zoo itself was a little more expensive than I would have liked considering how small it was. We stretched things out as we were with 2 and 4 year olds, and we only really stayed 1-2 hours.

There are some neat highlights including the red pandas and some of the other Asian/Russian animals. They have a few domestic animals, and were constructing an otter exhibit while we were there. We saw a porcupine training session, and I hadn't realized exactly how cute these waddling, prickly creatures could be. There was also a farm area with feed and a small reptile house (all of them are in smaller tanks).

There is a pretty decent playground area with a drinking fountain. Unfortunately the fountain has a leak in the bowl which sprays kids' feet with water, so they slip and slide on the play structure! This is right next to an indoor restored carousel that costs extra to ride, though parents accompanying children are thankfully free.

I'm not sure I'd go back at the same price unless there are some additional exhibits, but the grounds were well-cared for, and everyone was very helpful. My kids really enjoyed it.

Even though the red river zoo is a small zoo, I still love going there. They always keep it so nice and clean and the animals always look very healthy and well taken care of. I recommend not going in the heat of the day, most of the animals are hiding and trying to keep cool. We went one time during the winter and that seems to be when the animals are very active!