$10,000 awarded to Lake Area Zoological Society

The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently awarded a $10,000 South Dakota Fund grant to Lake Area Zoological Society. Funding will aid in increasing the safety of the Bramble Park Zoo’s wolf habitat and creating a better viewing opportunity for guests to learn about the wolves and the specialized care they require, while improving the wolves quality of life.

“The grant from South Dakota Community Foundation will help us accomplish our mission of encouraging people to Come Closer to the natural world around us. Guests will be able to safely come face to face with wolves at Bramble Park Zoo, which will help inspire them to protect wild wolves,” says Stacy Plocher, Zoo Manager & Director, Bramble Park Zoo.

The Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown was founded in 1912 when the City Council accepted and placed on display a collection of pheasants and waterfowl donated by Mr. Frank Bramble. The Lake Area Zoological Society was established in 1972 with a mission to promote and stimulate interest in the zoo and support the zoo’s development and programs through fundraising, marketing, and other initiatives designed to enhance the zoo experience for guests. Over the years, the Society, along with a strong community spirit, has been able to construct numerous exhibits and improve viewing areas and landscaping at the zoo through volunteer hours and donations.

“We are proud to partner with the Lake Area Zoological Society to help improve the wolf habitat at the zoo,” says Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. “With these improvements not only will the quality of life for the wolves improve, but we also increase the opportunity for educational experiences for the guests visiting the zoo.”