MINOT – They are adjusting nicely to their new surroundings and are sure to be a hit with visitors.
“We’ve added two leopards, Anya and Jordan, each are a year old,” said Jennifer Kleen, executive director of the Greater Minot Zoological Society. “They both arrive just last week, so this is all very new to them.”
The enclosure has a third leopard, Clover, a 12-year-old who is a long-time resident of the zoo. The leopard exhibit is part of a several years long renovation of the zoo’s cat habitat.
“This is the final phase of our renovation,” said Kleen while seated on a bench looking into the leopard enclosure. “Since 2017 we have invested over $9 million in our big cats. Here we’ve renovated it so it is specific to Amur leopards. They like to climb, jump, and explore so we built that into this habitat. It’s a brand-new home for them, so they are a little uncomfortable, but they are learning to makes themselves at home.”
The zoo has undergone many changes over the past several years, upgrading animal enclosures and greatly enhancing the experience for zoo visitors.
“It has been a wonderful thing to be a part of,” remarked Kleen. “It has been amazing for the quality of life for our animals and for our community. There’s lots to do here. We pride ourselves on being accessible to any age group or ability. You never outgrow the zoo.”
