History of Bramble Park Zoo

Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown, SD was founded in 1912 when the City Council accepted and placed on display a collection of pheasants and waterfowl donated by Mr. Frank Bramble. In 1940, the collection was moved from a park near downtown Watertown to its present location, where WPA constructed new exhibits forming the nucleus of the Zoo. In the ensuing years, the Zoo continued to add native species as well as some exotic species such as primates and hoof stock, but the original construction was inadequate for the growth of the collection.

In 1972, the Lake Area Zoological Society (LAZS) was founded to provide significant assistance in the growth, development and professionalism of the Zoo. From 1976 to the present, much of the Zoo has gone through major renovation, both externally and internally. A strong community spirit has welded volunteer time with donations to construct numerous exhibits and support buildings, as well as improving viewing areas and landscaping. These improvements, along with hiring professional staff, allowed the Zoo to achieve accreditation by the AZA in 1993. The Zoo continues to make much advancement in the development of new exhibits, educational programming, participation in various Species Survival Programs (SSP's) and local conservation programs, as well as both increasing and diversifying its revenue and financial support.

In 1994, funds were allocated by the City of Watertown for the purchase of additional land for future Zoo development. In 1995, the LAZS allocated funds for the expansion and renovation of the bird building. Other improvements included the construction of a demonstration stage, an observational beehive exhibit, an interpretive prairie display, prairie plant display and a black-footed ferret display.

In 1996, Bramble Park Zoo received an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grant. These funds, along with city funds, allowed the Zoo to renovate many animal-holding areas. The Zoo also hired a full-time educator.

In 1997, the city and LAZS allocated $650,000 for the construction of an 8,000-sq. ft. Discovery Center and front entrance. This complex houses a classroom, offices, gift shop, concession area, bathrooms and educational exhibits for all ages. IMLS funds, private foundation money and city funds were used to overlay all walkways throughout the Zoo, renovate the kitchen area in the Zoo Center, construct additional rehabilitation areas for birds of prey, develop interpretive graphics concerning birds of prey and purchase two pickup trucks.

In 1998, $200,000 was allocated by the city and LAZS for the construction of Discovery Center exhibits and a new parking lot, as well as landscaping around the Discovery Center. The general operating budget was increased by $87,000 for the operation of the Discovery Center.

In 1999 and 2000, the city and LAZS allocated over $295,000 for the construction and revitalization of two primate areas along with walkway improvements. IMLS funds allowed us to upgrade various exhibits to superior quality, enhance our interpretive graphics to increase our education mission and increase our local education and conservation programs for rural schools, the elderly and Native American people of South Dakota.

In 2001, the city and LAZS allocated over $70,000 for upgrading the Zoo Center ventilation system, constructing a new bison overlook, replacing the netting on bird world, updating the site master plan, constructing a black-footed ferret exhibit and revitalizing salt water aquariums. Bramble Park Zoo (BPZ) received an IMLS/GOS grant for $112,500. BPZ hired an additional zookeeper and an educational intern. BPZ in conjunction with the Jane Goodall Institute and a private foundation formed a partnership to start a Roots & Shoots program and hired a Regional Coordinator.

In 2002, the city, LAZS and private foundations allocated over $85,000 for renovating and enlarging the tiger exhibit, revitalizing an exhibit for alpacas, renovating an exhibit to create a walkthrough Australian Adventure display and purchasing a van and skid steer. A waterfowl/wetlands kiosk was also constructed using matching funds from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. IMLS funding along with other private funding allowed the BPZ to create a short grass prairie garden, revitalize a flower garden area, dredge and stabilize the banks of three waterfowl ponds, lay stone at alligator/tortoise exhibit, update animal graphics, purchase additional medical equipment, purchase additional benches and develop docent training manual. LAZS was also awarded $170,000, three-year grant for the operations of the Roots & Shoots program.