Soaring Toward the Future: Nationwide Foundation Helps Eagles Take Flight at Blank Park Zoo
In the heart of Iowa, a new chapter in wildlife conservation is taking flight. Bald eagles at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines are getting a new home thanks to the support of the Nationwide Foundation.
The Wild Iowa exhibit broke ground this November as part of the Zoo’s Expand the Impact capital campaign, marking a milestone in the Zoo’s 60-year journey of conservation, education and community engagement. Among the new exhibit’s many highlights – including renovated spaces for river otters, seals and sea lions – the bald eagle sanctuary will bring the spirit of the wild birds closer to home.
“Wild Iowa celebrates the animals and ecosystems that make our state so special,” said Anne Shimerdla, president and CEO of Blank Park Zoo. “From otters and eagles to bobcats and turtles, these new habitats will help tell the story of Iowa’s wildlife while inspiring future generations to protect it.”
The new bald eagle habitat space will feature natural perching areas, expanded sunlight access and flight space over a local river stream. These renovations will create a more enriching and spacious environment for flight and non-flighted eagles. The first residents will be the Zoo’s rehabilitated eagles, Freedom and Spirit, who have lived at the Zoo since 2007. Visitors will be able to observe these powerful birds up close, learning about their journey from injury to recovery, and the vital role they play in Iowa’s ecosystem.
“Given our long history in the state, we are grateful to have the opportunity to help support the expansion of the eagle exhibit and the Blank Park Zoo,” said Chad Jester, president of the Nationwide Foundation. “It’s a particularly exciting opportunity to support the renovation of the bald eagle exhibit, which ties in perfectly with our memorable mascot and logo.”
The Nationwide Foundation has partnered with the Blank Park Zoo for more than two decades and recently donated $1 million to support the Expand the Impact campaign.
“This campaign highlights the importance that public-private partnerships can have in ensuring that valuable cultural institutions evolve for future generations of Iowans to enjoy,” continued Jester.
To learn more about the campaign, visit impact.blankparkzoo.org.