Regina Sun from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada • 23

lllTMtst null SPI.CIU. I I. HI. Sunday, March 24, 2013 (15 Come Visit Us Soon! oaiiei Roosevelt Park Zoo prepares for grand reopening flooding, the finished product is a monument of strength and perseverance The grand opening will occur May 4 and include building dedications, entertainment for children, celebration and much more "It taken a long time to try and get back on our feet What I like to tell people now is that we are going to have a lovely zoo come this summer, Merritt said. It hurts our feelings a little bit that it still is not totally and completely back, but we have big plans for the future Stay updated with the latest news on upcoming events at the zoo and with the zoos outreach programs on www rpzoo com the return of the Roosevelt Park Zoo animal family New additions not only include mammals, but also physical treats A new PA system will give guests warnings of park closure times, weather concerns as well as play music in some sections of the facilities in the near future A large accomplishment for the staff was the completion of the new visitors centre, home to the zoos entrance and exit, as well as classrooms and a gift shop 80 assembled before the nightmare of the 2011 Vis vl Afc now Basically we still have several buildings that don't have electrical in them, within days of the contractors getting out of the buildings, we have animals in them," Merritt said.

We have a lot more to bring back and a lot will be back by May 4, but as the summer progresses we will have the majority returning The animals all go through a quarantine period when they first arrive, so they can't go on exhibit right away Well be able to say to people, come back and see the giraffes in two weeks." As the animals arrive in Minot, zoo keepers are releasing welcoming videos on www facebook comRPZoo, along with fun facts and of course photos Once the zoo opens its doors, the staff will hold mini welcome back events for a By Jessica Mees L-P Specialty Products The floods rushed in, the land was ruined, animals were shipped off to other locations, and the zoo remained closed for two years The Souris River flows right through the middle of the zoo, which under general circumstances provides great ambiance for our zoo. That was not the circumstance in 201 1 however," said David Merritt The zoo really, really got hit hard by the flood We had areas of the zoo that had up to 12 feet of water For three weeks, the zoo was really part of the river, water was simply rushing through the zoo. After that time, the river went back into its bank, however, all the surrounding area outside was left like big lakes. It took about another three weeks to get rid of a lot of that excess water" Now, as the 2013 summer season approaches, the Roosevelt Park Zoo slowly welcomes back their happy tenants. Although it was a long hard road, the flood phase of the zoo is slowly coming to a close, and a new happier phase begins.

About 40 of the zoos animal population have returned, with many beginning their travel back shortly Some of the animals however, will not be returning until the weather is suitable We have a car load of animals coming our way right RATES) 3 BY CHOICE HOTELS SAME! GREATS HQ.TEH, lafeRftQMSj fitness) A. SAME4. GREAT SERVICE4 -1 FU i S' VATTACHEDiTOi dakotasquare1mallv ieveral ewi Stores ALL1! REFRESHED RO.OMSj T)4 Iw 5)ERREi DE-ltPgfiEi WnTrm rn sisl (3 i I 'Y .4 We are not one oS the New Hotels with big, big rates and nothing to do but stare at the streets and watch the traffic go by V. iLUmTAi Osin it fed'.