The Dakota Zoo began on a 67-acre (27 ha) farm owned by Marc and Betty Christianson on the northern edge of Bismarck.

[4] After some publicity from a local TV station, petitions were signed by 780 people supporting the idea of a community zoo in Bismarck.

[1] It is unlike many nationwide zoos in that it is self-supportive and operates solely on funds raised through admissions, concession sales, adopt an animal programs, memberships, and donations.

[7] Predators are housed in the northern part of the zoo, and include tigers, snow leopards, wolves, bears, Canada lynx, bobcats, cougars, coyotes, foxes, badgers, and servals.

[2][7] The zoo also includes an exhibit of reptiles and small mammals, a butterfly house, a prairie dog town, and a monkey barn.

[7] The Bismarck Tribune Discovery Center is inside the zoo from the entrance gate, and contains reptiles, small mammals, fish, a honeybee colony, and educational areas for children.

[6] The Zoo operates a Raptor Rehabilitation program, assisting an average of 40 to 60 injured and orphaned birds of prey each year.

The Federal government originally studied Clyde as a research animal to determine the effect of the radioactive isotope Strontium-90 on wildlife.

[11][13] The Bismarck Tribune Discovery Center features a 1:1 scale wood carving of Clyde, created by artist Dave Ely.