QC-Minot Visitor's Guide_March 22

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PLAY. SLEEP.

DINE.

visitminot.org

Spring Big One Art & Craft Fair | April 12-13 iMagicon | April 26-28 Roosevelt Park Zoo Season Opener | April 27 Minot Taco Fest | May 11

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SHOP.

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MAKE IT A MINOT GETAWAY! S

Spring is in the air

pring is the perfect time to wash the car and plan to make a run for the border.The United States border, that is, where the friendly city of Minot awaits just miles to the south.

Not only the perfect city for family getaways and couples’ weekends,Minot is also a shopping and tourism mecca for Canadians, especially those from southern Saskatchewan.

Statistics Canada estimates there were 358,600 total person-visits from Saskatchewan to North Dakota in 2012 (the most recent year figures are available), with most of them (65.5 per cent) traveling for pleasure. More than half the visits were same-day trips.

The main way to get there from here is by road and it’s an easy afternoon’s drive of 244 miles or 393 kilometers from Regina to Minot. There are numerous border crossings dotting what is said to be the longest undefended border in the world, several of them in Saskatchewan.

There’s a wealth of information on the Visit Minot website www.visitminot.org. Visitors can

use the My Map feature of the website to select the places they are interested in visiting and add them all to a personalized map of Minot.The map includes contact information for each venue and is printable so it can be taken on the trip.

Don’t fret if you didn’t plan far enough ahead to print the map. Visitors can access the handy mobile site from anywhere.

The mobile site is very easy to navigate and can be accessed from any mobile smartphone or tablet device.

The website also features a link to valuable coupons, information on events happening in Minot, and information specific to Canadians at http://visitminot.org/canadian-info/.

There’s little point in shopping if you can’t take it home with you, and Canadians staying more than 24 hours can take advantage of some exemptions to the duties levied on imported goods.

• Personal exemptions do not apply to sameday cross-border shoppers.

• After 24 hours or more, Canadians can take

back goods valued at up to $200 (CAN).Alcohol and tobacco cannot be claimed. Goods must be in possession at time of entry to Canada. If the value of the goods exceeds $200 after a 24-hour absence, duty and taxes are applicable on the entire amount of the imported goods.

•After 48 hours or more,Canadians can bring home goods valued up to $800 (CAN) including alcohol and tobacco, within the prescribed limits set by provincial or territorial authorities. Goods must be in your possession.

• After seven days or more, the maximum is also $800 (CAN) including alcohol and tobacco products. But, goods may be in possession at time of entry to Canada or can be sent later through courier, mail or delivery agency, except alcohol and tobacco, which must be in possession. All the goods will qualify for duty- and taxfree entry if they are declared at the initial return to Canada.

To ensure there are no hassles at the border before leaving for Minot, here are a few tips:

We’re ready for you.

• Remember to bring proper identification.Canadian citizens must present one of the following valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant documents when entering the U.S.by land: a valid passport, NEXUS card, Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card, enhanced driver’s licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC), or Secure Certificate of Indian Status. Please contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection if you have any questions about the requirements for Canadians to enter the United States.

• Visit a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) office to identify any valuables you may want to take to Minot from home. Items like cameras, jewelry and tablets can be itemized and recorded to ensure you have proof that your goods were in your possession prior to leaving Canada.

• Check with the CBSA if you plan to change or improve any part of your vehicle.If your vehicle breaks down while in Minot, you must declare the work when you arrive at the border.You may have to pay duty and/or taxes on the work done.

Just say ‘no’- really Marijuana may be legal in Canada, but not so in North Dakota.

While recreational use of the drug is legal is several U.S. states, North Dakota is not one of them. In the Nov. 6 mid-term elections, North Dakotans voted down Measure 3, which would have legalized recreational marijuana use. The use of medical marijuana was approved in 2016, but the system is still not in place.

Canadian police are being diligent about checking for drivers impaired by drug use, and there may be longer waits than usual at the border.

To be on the safe side, just leave the hooties at home.

STAY WITH US…DINE WITH US! Close to all major shopping outlets and attractions in Minot!

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Our pet-friendly hotel includes a free continental breakfast, indoor pool and spa and a fridge & Microwave in every room!

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Minot’s best casual dining including the finest steak, seafood, chicken and delicious comfort foods!

This offer is available Monday through Sunday. Not valid during special events.

Blackout dates do apply, please contact hotel for more information.

1609 35th Ave Southwest • Minot, ND • Call us: (701) 837-1700

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MAKE IT A MINOT GETAWAY!

We’re ready for you.

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EN RS P O OU H 24

ALWAYS OPEN FOR FUN? US,TOO!

It’s time for another free night hotel give away at the Regina Spring Home Show! Congratulations to Marlena L who was the 1000th registrant at the Tourism Minot booth in 2018. She won a free night stay at the Staybridge Suites in Minot. Stop by the Tourism Minot booth for information on the Magic City and a chance to win. Photo courtesy Minot Convention & Visitors Bureau.

come on down

Saskatchewan residents look forward to heading south to Minot, ND to shop and take in the many attractions the Magic City has to offer.

And, they can get a head start on their vacation plans at the Regina Spring Home Show, where Tourism Minot will be on hand with information and prize give-aways.

The relationship between Saskatchewan and Minot is so strong that the Tourism Minot regularly has a booth at the Regina Spring Home Show.

This year, Phyllis Burckhard, Minot Convention & Visitors executive director, will again be at the show,informing Reginans and other visitors to the show about the wonders of Minot.“We’re absolutely delighted to come up,” she said.

This year is extra special, with several

other Minot residents, including another Tourism Minot staffer as well as representatives of the North Dakota State Fair (NDSF) and Sleep Inn & Suites, joining Burckhard. “I have people coming with me who have never been to Regina, and so we are totally thrilled to come up and share what we have,” she said.

Burckhard said they’ll be offering even more prizes than last year and will be making daily draws.“We’ll draw while we’re up there, so people don’t have to worry about having us send [vouchers] to them,”she said,adding that the NDSF and Sleep Inn & Suites reps will also have prizes to give away.“So,that’ll all be fun,” Burckhard said. Don’t forget to ask about the new Play and Stay programs for the golfers in the family.

You can get in on the fun at the Tour-

ism Minot booths 681 and 682 in the International Trade Centre at EVRAZ Place. The 43rd annual Spring Home Show will be held Mar. 28-31 in both the International Trade Centre and the Canada Centre Building.

Times and admission fees vary so visit the website at https://reginaspringhomeshow.com.

• Luxury yacht

• Modern RV park

• Ultra modern event center

• C store and new Eagles Landing Liquor Store

• New gaming areas with slots, table games and more • Round-trip fun bus transportation for concerts and select events • Nearly endless buffet

ABOUT THIS CONTENT: The Minot Visitors Guide was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content studio.

• Nearby golf courses

• Gourmet dining

• Outdoor water park and lazy river

• Luxury lodge accommodations

• Meeting and event spaces

Welcome to the latest edition of the Minot visitor guide Writer/Editor: Carol Todd Postmedia Content Works

• Full-service marina with lake access for world class fishing, including the Walleye Cup

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MAKE IT A MINOT GETAWAY! We’re ready for you. imagicon returns a really big show

to the magic city E

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omic and gaming convention iMagicon is back for its fifth year in the Magic City on Apr. 26 to 28 in a new location, the Minot Municipal Auditorium. Featuring icons like Star Wars’ David Barclay and Marvel Comics’ Bob Hall in attendance, it is gearing up to be a spectacular event.From video gaming to fresh new talent like BBDesigns Cosplay,iMagicon celebrates all fandoms.

This year’s special guests have decades of experience in the pop culture industry. Master puppeteer and animatronic designer David Barclay will be visiting the upper Midwest for his first time.

One of the most sought-after puppeteers in Hollywood and England, Barclay has worked on the Star Wars build crew for Yoda and had the opportunity to fully operate the puppet.He later was chosen as chief puppeteer for StarWars’ JabbaThe Hutt. An Academy Award Finalist for his work in Cats and Dogs, Barclay has also worked on dozens of other films includingThe Muppets,Snow Dogs andWhere The Wild Things Are. “We are extremely excited to bring animatronics industry icon David Barclay to iMagicon,” said Jared Adams, event co-conspirator. “His panels on bringing Yoda and Jabba the Hutt to life will be sessions you’ll want to be sure to attend.”

Another special guest is Marvel com-

ics artist Bob Hall. At one time or another, Hall drew most of the major books and characters such as Spiderman, Dr. Doom, Thor, The Fantastic Four, Captain America and The Avengers. Other guests include professional cosplayers and costume makers Jem Kadetchy and BBDesign Cosplay. Special guests will host booths showcasing their work and conduct informational panels for guests.

One of the many attractions at iMagicon is cosplay, the chance to dress and portray your favorite characters. Widely popular, cosplay contests are held every day of the convention. Friday will feature a store-bought and handmade cosplay contest for adults that focuses on acting abilities. Saturday brings the Youth Cosplay Contest where children under the age of 14 can compete with their handmade and store-bought creations; later in the night is the Individual Adult Handcrafted Cosplay Contest. Finally, Sunday will feature a Group Handcrafted Cosplay Contest.

While cosplay may be one of the main features of the event, gaming is a close competition in popularity.Video and table top tournaments will dominate the gaming experience.Tournaments throughout the weekend will feature Magic The Gathering War On The Spark Pre-Release, Dungeons & Dragons, Smash

Ultimate, Hearthstone, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom, Tekken and Mortal Combat II, to name a few.

Not only is the event in a new location this year, but it has many new features.

Guests will find a theater room dedicated to streamingAnime from Funimation and a Wizarding World escape room. Friday night will feature a Rave party for guests 18 and older,and Saturday night will be a 21 and older fansuite event at iMagicon’s official hotel, the Hampton Inn & Suites. iMagicon will also see the return of other fan favorite events such as Draw Offs Competitions, LARPing (live action role playing) and JellyBean Street kids painting workshops. No matter your interest, iMagicon has a bit of something for everyone.

The host of iMagicon, Hampton Inn & Suites has special room blocks set aside for fans. To reserve a room, call 701838-1400 and mention “iMagicon”.

Tickets to iMagicon are $20 per day for Fri. and Sat., and $15 Sun. for adults; kids are $5 per day.Guests looking to attend the full weekend can get major discounts by purchasing tickets in advance of the event.Three-day Convention Passes are being sold for $35 and three-day Family Passes for two individuals (14 and older) and two youth (13 and younger) are $50.

d Sullivan may live on only in our memories, but there’s a really big shoo, er, show, that draws a really big crowd to the North Dakota State Fair Event Center twice a year.

The Spring Big One Art & Craft Fair is not only the first major craft show of the season, it may also be the biggest, with about 180 exhibitors from across the U.S. displaying their wares at more than 250 booths. One of five Big One show throughout the year, (the others are in Bismarck and Fargo, ND and Crookston, MN), the Minot Spring Fair is the 28th held in what has become a perennial event in the Magic City.

The show is even bigger than ever with last year’s expansion to two rooms at the center. In the past, the booths were in the Magic Room, but the expansion means there will also be booths in the 4H Hall. The new layout also expanded the aisle width, offering even more room for customers.

Stacy Frank, who, along with wife Lisa, operates the show, says the attraction is the fact that this show focuses solely on products created by hand that represent the true craft industry.“What’s unique about our shows, versus a lot of other shows, we require exhibitors to have hand-made items by themselves. That’s why people keep coming back, and back, and back,” he says.

Some of the items available for sale are handcrafted wood furniture and decorative pieces, photography, pottery, jewelry, floral arrangements, toys, numerous baby items, rugs and other home décor, clothing, handmade soaps and lotions and, of course, all kinds of flavorful foods including baked goods, soups, dips, jams, jellies, breads, salsa, spices, candies and desserts.

Like the attendees, many of the exhibitors also return year after year. But, that’s not to say there’s nothing new. “We always get a new 20

to 30 per cent new vendors each year, so it’s always new products and fresh, new looks. There’s a good mix of new vendors and new products. It’s just amazing what people can create and make,” Frank says.

The 28th annual spring show in Minot will be held at the North Dakota State Fair Center Fri. Apr. 12 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sat. Apr. 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3, and children age 12 and under enter free. For more information, visit www.thebigone.biz.

Photos courtesy of The Big One Art & Craft Fair.

OVER 240 BOOTHS

“The Largest SPRING SHOW in the State”

Photo courtesy of iMagicon.

MINOT SPRING SHOW The 28th Annual Art & Craft Fair

April 12th & 13th, 2019

North Dakota State Fair Center Hours: Friday – 10 am - 8 pm Saturday - 9 am - 5 pm $3 Admission

www.thebigone.biz

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MAKE IT A MINOT GETAWAY! N

Great deals fore you

orth Dakota could be considered a golfer’s paradise. With more golf courses per capita than any other state in the United States, the state has many diverse and spectacular golf courses, making it easy to get on and play some nationally acclaimed courses.

The Minot area alone features several excellent courses and now there’s even more reason for the duffers in the family to head south, with Minot Tourism’s new Stay and Play programs.

There are two different programs, said Phyllis Burckhard, Minot Convention & Visitors executive director, one with the Minot Country Club and the other with the Souris Valley Golf Course. Participating Minot hotels will be offering Stay and Play packages in conjunction with the public Souris

Valley Course to allow golfers to enjoy the 18-hole facility that features 6,759 yards (6,180 metres) of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72.

The other stay and play program will give visitors the opportunity to play at the Minot Country Club. This program

is offered in conjunction with the Minot Innkeeper Association.

“It’s a great opportunity to introduce people to the Country Club, because many haven’t had the opportunity — it’s beautiful,” said Burckhard.

The course boasts a par-72 layout,

18-hole course designed by acclaimed golf course architect, Jim Engh. The course is appealing to golfers of all abilities and features four sets of tees ranging from 4,485 to 6,870 yards (4,101 to 6,282 metres). Even more exciting will be the Canada/U.S. golf

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We’re ready for you.

We’re very accommodatinG

tournament the club will host on the Victoria Day weekend.

More information on the golf tournament and the stay and play packages will be available at the Tourism Minot booth at the Regina Spring Home Show and on the Tourism Minot website.

Minot has room for you!

There are currently almost 30 hotels/motels and a one-of-a-kind bed and breakfasts, together offering more than 2,600 sleeping rooms. Each property has its own unique amenities to suit your fancy and many of the long-standing properties have undergone complete renovations to help you feel more at home.

The easy-to-use hotel availability feature on the Visit Minot website at www. visitminot.org can be big help when planning a trip.

Catch a great deal on your next overnight stay on the Visit Minot website, http:// visitminot.org/deals.

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MAKE IT A MINOT GETAWAY!

We’re ready for you.

Upcoming events

March 21 to 24 Minot Prairie Quilt Festival Clarion Hotel & Convention Center, 2200 Burdick Expy. E, Times vary.

The Minot Prairie Quilt Guild’s 26th Annual Quilt Festival welcomes Rob Appell from “Man Sewing” as the 2019 featured National Teacher. Join us for fun classes and lectures or enjoy the public quilt show.

March 23 13th annual evening to Paws gala Grand Hotel, 1505 N Broadway, 5-11 p.m.

The Souris Valley Animal Shelter’s 13th Annual Evening to Paws Gala theme is Lucky 13. featuring an evening of competitive bidding along with a dinner and cash bar.

March 23 Furry Friends Biker Ball 2019 Sleep Inn & Suites, 2400 10th St. SW, 5:30-11:59 p.m.

The B.A.S.T.A.R.D.S. Riding club hosts the 4th Annual Furry Friends Biker Ball to benefit the Souris Valley Animal Shelter. There will be a corn hole tournament, taco bar, cash bar, silent action and more. Open to the public aged 21 and over.

March 23 and 24 Magic city Figure skating cluB’s 40th annual sPring ice show Maysa Arena, 2501 Burdick Expy. W, 7-9 p.m.

The Greatest Show on Ice, featuring the talents of local skaters.

March 28 to 31 regina sPring hoMe show Evraz Place, Regina, International Trade Center booths #681 & 682, Times vary.

Visit the Minot Tourism booth for information and great contests.

March 30 and 31 Minot riFle & Pistol gun cluB 48th annual Minot gun show North Dakota State Fair Center, 2005 Burdick Expy. E, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Buy, Sell, Swap, Trade. Open to the Public. $5 admission, children under 12 enter free with parent. Food is served on premises.

March 30 sPring Peddlers & vendors Market Minot Municipal Auditorium, 420 3rd Ave. SW, times vary.

The market features crafters, bakers, handmade items as well as popular non-handmade items. The 1 p.m.

Spring Fashion Show features the styles of 2019 by local stores.

March 30 Minot’s 3rd annual healthy living Festival Sleep Inn & Suites, 2400 10th St. SW, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Discover new ways and ideas to lead healthier lives from vendors and an inspiring program of speakers.

March 30 and 31; aPril 1 to 20 Photos with the easter Bunny Dakota Square Mall, 2400 10th St. SW, times vary.

Hop on over to the Easter Bunny’s Garden in the JCPenney Court for photos. aPril 1 Pet Photos with the easter Bunny Dakota Square Mall, 2400 10th St. SW, 6-9 p.m.

Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier, and pet owners must clean up after them. Pets are not allowed in other areas of the mall. Photo packages will be available for purchase.

Note to travelers – Sleep Inn & Suites adjacent to the Mall is pet friendly.

aPril 5 sPring BoutiQue Mixer & vendor show Clarion Hotel & Convention Center, 2200 Burdick Expy. E, 4-9 p.m.

We have expanded this year with another room to host vendors of all kinds. aPril 6 and 7; May 5 Minot Flea Market North Dakota State Fair Center, 2005 Burdick Expy. E, times vary.

Many people come to sell their antiques, collectibles, or other valuable items, while others sell their homemade crafts, products, and foods.There is something for everyone. Admission is $1, and children ages 10 and under enter free. aPril 6 31st annual international Military Ball Grand Hotel, 1505 N Broadway, 6-11:59 p.m.

This evening is set aside to recognize the outstanding relationship between the U.S. and Canada and between the City of Minot and our military. Not only for the military, but for civilians as well. The evening is black tie and includes a lot. aPril 12 and 13 28th annual sPring Big one art & craFt Fair North Dakota State Fair Center, 2005 Burdick Expy. E, times vary.

There will be over 175 exhibitors filling over 300 booths with arts, crafts and baked goods that all have a touch of being hand made. Admission is $3; children ages 12 and under enter free. aPril 13 Miles For sMiles 2019 Oak Park, 1300 4th Ave. NW, 10 a.m.12 p.m.

This is a charity walk put on by Minot State University’s National Student Speech Language Hearing Association to raise money for Operation Smile.

aPril 20 roosevelt Park Zoo easter egg hunt Roosevelt Park Zoo, 1219 Burdick Expy. E, 1-4 p.m.

Bring your basket, have some colorful fun with your furry & feathered friends, then take home some sweet treats. aPril 26 to 28 iMagicon 2019 Minot Municipal Auditorium, 420 3rd Ave. SW, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Featuring video gaming, table top gaming, pop culture vendors, panels, special guests and more. aPril 27 roosevelt Park Zoo suMMer season oPener Roosevelt Park Zoo, 1219 Burdick Expy. E, Minot, times vary.

The zoo opens for its summer hours. aPril 27 Minot syMPhony orchestra concert Minot State University, Ann Nicole Nelson Hall 500 University Ave. W, 7:30-9:45 p.m.

The season finale spotlights the Lu-

minus Piano Trio with Beethoven’s unique Triple Concerto.

May 11 1st annual Magic city youth car and Bike show Flicker Tail Gardens, North Dakota State Fair Grounds, 2005 Burdick Expy. E, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Boozefighters MC Chapter 91, the event features a car and bike show, youth activities and games, silent auction and food.

Proceeds of this family friendly event will benefit PATH. May 11 Minot taco Fest 2019 Minot Municipal Auditorium, 420 3rd Ave. SW, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Multiple varieties of tacos from local restaurants and food vendors will be available, along with tequila tasting, music and a Hot Pepper Contest to benefit a local charity.

May 11 2nd annual color the clover run Oak Park Shelter #7, 1300 4th Ave. NW, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Kids Fun Run, ages 8 and under,

1 p.m.; 5k to follow. Proceeds go towards Ward County 4-H Achievement Days.

May 12 roosevelt Park Zoo Mother’s day celeBration Roosevelt Park Zoo, 1219 Burdick Expy. E, Minot, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Moms get free admission with the purchase of admission for a child.

May 17 roosevelt Park Zoo hosts endangered sPecies day Roosevelt Park Zoo, 1219 Burdick Expy. E, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Learn about endangered species at the Roosevelt Park Zoo.

For an updated calendar of events and more information about Minot: http:// visitminot.org.

While every effort is made to ensure that the information in this listing is correct, details may be subject to change. Please confirm dates, times and admission fees before attending.

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We’re ready for you.

tiger, tiger

nglish poet William Blake would doubtless find much to inspire him at the Roosevelt Park Zoo, where the tigers are “burning bright” in a new habitat.

The zoo starts its summer hours on Apr. 27 and a main attraction this year will be the new habitats for the big cats -- the African lions and Amur tigers.Last year, the zoo launched a major capital fundraising campaign to add new habitats and improve the existing ones for the big kitties. Its first ever large scale capital campaign aims to raise more than $5 million.

Construction began last year on the first phases of the campaign — a new habitat for the two Amur tigers near the Visitors Center, as well as a new habitat for the two African lions on the east loop of the Zoo where other African species are located. These first two phases will be followed by the third phase, the renovation of the 1970s era large cat habitat into a space that encourages climbing for the Amur and snow leopards. The entire project is expected to be complete by 2021 when the zoo celebrates its centennial.

The new Amur tiger habitat, christened Amur Tiger River Valley, features three outdoor yards connected by overhead catwalks and an indoor habitat with a day room, individual dens and veterinary facilities.

Jennifer Kleen, Minot Zoo Crew executive director, said the endangered Amur tigers are an example of how increasing human activities put a strain on animal habitat.

“Our wild is diminishing. There’s not as much wild as there used to be and not as much space for these animals. In a lot of cases our human population is expanding and we are having to co-exist a little bit more than we used to. Our tigers are a good example of that,” she said.

The tigers, along with numerous other animals at the zoo, will be the focus of Endangered Species Day at the zoo, on May 17, when educational activities take place around the facility.

“All of our animals are ambassadors for their wild counterparts. We hope to educate people and make them want to save those species,” Kleen said.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), an endangered species is one that meets any one of the following criteria: a 50 to 70 per cent population decrease over 10 years, a total geographic area less than 5,000 km2 (or local population area less than 500 km2), a population size less than 2,500 adults, a restricted population of 250 adults, or a statistical prediction that it will go extinct within the next 20 years.

Amur tigers, formerly known as

Siberian tigers, are one of the giants of the cat world, reaching up to nine feet in length and weighing up to 675 pounds. They are the only large wild cats with stripes, which help provide camouflage when they hunt, and, like human fingerprints, each pattern is unique.

They were once found throughout the Russian Far East, northern China and the Korean peninsula, but by the 1940s, had been hunted almost to extinction, with fewer than 40 individuals remaining in the wild. While there are now almost 4,000 of them now in the wild, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) more work needs to be done and Kleen said everyone can do their part.

“If everyone does something small, even watching how much plastic they use, it all adds up,” she said.

Zoos can play an important role in education and in protecting species.

The Roosevelt Park Zoo is among only 23 per cent of zoos in North America accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the highest accreditation standard in the world.

The Roosevelt Park Zoo was established in 1920 and is owned and operated by the community of Minot through the Minot Park District. It draws more than 90,000 visitors annually and reaches more than 10,000 students through regional education and outreach programs.

Photo courtesy Amanda Cone

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