THE CHAHINKAPA ZOO: THE FUTURE IS FIBER

Ask anyone in the twin towns of Breckenridge, MN and Wahpeton, ND; the Chahinkapa Zoo is a permanent fixture. An integral part of life for locals and a big draw for tourism -- with 70,000 visitors per year -- The Zoo is genuinely magical. What could have been less magical was the tendency of traditional wireless to quit working when they needed it most.

Out With The Old

Zoo Director Kathy Diekman describes what it was like to train high school students for the admissions booths at either the zoo entrance or the carousel and then receive call after call asking what they should do if they can’t run a credit card because the wireless internet signal gave out! Diekman says that, especially on rainy days, employees would be scrambling to determine which parts of the sprawling 18-acre zoo still had internet connection. They sometimes had to resort to cash only.

All of this confusion slowed the lines, frustrating workers and guests alike, and ultimately hurting their bottom line. What they needed, Diekman says, was a dependable, consistent connection at multiple locations (Prairie Rose Carousel, Gift Shop, Rhino Building, Nature Center, and Entrance) for Chahinkapa

Zoo to put their best paw forward into this era where people are more likely to pay with an app than to carry cash.

In With Fiber

It was a quick and painless process! Diekman recalls the experts at Red River Communications took care of everything, and once work began, it only took a few days of a wonderfully non-invasive operation. Diekman and the rest of the zoo were informed of all the steps along the way, and the park remained open during installation. “Seamless,” says Diekman. Now guests can use their cards, communication between locations is reliable, and everyone can focus on the animals.

Another Chapter In The History Books

Chahinkapa Zoo was established in 1933. Diekman describes a roadside attraction. It was the first zoo in North Dakota, and the mission to establish a place of conservation, education, and recreation had yet to be cemented. Today, under the direction of Diekman, who has been with the zoo since 1991 and was named Director in 1994, Chahinkapa Zoo is known for lighting a spark in people, both young and old. Diekman likes to call it a “window into the wild” and hopes that those attending will learn about animals and what humans can do to help them. It is a mission in motion with classes and events, well-educated zoo keepers, information posted throughout the grounds, professional partners, community involvement, and a widespread social media presence.

employees, animals from 6 out of 7 continents, and hope to someday soon service giraffes and lions; everyone is relieved that fiber internet has been a “night and day” difference for their needs. Also, they are hiring a new Zoo Keeper, “Do you know anyone?” asks Diekman.

If you want to know more about FiberFAST internet, phone system or additonal services for your business, call Red River Communications at 701-553-8309 or go to redrivercomm.com/business

Always Improving

Diekman says that the best part of this is that the zoo constantly changes and improves. Having gone from one fulltime employee and a few animals to 11 full-time

The Chahinkapa Zoo offers various events, classes, and field trips, as well as seasonal zoo visits, in Wahpeton, ND. Learn more make a donation at www.chahinkapazoo.org.