Red River Zoo Builds Red Panda Exhibit, Expands

Fargo visitors can expect a new red panda exhibit and more off-season programming as the zoo works toward reaccreditation.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Wildlife

Screen-print poster illustration of a bare timber-and-steel enclosure frame on snowy ground beside a fir branch and wooden perch, in muted mustard, teal, and cream. — Red River Zoo Executive Director Gene Peacock says the Fargo zoo is building a new red panda exhibit and expanding off-season programming while it works toward reaccreditation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you visit a local zoo during winter months if it offered off-season programming?

Red River Zoo Executive Director Gene Peacock has outlined the zoo's plans for its future in Fargo, including securing reaccreditation and building a new red panda exhibit whose construction began in May. The zoo will keep its focus on cold-hardy species suited to North Dakota's climate.

Why it matters

For Fargo families, the zoo's expansion and off-season programming shape what there is to do locally during the colder months and how the zoo funds itself between peak seasons. Reaccreditation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is the standard that signals animal care and operations meet professional benchmarks.

Construction on the new red panda exhibit began in May 2026, with crews now preparing footers, foundations, and utility lines over the coming weeks. Reaccreditation paperwork through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is the zoo's immediate operational priority, with completion expected in 2027.

The players

Red River Zoo

A Fargo, North Dakota zoo focused on cold-hardy species suited to the state's climate, now pursuing reaccreditation and a new red panda exhibit.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The national accrediting body whose reaccreditation standards the Red River Zoo is working to meet.

Gene Peacock

Executive Director of the Red River Zoo, leading its reaccreditation effort, exhibit construction, and long-range master plan.

The details

Crews will pour footers and foundations and run utility lines to prepare the red panda exhibit site over the coming weeks. Peacock's immediate task is completing the paperwork needed to secure reaccreditation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo also plans to expand off-season programming to draw visitors and revenue during colder months.

May 2026: Construction on the red panda exhibit began.
Coming weeks from November 3, 2026: Crews pour footers, foundations, and utility lines.
2027: Reaccreditation process expected to wrap up.
Next 5 to 10 years: Master plan update and development of unused acreage.

The Home Front

Zoo reaccreditation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is the professional benchmark that accredited zoos across the country work to maintain. The Red River Zoo's plan to expand off-season programming reflects a broader pattern of seasonal attractions in northern climates balancing summer peaks with winter revenue.

If you plan to visit the Red River Zoo, check its website for updates on off-season programming as the expansion takes shape. Families with young children may want to watch for the red panda exhibit opening once construction is complete.

The takeaway

Growth at the Red River Zoo is a multi-year effort, so expect changes to unfold gradually rather than all at once. Keeping an eye on the zoo's announcements is the easiest way to plan visits around new exhibits and programming.