Blank Park Zoo recently broke ground on the Ruan Foundation Wild Iowa exhibit, part of the zoo’s $18 million “Expand the Impact” capital campaign. The exhibit will create immersive habitats showcasing Iowa’s native wildlife, including new spaces for otters, bald eagles, bobcats and turtles. Supported by the Ruan Foundation, Polk County Board of Supervisors, Nationwide Foundation and other partners, the expansion emphasizes local conservation and education, a news release said. The zoo also announced the launch of its 60th anniversary celebration The year-and-a-half-long celebration will reflect on the zoo’s six decades of since its 1966 opening as the Des Moines Children’s Zoo.