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Des Moines’ Blank Park Zoo Now Home To 4-Year-Old Harbor Seal

By Cate Shaughnessy Jul 20, 2026 | 10:07 AM

(Des Moines, IA) — A four-year-old harbor seal named Walnut has settled in as the newest resident of the Blank Park Zoo. He has completed his quarantine and is now ready for visitors.

Walnut can now call Des Moines home after a cross-country trip from his birthplace at the Los Angeles Zoo. He joins California sea lions Zoey and Meatball at Hub Harbor, where guests can observe all three pinnipeds. The zoo also hosts two daily demonstrations at Hub Harbor, giving visitors the chance to learn more about the animals from their care team.

The Blank Park Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At Western Iowa Today, we strive for reporting accuracy. If you see a mistake or a typo, please let us know by email to ksomnews@westerniowatoday.com
Story Content (c) 2026 Meredith Communications LC - All Rights Reserved.

Updated: One Person Hurt in 2 Vehicle Crash in Atlantic

(Atlantic) An Atlantic Man suffered injuries in a two-vehicle accident in Atlantic on Wednesday afternoon. The Atlantic Police Department tells KSOM/KS95 News the accident happened just after 1:00 p.m...

FDA: Lettuce Sold At Iowa Walmart Stores Linked To Cyclosporiasis Cases

(Washington, D.C.) Packaged lettuce from Taylor Farms and Taylor Fresh Foods is being recalled in 27 states, including lettuce sold at Walmart grocery stores in Iowa. The iceberg lettuce sourced from...

Monday's High School State Softball Tournament Scores

Monday, July 20 All Classes, Double Elimination @ Harlan Rodgers Softball Complex, Fort DodgeClass 1A Edgewood-Colesburg 6, Exira EHK Audubon 3 Southeast Warren 21 West Monona, 8 Clarksville 12 North ...

Wednesday's High School Baseball Playoff Scores; State Pairings

Class 3A Carlisle 14, Harlan 5 Knoxville 6, Bondurant Farrar 0 Western Dubuque 7, Independence 4 Dubuque Wahlert 12, Clear Creek Amana 2 MOC Floyd Valley 4, Sgt. Bluff Luton 3 North Polk 4, Waverly Sh...