You will see both Woodland Caribou and the domesticated Reindeer. Caribou are much larger than reindeer both have palmated antlers and they are the only member of the deer family in which both sexes have antlers.

Moose are the largest of the deer family found in Northern Minnesota's conifer forests. Bulls can weigh up to 1200 pounds. At Hemker's you can get up close to get an appreciation of their size.

Everybody loves deer and Hemker's displays both Whitetail which is native to Minnesota and the Mule deer found in the western United States. To tell them apart look for the large ears on the Mule deer.

There are four species of wild sheep at Hemker's; Dall, Bighorn, Stone and Desert. On the tour you will learn how to tell them apart and where each species lives.

Pronghorn Antelope is not a true antelope but is the only ungulate native to North America. Pronghorn are found in the grasslands from Mexico to Canada. Both sexes have horns which are made of flattened hairs and are shed annually. Pronghorn are fast runners but don't jump well.

If you love to see unusual animals you'll love the Musk Ox at Hemker's. Found in Canada and Greenland in open tundra, Musk Ox have large heads with horns that curve downward and are known for the soft inner fur called quivet. When alarmed Musk Ox in the wild form a protective ring facing outwards towards danger.

Beaver can also be viewed at Hemker's. Although one of the most common animals in Minnesota few people get to see them close up.

Llamas, native to South America are favorites at Hemker's because they are curious of the guests and friendly too!

Penguins in Minnesota!! Yes, at Hemker's you will see Blackfooted Penguins, one of the 4 species of "tropical" penguins. Black footed are medium size penguins native to the islands off the coast of South Africa. At Hemker's you can see them close up and not "behind" glass windows.

Waterfowl are a specialty at Hemker's with over 45 species. Come see close up ducks and geese like the Tiny smew or beautiful wood ducks and mandarins or the regal red-breasted and emperor geese. Find out the difference between dabblers and divers and why geese parents look alike while in most ducks only the males are colorful!