The Minnesota Zoo is celebrating 35 years of connecting people, animals, and the natural world. After more than a decade of dreaming, planning, and construction, the Minnesota Zoological Garden opened on May 22 1978. The Minnesota Zoo is one of only two state-owned zoos in the United States. Since the opening, the zoo has welcomed more than 36 million visitors, the number of animal species has more than doubled, and the number of animals has increased from 1,200 to 4,300 animals. The zoo has won numerous awards for innovative and cutting-edge exhibits, is a leader in tiger conservation, and has become the largest environmental learning center in the state.
History
The zoo was made possible by local conservationists who began lobbying for a new and expansive zoo facility back in the 1960’s; Dakota County officials who donated 500 acres of land; legislators who supported the creation and continue to support the Zoo’s annual funding requests; dedicated staff and volunteers; loyal corporate donors; and individual donors and the public who proudly support the zoo. The Minnesota Zoo’s concept and design was radically different from most other zoos of its time. The exhibits were open, natural settings, with glass partitions. This was an exciting change for guests and a much better environment for the animals. Many zoos have since followed the example set by the Minnesota Zoo. Some of the favorite animals at the zoo’s beginning were beluga whales, tapirs, moose, flamingos, Japanese macaques or snow monkeys, and Amur tigers.
Conservation efforts
The Minnesota Zoo has a deep commitment to conservation, and a strong focus on conservation education. Conservation efforts take place at the zoo, within Minnesota, and around the world. At the zoo efforts include: the Tiger Species Survival Program (SSP), Zoo-Post, Captive Management, and Green Practices. Within Minnesota, efforts include: Prairie Butterfly, Moose, and Bison conservation, Florida Maneter Swan Restoration Project, a BioDiscovery Project, and Sustainable Seafood. Around the world efforts include: Namibia’s black rhinos and mountain zebras, the Tiger Conservation Campaign, Dhole Conservation in Thailand, Animals of the Russian Far East, Hyacinth macaw conservation, and African rainforest wildlife. The zoo and animal experiences connect visitors to the natural world which in turn motivates them to protect that world.
35 Year Weekend Celebration – May 18 & 19, 2013
To celebrate 35 years, the Minnesota Zoo invited the public to come out for a weekend filled with animals, family entertainment and a whole lot of fun! Activities included:
- 1st 1,000 kids each day receive a special 35-Year commemorative gift
- Animal encounters
- Live Music – Café Melange
- Matt Dunn’s Magic Show – Lakeside Terrace (Rain – Target® Learning Center)
- Saturday – 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., & 2:30 p.m.
- Sunday – 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., & 2:30 p.m.
- Keeper talks – 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.
- Saturday – Tiger cubs, Tamandua, Black bear
- Sunday – Grizzly bears, Small-clawed otter, Beaver
- Puppet craft – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Tropics Plaza
- Tiger face painting – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Central Plaza (Rain – Penguin hallway)
- 35 –Year Celebration coloring banner – 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Tropics Plaza
- Special treats for the animals throughout both days
The zoo is also inviting visitors to like their Facebook page and share favorite memories of the Minnesota Zoo. By sharing a favorite memory, visitors can win exclusive zoo experiences throughout this season including a behind-the-scenes tour of the summer Africa! exhibit or scuba diving in the zoo’s Tropical Reef!
Future Plans
Future plans for the zoo include a carousel, renovating the Japanese macaque or snow monkey exhibit, and creating an Asian Highlands section, just to name a few.
Join us in congratulating the Minnesota Zoo on its 35th anniversary of connecting people, animals, and the natural world!